In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, teenagers enroll in the seminary program in addition to their already busy high-school schedules. In most areas of the world, this means gathering together with a few other teenage members in the area at 5:30AM to be instructed by a local, volunteer Church member through the books of scripture and to learn the key doctrines and principles of the Church. However, in more Mormon-dense areas (parts of Utah, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, California, Idaho, and Colorado), seminary classes are available through release time as part of the normal class schedule at the local high schools, usually held in a dedicated building right across the street from the campus, and taught by full-time teachers.
Each of the four years of instruction focuses on a different book of scripture (Old Testament and Pearl of Great Price, New Testament, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants) so by the end of high school, it is expected that teenagers have a good understanding and working knowledge of their religion.
Growing up in Mesa, Tucker and I both attended release time seminary classes starting in 9th grade and had great experiences so when he told me about his change of plans, I was so excited. Knowing him as I do, it just seemed like such a good fit.
But dreaming about becoming a full-time seminary teacher and actually becoming one are totally different. The process is extremely competitive, and only about 5% of those who start the program actually get hired at the end.
It was a daunting reality to face, but Tucker knew he had to go for it.
In addition to his required classes for his Spanish Translation major, Tucker enrolled in the seminary teaching program last semester, along with 122 other prospective teachers. Throughout the semester, they observed local classes, prepared lessons, and even had the opportunity to teach a real class twice. As part of the weeding process, after the second teaching opportunity, half the students are cut from the program, while the other half moves on to complete a 2-week teaching practicum. Except for some reason, only 17 students were invited to participate in the 2-week practicum this year. 17 out of 123. And Tucker was one of those 17!
So for two weeks, Tucker prepared lessons, wore a suit and tie, and taught 0-hour seminary at Springville High School. I loved every morning when he'd come home exclaiming, "I just love seminary!" or "Those kids are so cool!" He was livin' the dream and loving every second. And at the end of the two weeks, the kids filled out reviews and said sorrowful goodbyes to "the best student teacher [they]'ve every had!"
As the end of the semester approached and finals loomed ahead, those 17 kids waited anxiously to hear if they would be one of the lucky few who would be hired to teach part-time at a local high school starting in the fall. We waiting and tried to not get our hopes too high.
And then the phone rang.
After some uncomfortable small talk, Brother Martin, one of the directors, explained the situation. One of the current part-time teachers - so someone a year ahead of Tucker in the program - decided to drop out of the seminary program and accept an offer to work full-time somewhere else, and they desperately needed someone to take over teaching his classes. Would Tucker be willing to accept this position? Oh, and by the way, it starts immediately.
I wish I could capture the look on Tucker's face in that moment. So much excitement. And so much humility at the same time (which, if you know him, you know that's saying something... (; ).
But really, I am so incredibly proud of him. I've watched as he's labored over lesson plans and prayed fervently for the Spirit's guidance. I love that he knew all his students by name after the first day, and I love hearing him pray for them. He will make an incredible seminary teacher. Any time I tell someone what he's pursuing, their immediate response is, "Oh my gosh, he would be PERFECT for that!" And I couldn't agree more. It was a bit surreal the first day he unlocked the seminary building with his very own set of keys and walked into his very own classroom and sent emails to parents in his very own office at American Leadership Academy in Spanish Fork, Utah. Surreal, but so completely right. We know this is where he's meant to be and where he fits best. For the next year, he will teach a few classes, and this time next year, we will be praying and crossing our fingers for a full-time offer, trusting all along in the Lord's plan for us.
We're so excited for this opportunity, and we're so excited to see where it takes us.
So proud of our Brother Denton!
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