Making Seminary Not Boring | A How I Lead Interview with Allison Schreiber
Leading Saints Podcast
Engaging Youth in Seminary Education
This chapter explores the challenges and strategies involved in teaching youth within a seminary context, emphasizing interactive methods to maintain student engagement. It highlights the balance between fun activities and meaningful gospel lessons, while also discussing the importance of recognizing each student's contributions. Additionally, the chapter touches on creative approaches to connect youth with their faith through memorable events and personal experiences.
Allison Schreiber is entering her seventh year as an early morning seminary teacher in New Braunfels, Texas—an experience she describes as one of the most joyful and spiritually-rich callings of her life. Fluent in German and Russian, Allison served in the Russia Moscow Mission before earning a bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Brigham Young University, along with certification in International Color Consulting. Her dedication to sacred spaces led her to intern with the Temple Construction department, contributing to the designing of temples in Houston, Boston, and Nauvoo.
A born leader and meticulous planner, Allison has worn many hats across decades of youth and community service, serving extensively in the Young Women organization. She’s chaired committees, organized record-breaking Boy Scouts of America district events, and served on BSA Woodbadge staff for three consecutive years after completing the prestigious leadership training herself. Whether designing a youth conference or directing a camporee, Allison brings creativity, discipline, and a touch of grace to every detail.
In her seminary classroom, Allison blends her vast experience with a personal mission: to make early morning Seminary not just bearable but transformational. Through intentional leadership moments and peer-supported learning, she cultivates a classroom culture where students feel empowered to plan, lead, and strengthen one another in faith.
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Highlights
Allison shares effective teaching strategies and principles that can enhance youth engagement in a seminary setting. She shares proven methods to encourage participation and create a lively learning environment. The conversation highlights the importance of making gospel connections and how thoughtful planning can help youth see the relevance of gospel teachings in their everyday lives.
Allison shares her approach to teaching, emphasizing the need to mix up learning methods to keep students engaged. She discusses the use of games, interactive activities, and creative resources, such as movie clips, to make lessons more relatable and exciting. She also touches on the significance of recognizing each student’s voice and ensuring that everyone feels valued and included in the class.
Allison introduces the “EDGE” method—Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, and Enable—as a framework for teaching leadership skills to youth. She explains how this method empowers students to take charge of their learning and prepares them for future leadership roles. Allison shares practical examples of how she sets her students up for success, including organizing activities that foster teamwork and collaboration. She emphasizes the importance of loving and supporting youth, encouraging leaders to create an environment where students feel safe and motivated to participate.
03:15 – Allison’s Background and Experience
04:29 – Seminary Class Structure and Student Engagement
05:20 – Testing Different Teaching Methods
06:45 – Balancing Fun and Gospel Learning
07:06 – Creating Meaningful Connections in Lessons
08:15 – Using Treats and Activities Purposefully
09:27 – Engaging All Students in Class
11:03 – Recognizing Individual Contributions
12:16 – Encouraging Participation from Reluctant Students
13:28 – Preparing for Youth Events like Trek
14:50 – Coordinating with Stake Leaders
16:05 – Advice for Future Leaders
18:12 – Making Gospel Connections in Daily Life
19:14 – Youth Epiphanies and Insights
20:21 – Mixing Up Learning Approaches
22:19 – Using Creative Resources for Lessons
25:07 – Incorporating Movie Clips for Engagement
26:43 – Setting Youth Up for Success
27:23 – Leadership Skills Development
29:29 – Model Ward Council Activity
31:40 – Final Thoughts on Youth Leadership
32:09 – The Importance of Love in Leadership
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