“A seminary teacher may choose class officers, such as a president, vice presidents, and a secretary. The teacher first contacts each student’s parents and bishop for approval. The teacher announces officers in class, but they are not sustained or set apart. They can help the teacher with routine classroom duties and encourage other students to attend and participate” (Handbook 15.1.4 as of August 28, 2023). To help deepen students' conversion to Jesus Christ seminary student leaders might help teachers do the following:
· Maintain an appropriate spirit in the class.
· Encourage enrollment and attendance in seminary classes.
· Establish positive traditions.
Both male and female students can serve in any capacity as class officers.
Class officers are most effective when they are oriented and trained regarding their responsibilities at the beginning and throughout their assignments. This can be done during a brief group meeting with the teacher held immediately before or after a class, or by appropriately sharing a list of their assignments, roles, and responsibilities. Ongoing communication between the teacher and class officers will also be helpful.
Class officers could be changed periodically throughout a school year at natural breaks to allow more students the opportunity to serve.
Teachers should regularly praise and thank class officers for their efforts.
Class officers can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the in-class student experience. Here is a list of some possibilities (not a comprehensive list):
· Welcome other students to class.
· Conduct class.
· Encourage class to start on time.
· Devotionals- help with organization, scheduling, and reminders.
· Remind other students about important class events, assignments, preparation, and follow up.
· Doctrinal mastery.
· Ministering to other students.
· Goal setting and reminders/support.
· Set a good example.
· Pray to know for themselves how to serve the members of the class and the Lord.
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