Be The Teacher

This week begins our nine week dive into the Fruit of the Spirit "teacher style". Last week we talked about what it takes to be a truly great teacher. I think we can agree that it takes more than a really great communicator who is knowledgeable in their subject area. It takes heart, mission, and most of all love. Which brings me to this week's subject! Love is a powerful force. We know that love is what absolutely makes a difference in our homes, our jobs, and our schools. Love has the power to change hearts and minds and can ignite a fire in our souls.  And true genuine love will be the force that transforms our classrooms. Not only will it penetrate the hearts of your students but will define you as a teacher. Yet, sometimes it's hard to show genuine love to the kid/coworker/administrator that is acting so unlovable. During these times we must remember that love isn't a feeling but a decision you make to forgive the offenses, endure the hardships, persevere thro...

If I were to ask you what characteristics a teacher would need to have to be a great teacher, what comes to mind? Someone who is well spoken? A person who is knowledgeable on the subject they are teaching? A great motivator? I absolutely think of all those things and more. But when I think back on my experience as a student, the teachers I remember the most were the teachers who had characteristics beyond their exceptional teaching ability. I remember the teachers who showed great patience with me when I just didn't understand a lesson. I remember the teachers who always made me feel important. I remember the teachers who came to my basketball games to see me play and the teachers who took the time to eat lunch with me and my friends every once in a while. I saw Jesus in all of these adults who had such a huge impact on my life.  I want to be that kind of teacher. I want to be the hands and feet of Jesus with my students. But how? I think the guide to being a great teacher lies in ...

I know this is the beginning of the school year. I know a lot of us are fresh as a daisy and ready to start off the year with a spring in our step and a smile on our face. However, there may be a few who are already overwhelmed. Whether it's the stress of getting your room ready or the uncertainty of a new position, you already feel a little stale. For the latter, this post is for you right now and in the moment. But you fresh flowers better save this one for around Christmas because you'll need it! Or sooner! Being a Christian doesn't automatically make our lives easier. It's a nice thought that God would take away our struggles when we begin to follow Him but that's not His plan for us. Why would we need Him if we didn't have problems? We wouldn't. Struggle maintains our need for God and our need for Him maintains our relationship with Him. I'm pretty sure not many would disagree that we, as public educators, are quite familiar with struggle. We strugg...

"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23 One thing I have always had an unbridled obsession with is new school supplies. My roommate in college thought I was downright crazy when I described the giddy feeling of pure bliss I get when I walk into Office Depot. Honestly, I thought I was alone in this seemingly odd fascination with new pens, new pencils, and oh my goodness new notebooks - which I fancy on the deepest of all levels - until I became a teacher. And come to find out, there's a whole tribe of us!! When I entered the teaching world I met so many other people who are emotionally overtaken by new school supplies. I even met a girl in college who bought some perfume online that smelled like new crayons. And it actually smelled like new crayons! And she wore it regularly! This is no lie. I may or may not have strategically chosen my seat in c...