Is it just me, or do stores seem to stock their shelves WAY too early for each big holiday and upcoming calendar event? As a teacher, the worst is when school supplies pop up in stores everywhere the first week of July! As teachers walk down the store aisles, there are two types of reactions to seeing the school supplies: excitement for a new year or panic. My response is usually panic.
I am the type of teacher that has school nightmares all year long. I can’t even enjoy a summer away without waking up in the middle of the night in a sweat because I dreamed that on the first day of school I had no lesson plans ready and my principal came to observe me. Teaching is one of those careers that challenge you physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. It’s definitely not easy. We teachers cannot do our jobs well without supportive family, friends, administrators, co-workers, and of course God.
Teacher friends, I’ve got some encouragement for you as we embark on the beginning of the year madness. I also have tips and truths for those of you who are not teachers, but interact with teachers often.
NOTE TO TEACHERS
You were called to this. Maybe you weren’t called to do this job for 25 years, but you are in this place and in this season right now for a purpose that is greater than yourself. We get the opportunity every day to be the hands and feet of Jesus to many kids who don’t know who He is. The kids you encounter every day are children of God. May we remember to be His hands and feet when we get frustrated with our school goals. May we rely on God when we don’t have the strength or patience to go on. May we never stop praying for our kids and their families. May we encourage one another in our field and call each other out in love when we lose sight of what really matters. We’ve got this because God’s got us.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT TEACHERS
1. Pray for your child’s teacher or your teacher friends. Let them know you are praying for them and ask if there is anything specific you can pray for them. Let’s start the school year covering teachers and students in prayer!
2. I am sure you are tired of hearing about the teacher shortages, the low pay, the frustration of testing, and much more. For the sake of generations to come, I encourage you to be informed and engaged in the political world of teachers. Your vote matters for teachers and students everywhere! Who we vote into office can affect our teaching requirements, our pay, what our schools look like, who is in charge of making these decisions for the schools/state and much more. Please listen to teachers and their needs, then be willing to speak up & vote too!
3. Help fund their rooms! I am approaching my 3rd year of teaching and still had a list of over $300 worth of stuff to add to my room this Fall. We want to create a welcoming space for these kids, so a little help goes a long way!
4. If you are a parent sending your child to school, be forgiving and encouraging. Just as you appreciate when people encourage you in parenting, we also really appreciate the same in teaching. A kind email from a parent can make our day! Also, please be forgiving of us. If we forget to send something home on time, didn’t handle a situation at school that your child is upset about in the way you would prefer, or react out of anger in a moment, please forgive us. We are exhausted just like you and are trying our best every day.
My hope is that every teacher feels encouraged, loved, and supported in all aspects so they can do their job of shaping the next generation well. My verse for this school year is Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Teacher, What are your favorite verses that encourage your teacher’s heart? Friends, what verses could you pray over your teacher friends? Share them in the Comments!
Meet the author!
Becca Walker is a 2nd grade teacher in Edmond, Oklahoma. Her passion for kids mainly comes from the fact that she herself is still just a kid at heart. She and her husband, Brennan, love to serve in the church in many ways. Whether it is children’s ministry, youth, worship, or leading a young adult small group, they love it all! Becca’s main loves are her family, her pups Wrigley and Rizzo, her Savior, Old Navy, and of course, the incredible community at Council Road Baptist Church.