> So it would seem. I've volunteered to head up the youth group at my church- something both I and my pastor are very excited about, and yet, I'm also pretty nervous.
>
> I've never been a teacher before. I'm not sure I'd know how to handle a room full of teenagers. The most I've dealt with is a tent full of ten-year-olds at summer camp. :-} Of course, we're not likely to have "a room full" of kids for at least a year or so, so I'll have some time to practice with a smaller group...
>
> But still... A teacher? Me? And not just a teacher, but a spiritual leader to boot. What have I gotten myself into?
>
> ~Mina "needs some advice" moon


koalamom gave you all the spiritual advice you're likely to need. For purely practical advice, I would suggest:

1. Always, always, have a back-up plan. Be ready when what you were planning to do is obviously not going to work, either because of some weird, unforseen circumstance*, or because of the easily perceived mood of the group.

* In my first year of teaching, I dealt with electrical black-outs, a small fire, a flood, and several odd mechanical failures. The joke in the staff-room was that if four horsemen came over the hill, the rest of the staff would point out my classroom and get out of the way.

2. Always, always, be prepared with more than you think you'll need. If you don't get to it, fine. You can always do it later. Otherwise, be ready for something you thought would take an hour taking ten minutes (see #1, above).

3. If it suits your personality, be organized. If you are a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants person, do so. Kids can spot a phony faster than anyone else, and will call you on it. I am compulsively organized, and it works for me.

4. Find a mentor. koalamom was right on the money there. You will discover more support and help than you ever imagined possible, and, some day, will be able to return the favour!

5. Ignore any or all of the above if it's not helpful. Teaching is a calling - you either love it or you hate it (I imagine Howard would support me in this point of view). If you love it, you'll be fine. If you hate it, bail as soon as you can.

You have all of my best wishes, and the offer to /memo me anytime you have a practical teaching question. I'd love to help if I can. I'm sure you'll be great - being worried is an excellent indicator of a future good teacher! :-)

te (for once, the nickname's redundant) ach