Monday, 07 March 2011
-
Christian Teachers in Public Schools
I'm almost done with my fourth year of teaching and have really come to a point of reflection. I have no doubt that I am called to be a middle school math teacher in a public school and I absolutely LOVE my job and my kids. I know I am where I'm supposed to be, but something has me questioning if I've done what I'm supposed to do. Have I really made a difference at all?
I've been blessed to be viewed positively with colleagues and bosses and I firmly believe God is in that at all times and constantly blesses me in that way, but my bosses/colleagues aren't what I'm there for. I know I'm called to share the love God has shown to me to teens so that they may be able to spend eternity in heaven as well and to experience the peace and comfort that living a life with Christ is! I've been SO blessed with knowing when I die, because of Jesus, I'm allowed to spend Eternity with God in heaven!! There are so many kids that NEED to know that news. To understand that they are loved. To get to see themselves from a new perspective- that it's not what their friends or parents think, but it's about seeing who they truly are/their identity in Christ. That if they choose, they may be called a son/daughter of God and feel his constant love and protection regardless of what life brings. But you see... I'm not really allowed to say those words exactly. I've never felt God calling me to say those words in school either. So my witness/testimony with kids has been just trying to live life as an example and maybe hint to things here or there.
This morning on my way to work, I was thinking through the above things and how I know that unless God calls me to say those things, I am to follow the law and just live my life as an example. Part of me is frustrated thinking, I've been in schools full-time for four years- but have I really made a difference? Is my attempt to reflect Christ in what I do and what I say enough? I remembered the verse about planting seeds and how it's some people's jobs to plant the seeds, others to water it, and still others to harvest (experiencing people making the decision to live for God and accept Christ in their hearts). So my first thought was, well, maybe my job is just the planter. But part of me refuses to accept that that is my only position. I know every piece of the puzzle is important, but I feel like it's my cop-out. It's my way of trying to make myself feel like I'm doing enough and stay in my comfort zone.
But if what I am doing isn't enough... what do I need to be doing? I'm not going to outrightly preach in class as I know that would quickly mean a loss of a job- especially in the very politically correct school I work in. So here's the question to you Christian teachers out there in a public school... what are you doing to make a difference?
-
recommend
- recs 0
-
email
- sent 1
- like
Related Posts
Post a Comment
- Back to natcpat2's Xanga Site!
- Note: your comment will appear in natcpat2's local time zone: GMT -05:00 (Eastern Standard - US, Canada)
Comments (2)
Keep in mind that it's very easy to make 4th graders feel unwelcome and create a hostile environment. You are an authority figure to them and the atheist, jewish, hindu, muslim, or other kids will likely feel second best to the kids that share your views. This can fundamentally hinder their education.
You may have a moral obligation as a Christian to share your views, but You also have a moral obligation as a teacher to teach. This is a dilemma; you will have to sacrifice one for the other, at least in part. Remember that you are a teacher and not a pastor. Please do everything you can to give ALL your kids the best education possible.
I am not a Christian, and i am not interested in challenging your faith. Please don't let your faith impede any child's education because they don't share it.
Forgive my anonymity
It is only right and reasonable to question your present position every so often. ( 4 yrs ) And to re- inquire of the Lord if he has something different in mind for you at this stage. I'm sure with an open heart, and prayer He will show you. And then if where you are is the proper spot, you can continue with renewed confidence. If not, He will have to open wide another door to put you in an even better spot.
King Henry III of Bavaria wanted to quit and join the monastary. He had to make a pledge of obedience to join. Prior Richard told him to return to his throne and rule where the Lord had placed him. It was said of him "he ruled because he was obedient." Love ya!