As an educator, you are literally changing the world one child at a time. Sound dramatic? Of course not! Most students are in school anywhere from six to eight hours a day, five days a week, 36 weeks a year, for 13 years! This computes to over 16,000 hours of schooling, not including outside activities. Schools help shape who we are and who we become. If you agree with me on any level, then you have to agree that as an educator, you play an important role in the lives of those you teach. I’m not sure I truly grasped this early in my career. It is so easy to get bogged down in the daily grind of lesson planning and preparation that we lose sight of the “other” lessons we teach simply by being who we are.
Let me remind you, dear teacher...
· You are significant!
· You are essential!
· You are influential!
· You are a teacher!
God has distinctly placed you where you are for a divine purpose.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10
Don’t let anyone or anything make you feel unimportant or insignificant. Your impact can be far reaching.
Let me remind you, dear teacher…
· Speaking a kind word to a child who is upset can de-escalate a volatile situation.
· Showing empathy when a child has made a mistake breeds risk-taking.
· Giving encouragement when a student is struggling builds confidence.
· Remaining patient demonstrates they are worth the effort.
· Setting high goals communicates you care about their future.
· Expecting good behavior sets a standard necessary for success.
· Smiling says, “I see you and I like what I see.”
I realize it can be tough at times. There are days when we feel like we take one step forward and two steps back. However, God’s Word tells us that He sees everything, He knows everything, and He uses everything.
Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish. Isaiah 46:9-10
“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!” Psalm 139: 1-6
Let me remind you, dear teacher…
· God works all things together for good for those who love him and are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
· God has not given you a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
· God has chosen you to love others through the power of His Holy Spirit. Colossians 1:8
· God has given you the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control). Galatians 5: 22
Never forget…
· You are significant!
· You are essential!
· You are influential!
· You are a teacher!