LEAVING A LEGACY. A Conversation with Victorious Educator Michelle Keso

There is something deeply encouraging about hearing how God is working through fellow educators. In a season when teaching often feels increasingly difficult, stories like the one that follows remind us that God is still calling men and women into education and faithfully equipping them to serve with wisdom, perseverance, and love.

One of the greatest gifts we can receive as educators is the opportunity to hear from someone who has walked the road before us — someone who understands the joys, the exhaustion, the spiritual battles, and the deep calling that comes with teaching. Michelle Keso has spent decades investing in students, mentoring teachers, and encouraging future educators to walk boldly in their faith. Her words will encourage weary hearts, inspire those just beginning their journey, and perhaps even challenge many of us to think differently about the legacy we are leaving behind.

From classroom teaching to leadership roles and now university instruction and ministry with Christian Educators and Grand Canyon University, Michelle’s passion for both education and discipleship shines through every part of her story. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Michelle to talk about calling, legacy, the challenges facing today’s schools, and the importance of preparing Christian educators spiritually.

Jackie: Tell us a little about yourself and your career in education, including your current involvement in education.

Michelle: I spent twenty years in the classroom teaching grades K–5 and then transitioned into coaching, professional development, and leadership for another ten years, all within the same district. After retiring, I began serving with Christian Educators and Grand Canyon University (GCU).

With Christian Educators I serve as the Southwest Regional Director and Preservice Teacher Coordinator. In this role, I serve Christian teachers in Arizona, New Mexico, and California who are representing Jesus in their schools. I work with student members, helping them understand the legal protections, spiritual resources, and scholarship opportunities available through the organization.

At GCU my work grew out of something very personal. During the last few years before retirement, I began prayer walking the education building as an alumna. Eventually, the Lord opened the door for me to work there after retirement. I have always had a heart for students, and my work at GCU ultimately led me into my role with Christian Educators supporting university students preparing to enter education.

Jackie: It’s obvious you see education as a calling. Can you speak more about that?

Michelle: I actually did not go to school to become a teacher. My degree was in communications, but within six months of graduating, I found myself overseeing summer programs for a school district. After spending time in classrooms, I clearly sensed the Lord saying, “This is your passion. This is your calling. You love kids.” So I went back to school, and within a year I was in the classroom. I never looked back.

One reason the classes I teach resonate with future teachers is because I spent so many years in the classroom myself. I still supervise student teachers and stay closely connected to the realities educators face today. I’m not removed from what teaching actually looks like.

Jackie: What courses do you teach?

Michelle: I teach literacy courses, methods classes, and intervention-focused courses. Since I was a literacy coach for many years, that work naturally flows into what I teach now. I also teach Methods and Philosophies of Christian Education. Grand Canyon University places a strong emphasis on Christian education. This course is designed for students who are seeking to understand what it means to be a Christian educator. I absolutely love teaching this class.  It provides phenomenal opportunities for meaningful conversations about faith and education.

Jackie: What are your thoughts on the current state of education and the challenges educators are facing?

Michelle: The challenges in public education are very real. Our student population is changing rapidly. Technology and social media are wiring students’ brains differently, and education is constantly trying to catch up. Student behaviors are increasing, but they are also different than they used to be. Attention spans are shorter. Family dynamics continue to impact classrooms. None of those things are entirely new, but the intensity feels different. Sometimes it feels like we are trying to build a new plane while flying it.

At the same time, I see this next generation of teachers rising to the challenge. Gen Z educators genuinely want to make a difference. That is one reason I do what I do. I believe mature and experienced teachers, like me, should be investing in the next generation of teachers and future educators. I want to affirm their callings and give them the tools to persevere. We cannot allow the enemy to steal Christian teachers from their call to work in the education profession.

Despite all the challenges, many of these future teachers are excited. Yes, they have fears, but they also truly believe they can impact students’ lives. Making connections with kids still lights a fire in them. I believe retired educators are becoming an incredible cheering section for this next generation. Many of us feel called to pour out our experiences, mentor younger teachers, and remind them that what they are doing matters.

Jackie: What an amazing opportunity to teach both Christian and non-Christian students. How does that play out?

Michelle: At GCU we are encouraged to integrate faith naturally into our teaching, whether students are believers or not. We set aside time for testimonies and allow students to share what God is doing in their lives. We pray with and for students. We speak Scripture over them. I also meet with students outside of class for “coffee chats” where they can ask spiritual questions or talk about life. The experiences and wisdom God has given our generation are not meant to stay with us. We have a responsibility to pass the baton to those coming behind us.

Jackie: I was so excited to hear you read Taking Jesus to School: The Fruit of the Spirit on Display in your Christian methods course. How did you use it with your students?

Michelle: The students read through the introductory chapters first, and then we focused on one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit each week. They would read ahead of time, and then we would begin class discussions using reflection prompts.

