Teachers

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the term Teacher has two distinct usages. It can refer to anyone who teaches, such as a Sunday School, Seminary, or Institute teacher, or it can refer to an office in the Priesthood. Like other offices, such as bishop, priest, or elder, among others, the office of teacher has specific functions and duties. This office belongs to the Aaronic Priesthood, one of the two divisions of the Priesthood in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Worthy young men of the Church of Jesus Christ may be ordained teachers during the year they turn 14 years old. A teacher has all the responsibilities of a deacon as well as additional duties. Some of their additional responsibilities include preparing the Sacrament, what is called the Eucharist in other religions, visiting the homes of members as part of the ministering program, and watching over and strengthening the Church through teaching and example.

Section 20 of the Doctrine and Covenants details the duties of a teacher:

• The teacher’s duty is to watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them;
• And see that there is no iniquity in the church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking;
• And see that the church meet together often, and also see that all the members do their duty.
• And he is to take the lead of meetings in the absence of the elder or priest—
• And is to be assisted always, in all his duties in the church, by the deacons, if occasion requires.
• But neither teachers nor deacons have authority to baptize, administer the sacrament, or lay on hands;
• They are, however, to warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.
• Every elder, priest, teacher, or deacon is to be ordained according to the gifts and callings of God unto him; and he is to be ordained by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is in the one who ordains him (Doctrine and Covenants 20:53-60).

Teachers also serve as ushers in meetings and conferences, assist the bishopric, and participate in Seminary, where available. A teacher cannot bestow the priesthood upon another person. A quorum of teachers is presided over by a president taken from within the quorum, assisted by two counselors and generally, since the quorum consists of 14 to 16 year olds, assisted by an adult leader. The president of teachers quorum is to preside over 24 teachers. If there are more than that number another quorum should be organized.