The Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s newest album, Teach Me to Walk in the Light and Other Children’s Favorites, prompted Deseret Book, distributor of the Choir’s recordings, to create a contest for the “Greatest Primary Teacher in the World.” (Primary is the class for children in Sunday services of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). People submitted nominations to Deseret Book stores and on line for their greatest teacher.

The tie to Primary is a strong one: all of the music for this latest album came from songs written for the Primary organization. Primary teachers around the world have taught the songs on the new Choir album to their students, including titles such as “If the Savior Stood Beside Me,” “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus,” “I Am a Child of God,” "'Give,' Said the Little Stream," and “Love One Another.”

Nominations for the “Greatest Primary Teacher” came in from across the United States, Canada, and even Brazil. Each week, a winner was named at each Deseret Book Store and online; more than 100 winners were selected, and each received two copies of the Choir’s new children’s CD and a special certificate.

The nominations were stirring tributes. Some examples:

• “Teresa Garcia Viuda De Aguirre (Brazil) has been teaching in Primary since 1982. Many of her children have served missions and always remember their teacher.”
• “Sister Hellen Abbott (Oklahoma) has been teaching Sunbeams [the 3-year-olds’ class] for 40+ years. My daughter and grandson have had her as a teacher.”
• “Ralph and Bonnie Sharp (Wyoming) They are wonderful storytellers and keep the children’s interest.”