Seminary Jobs FAQ
Seminaries and Institutes of Religion (S&I) provides religious education for youth and young adults ages 14 to 30. Called teachers and employees work together to teach and administer this great educational program. Due to various needs and circumstances, S&I employs some men and women as full-time and part-time religious educators.
This page answers questions about how to prepare for and then apply for a career in S&I.
Qualifications
What are the personal qualifications for prospective full-time and part-time seminary and institute teachers?
An individual who teaches the gospel to the youth of the Church in an S&I setting must:
- Be a worthy and active member of the Church and hold a current temple recommend.
- Relate to and be able to manage a classroom of teenagers.
- Demonstrate outstanding scripture-teaching skills.
- Be willing to abide by S&I policies, including dress and grooming standards.
- Complete an introductory seminary teaching course.
- Have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university (full-time only).
Career Options
What career options are available?
The following career options are available in S&I:
- Full-time seminary and institute teacher
- Part-time seminary and institute teacher
- Seminary principal
- Institute director
- S&I coordinator
- S&I administrator
Most new teachers begin as released-time seminary teachers. Other teaching and administrative positions are typically appointed from among the ranks of experienced seminary teachers.
Hiring Process
What is the seminary hiring process?
Interested applicants must successfully complete S&I preservice training courses through an S&I preservice center. A prospective seminary teacher should take the following S&I preservice training courses:
- Teaching Seminary (Rel 471): This course is an introduction to religious education as a profession. It focuses on basic teaching concepts and the S&I hiring process, and it helps individuals become more effective teachers. It prepares them to teach the scriptures and involves them in a brief seminary teaching experience. During the course, trainees are evaluated and screened for student teaching opportunities. Preservice trainers may consider offering Religion 471—Teaching Seminary using any of the following three models:
- Semester model: Semester-long class aligned with local institute and university schedules.
- Workshop model: Five- to six-week cycle, including four weekly classroom sessions.
- Seminar model: One- to two-day class with the same instruction and training as the workshop model, but in a more condensed period of time.
Each of the three models will also include a teaching evaluation: One peer-to-peer teaching lab, one seminary classroom observation (by invitation), and a two- to three-day seminary-teaching practicum (by invitation).
- Teaching Seminary Orientation (Rel 473): By invitation only.
- Student Teaching (Rel 475): By invitation only.
Benefits
What benefits are available with S&I?
The benefits available to full-time S&I employees include medical, dental, disability, and life-insurance plans. Other benefits include a master retirement plan and a 401K plan with employer-matching contributions.
Not Close to a Preservice Center
What if I do not live close to a preservice center?
If you live in an area where an S&I preservice center is more than 90 minutes away and you meet the following requirements, you may also be considered for employment after you:
- Send a video of you teaching a seminary class to the online seminary instructor (U.S. only).
- Successfully complete the approved online training coursework.
- Successfully complete at least one year as a called or part-time seminary teacher.
- Are observed and recommended by the local S&I coordinator.
- Are evaluated by an area director, preservice trainer, director of preservice.
Additional Questions
Address further questions to one of the preservice center trainers in the United States, or to a local S&I coordinator.