"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV)
This year I am the Algebra 1 Team Lead. I have only been out of college for 8 months and only taught for one semester so far yet they made me the team lead! Every time I think to myself, "I have NO IDEA what I'm doing!" I'm quickly reminded to be strong and courageous! I know that God has placed me in the position I am in, at the school I am in, teaching the students I am teaching for His glory!
I have been asked by many the reason I chose to get into the education field. My students ask that question (sometimes audibly and other times by their actions) and, just as any other teacher, it is definitely NOT for the money! I love math and I love Algebra 1! However, I teach ultimately for His glory and to share His love with the students! When my students look at me, my prayer is they would see Jesus in me. When they are being encouraged, I want them to see Jesus in the situation. When they are being disciplined and given consequences, I want them to see Jesus in me. I want them to question my actions and my faith. I pray for opportunities for students to open doors so I can walk through them. I want them to ask a question so I can say, "I'd love to answer that question after school!" and then have them stay after school so they can ask me all the questions they need answered.
Today, as I placed sticky notes on each desk with a number on it, I prayed for each person that would sit in that seat and would take notes on that desk. I prayed for my students' hearts- that they would be open to the Gospel. Today, as my students walked into my class and shook my hand, I directed them to their seats and prayed for each one individually. I may not legally be able to lead them in prayer but nothing in this world can stop me from praying for my students!
Fellow teachers, how do you prepare spiritually for the beginning of the school year?
