Happy Teacher Appreciation Week

They sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are sincere and that You teach the way of God truthfully, without concerning Yourself about [what] anyone [thinks or says of Your teachings]; for You are impartial and do not seek anyone’s favor [and You treat all people alike, regardless of status].-Matthew 22:16 

I was looking for a verse to encourage teachers, when I read this one. I think it’s perfect.  A very big part of Jesus’ ministry was teaching, so we as educators are following in His footsteps. 

The scripture  above said that Jesus was a sincere teacher and He taught truth. Every great Bible teacher knows the importance of teaching truth. As we prepare to get before people in Sunday school or bible studies all over the world, we study to give truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

As we prepare to enter a classroom, we want to teach our content correctly because we want our students to learn, even if we have to rethink that lesson and reteach that lesson for them to do so.

Jesus taught irrespective to what anyone thought of Him. Daily teachers go into the classroom in spite of the negative publicity that say we are overpaid and under qualified. We go in spite of politicians using us as their springboard for the next seat in government. We go in spite of parents who suggest that we don’t care or we are trying to fail their child. And we go in spite of the fact that it seems we can never do enough to prove that we are giving it our all.  So again, we are just like Jesus. He taught truth and He taught faithfully inspite of the fact that they wanted to kill Him for it. No has wanted to kill me yet, I don’t think!

We are impartial. I remember my first year as a teacher. A famous rapper had a daughter at our school and she just happened to be in my class. When I was told about them, I didn’t get impressed. I had 28 students to teach. There was no room for favoring a child because of her parentage. Any nationality, any religious affiliation or lack thereof, any social status or lack thereof, rich, middle class and in poverty, the good, the bad, and the gifted…it doesn’t matter because we will teach you if you are sitting before us. 

Over the years I have endeavored to treat all of my students with love and respect. Sometimes I missed the mark, but it was always the goal. I work with a lot of teachers and I see their heart. For the most part, they show up to do their jobs without partiality. And many of them do it quite well!

When I applied for entrance into the education program at my universe they asked me why did I want to teach, and before I could respond they told me not to say because I love children. I obviously said something to impress them I got in and graduated.

After all these years I understand what they were saying. A great teacher doesn’t teach because they love children, although they may, they teach because they love to teach. My passion is to teach. Not that we are allowed to just teach, because if we were, we would. But that’s my passion. Especially in the church. Especially the word of God. 

So to all my fellow teachers who teach because you love to teach, remember, so did Jesus. Rather you teach at your church, in a school, or in a world wide ministry or university, you are important, you are special, and you are doing a work that Jesus did when He was on this earth.

I felt someone needed to tell you that in spite of your difficulties and challenges; or your lack of supplies and support, or your lack of engaged students, or your lack of pay, or your long hours (no one knows about but us) or your cushy position that you finally got after 30 years of service; I am proud to be numbered among you. In the church and in the school room. You are important to the world that constantly wants to beat you up; but you keep going, you keep trying, you keep teaching, and you deserve every gift and word of encouragement that comes your way this week. Keep up the good work! Wonderful Jesus!