How would you describe summer? For educators, summer is special…very special! As I reflect back on my summers “off” (you know why I am putting that word in quotations), I find the activities in which I participated varied depending on my season of life. Early in my career, summers were filled with part-time jobs and college classes. We managed to squeeze in a few mini-vacations, but these usually included visiting relatives because it was cheap! After we started a family, the

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” This popular phrase from the American fairytale, The Little Engine That Could , is often used to help children understand the value of hard work and optimism. We all know the power of a positive attitude; however, maintaining an “I can” attitude can be challenging, especially if you are trying to live an obedient life. Maybe it’s just me, but the more time I spend in God’s Word, the more unworthy I often feel. I know I’m not sup

By the time May rolls around, most educators are hanging on by a thread. As hard as it is to admit, we often find ourselves dreaming of summer—resting, sipping a cool drink by the pool, void of the loud voices that surround us throughout the year. Of course, this may only be a daydream, but it is often what helps us make it to the end of the school year! During my many years in public schools, I witnessed a variety of approaches to the month of May. It reminds me of watching

We have all experienced (or said) the dreaded “Yes, but…” statement. I like to refer to such statements as ones that superficially validate what was said but, ultimately lower the boom by revealing the true sentiment of the speaker. In schools, these statements sound like this. · “Yes, I can see your point of view, but I think…” · “Yes, I know my child made the wrong choice, but…” · “Yes, I know you feel over-extended, but…” · “Yes, I recognize you have a problem, but…” Most

As I sit down to write this blog on Easter weekend, I am praying that all of you have been blessed to hear the message of Easter in your places of worship. I am so grateful to live in a country where we can worship freely. Aren’t you? Thank you for taking the time to read this blog on your Easter weekend. I will keep it short, which won’t be easy given the many encouraging verses I could share about the power of the resurrection! As we return to our schools and students next

Promise: A declaration to do what you say you will do. “I promise to be kind.” “I promise to tell the truth.” “I promise to do my school work.” “I promise to share.” “I promise to be on time to class.” A wise teacher sent a note home to all parents on the first day of school. It read: " If you promise not to believe everything your child says happens at school, I'll promise not to believe everything your child says happens at home

As I thought about my next blog topic, I asked God to give me a message of encouragement for Christian educators. I truly believe our schools are a mission field. People need to see examples of love, forgiveness, peace, and joy that can only come from knowing Jesus. I decided to begin by sharing an example of how I personally experienced this type of Godly teacher during my years as a student. I thought and thought, recounting all my teachers from kindergarten through colleg

As a building principal for many years, I had the opportunity to witness how different perspectives can drastically alter the decisions we make and the actions we take. Consider the example below. A young girl with Downs Syndrome is included in the regular classroom for part of the day. She is well-received by the students and seems to be flourishing. The classroom has a reading corner in the room with a bathtub. It is super comfy, and students love to read in the bathtub, es

Springtime for educators is probably the worst time to talk about creating margin. Everyone is scrambling to teach as much as possible before the testing window opens. High stakes tests often end up determining the success of a year’s worth of work. While we know there is much more to success than test results, we would be lying if we said the results did not matter. Most teachers I know work tirelessly to ensure all of their students are successful come test time. It is hard

Sometimes this Christian journey is hard. Period. Sometimes as Christian educators we have to take a stand that could potentially impact our future and our employment. It’s scary, but we are called to stand firm. It is during these tough times that we have to make a decision. Is God sovereign, or is He not? Do we trust Him to take care of the conflicts, the trials, the “wrongs” in our lives? Recently, someone we love was experiencing one of these trials. It just so happened t

Spring is my favorite time of year. Sunshine, sprouting plants, and vibrant colors give me a renewed sense of energy. Given our intense winter this year, spring will be even sweeter. However, it’s this very time of year when most educators are just hanging on! The time between the Christmas holiday and spring break can be a bit long for many. Stress begins to mount as testing looms ahead, and we realize how little time is left to make sure our students are prepared for the up

Most educators go into the profession for one main reason—to make a difference. In my opinion, there is no other profession that has the potential to significantly impact the life of others like the field of education. We have the opportunity to empower children to learn, to help them believe in themselves, and to enable them to become successful. The influence one teacher can have on a child is simply too big for words. Having said this, we also know the negative impact we c

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Isn’t it amazing how God can bring to mind a song we learned as children to remind us of our calling? Over the past few months I have had several conversations with educators from around the country. While many of the conversations have been productive and positive, others contained

I recently read an article in which John Piper admitted that some mornings he wakes up and it feels like Satan is sitting on his chest. I’m sure we have all had mornings like this. Most of us probably want to roll over, cover our heads and go back to sleep! But, as Christians, we shouldn’t be surprised. Paul gave us a clear warning in Ephesians 6:12. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against m

Love is in the air this week as we gear up to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Red hearts, chocolate, flowers, and love notes (or should I say, texts) will be all the rage. I knew I had to figure out a way to get the word “love” into the title of this week’s blog. I’ve already written a couple of blogs on love (I will include those links below). So, I prayed for a new angle, and God gave me one—not one I expected. One of the comments I have made often in the past is “ Every child d

You never know when an “I know you can do it” will provide confidence. You never know when a smile will put someone at ease. You never know when a new strategy will create clarity. You never know when a second chance will give hope. You never know when an appropriate consequence will change behavior. You never know… So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the oppo

Teaching has always been a challenging profession. No question about it. When I talk to strong, veteran educators, however, they often say things have changed—teaching is harder than it used to be. Children seem to have more problems. Resources are often dwindling. Sometimes the competing demands placed on teachers—drafting standards, building assessments, learning new technology, serving on committees, attending evening activities—put a strain on personal and professional li

Having been a lifelong educator, I have learned that change is part of the journey. I realize all professions undergo change, but it seems to me that education is near the top of the list when it comes to the frequency of change. The demands placed on educators continue to mount, resulting in a revolving door of new initiatives. While some schools and districts provide adequate training, many educators are often left to fend for themselves with very little financial support w

When we think of “rich” our mind often gravitates toward financial wealth and possessions, which many believe leads to happiness and satisfaction. Yet, we all know people who are wealthy by the world’s standards but also downright miserable. Conversely, we can probably name others who have very little in terms of worldly riches but are happy and content. I dare say many of the latter are Christian educators. Financial wealth is definitely not a motivator for anyone choosing e

I’m a planner. I make lists and check things off as I do them. If I have completed a task that I forgot to put on my list, I will add it just so I can check it off! I guess it gives me a sense of accomplishment. In my mind, planning results in preparation. If I am charged with a task, I feel obligated to be prepared. That’s not to say I can’t go with the flow. I can, but being flexible is much easier for me IF I’m prepared. We’ve all heard the phrase, “Your greatest strength