Several things really resonated with them. They appreciated how practical the book was and loved the real-life examples. They also noticed how much Scripture was woven throughout the book, not just Galatians 5. We spent time discussing highlights from each chapter, and they especially valued the homework and reflection sections. As the semester progressed, I eventually allowed students to lead the discussions themselves, and they really enjoyed that.

There was evidence that the book was influential to the students. One of their final assignments was to write their philosophy of Christian education and describe what they believed their role as a teacher should look like. Every student referenced the fruit of the Spirit as part of their philosophy. That was powerful to see.

Many of the students heading into public schools loved realizing they could still use words like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control in their classrooms. They understood that they could create environments marked by those qualities. Some even talked about using a “Fruit of the Spirit” tree in their classrooms without necessarily including Scripture references.

What really impacted them was recognizing that if they want to create that kind of classroom culture, it starts with them. Imagine Christian educators entering their careers already understanding this perspective. Many of us did not realize when we first began teaching that we could live out our faith this way in public education. Today, there is increasing resistance toward faith in schools, which makes it even more important to equip and empower upcoming teachers to walk confidently in their calling.

Jackie: You said the book encouraged your students, but what impact did it have on you personally?

Michelle: In many ways, the book reflected how I have always viewed teaching — partnering with Jesus in the classroom. I was the teacher who prayed over my classroom and led prayer groups with moms. I prayed with colleagues during difficult seasons. The book reinforced what I have always believed. We cannot “white knuckle” our way through education. We desperately need the power of the Holy Spirit every single day.

Teaching requires humility. It is truly a profession of service. We are washing feet every day. You are not going to receive constant accolades or bonuses in education. The satisfaction comes from knowing you are called and that God is using your work for a greater purpose.

The book also reminded me how important consistency is. Our words, attitudes, and actions matter. I tried to live in a way that reflected Christ — not gossiping, tearing others down, or speaking negatively behind people’s backs. Our lives should align with what we say we believe. One of the greatest things Christian educators can do in public schools is simply put the fruit of the Spirit on display every day. We are not just taking Jesus to school. We are representing Him through the way we live, speak, serve, and love people.

Jackie: What words of wisdom or encouragement would you offer Christian educators today?

Michelle: One practice that has been incredibly meaningful for me is developing a professional prayer strategy for the school year. During the summer, many educators focus on professional development or classroom preparation, but how many of us spend intentional time getting spiritually ready for the year ahead?

Each summer, I choose three or four Scriptures to pray over myself throughout the upcoming school year. One verse I have chosen is Psalm 90:17: “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us.” I personalize this verse to say, “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon me and the work of my hands.” I pray those verses consistently throughout the year and make Scriptural declarations over my work, my relationships, and my calling. I have found that the prayers I consistently pray are often the places where I most clearly see God moving.

Every May, I also write a one-page reflection about the school year, a testimony of what the Lord has done. Sometimes I honestly acknowledge disappointments, but I also intentionally record God’s faithfulness. Those reflections become memorial stones I can revisit, especially when discouragement sets in.

I carry this spiritual preparation throughout the year. I want to stay aligned with God’s will and sensitive to His direction as I pray my Scriptures consistently each week. Every day I may have a plan, but I want to remain open to being redirected by the Holy Spirit.

Jackie: How can the members of Victorious Educator Ministries pray for you as you continue to leave a legacy?

Michelle: Please pray for wisdom. I serve in many different roles and responsibilities, all connected to education, and I constantly need God’s guidance in how to prioritize my time, relationships, and responsibilities. But even more than wisdom, pray that I clearly hear the voice of God. I want to stay sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to be my personal GPS.

Final Thoughts

Visiting with Michelle was truly life-giving for me. What a gift it is to hear from fellow educators who still carry such a deep passion for serving in education and investing in the lives of others. I have often said that education is both a mission field and a calling, but Michelle expanded my thinking even further by emphasizing the importance of legacy. Her passion for mentoring future educators and equipping them to walk boldly in their faith is both inspiring and timely. In a world where many teachers feel discouraged, exhausted, or overwhelmed, we desperately need seasoned educators who are willing to pass the baton, pour into the next generation, and remind them they are not alone.

• God is still calling teachers.

• God is still working in schools.

• God is still using faithful educators to shine His light in powerful ways every single day.

No matter where you are in your educational journey — just beginning, somewhere in the middle, nearing retirement, or reflecting on years already spent in the classroom — I pray this conversation encouraged you to continue walking faithfully in this calling. Education truly is a profession that can change the world one student at a time. Thank you, Michelle, for reminding us that this work still matters and that God is not finished working through educators.

Keep loving well. Keep serving faithfully. Keep taking Jesus to school with you. Long after lesson plans are forgotten, lives shaped by love, truth, and faithfulness will continue as part of the legacy we leave behind.

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.

Galatians 6:9

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Connect with Michelle at: mkeso@christianeducators.org 

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