Scripture speaks to teachers

When student number three asks me to tell him the meaning of the word I spent the first part of class explaining, clarifying and answering questions about...

Matthew 13:14: ever hearing but never perceiving.

When the whole class is running amok with chatter and no one is listening...they have eyes but fail to see and ears but fail to hear.

When they choose “Dear Martin” over “Return” because they hear cuss words in the sample reading of it...they not only continue to do these things but approve of those who practice them.

When I’m nervous about how the week will go or feel I just can’t get things right...search me, test me, know me, lead me.

When you feel like no one appreciates your suffering for those who take all you efforts for granted...remember he gave his life for people like this, and you’re sharing in his sufferings so that you may also share in his glory.

When it seems like the atmosphere is so negative and society is so lost ...creation groans with us, but we will be liberated.

When you just can’t bring yourself to pray about the rough specifics or bring up the names that have haunted you today.

When you dread closing the hallway door to be locked in on another day stuck in a windowless room with thirty middle schoolers...death, life, powers, and a security-locked door or walls will not separate you from Him.

When it doesn’t seem like God hears your prayers...you’re a human like Elijah and you’ll be heard. (Also take encouragement from past prayers answered).

When you’re stuck grading papers, picking up your messy room or something else you feel steals additional time...do it all for the glory of God

When you stayed up an extra hour baking cookies for them so they would complain about the lack of milk or their “burnt” condition instead of saying “thanks” or you spent a lot of time planning fun activities for them and they continue to say your class is boring...remember the reward is in heaven.

When they call you names, grumble about you or call racist you of discrimination after holding them accountable for their actions...God knows the truth and your persistence is reward in heaven.

When you’re just exhausted...God is your strength

You have good days and bad; you can’t predict them for sure, but just trust that God’s there either way.

When the last day is approaching

When it’s tough, just know you’ve prepared through your relationship with God and trust that you can still endure and bear fruit.

When it doesn’t seem like you can do it the way others do...do your best and take pride in your own work.

If you’ve found you had to repeat instructions way too often or you have lots of lecturing to do...remember the more you say, the less it counts

When you notice all these negative things coming out, You can take encouragement from the fact that God isn’t surprised over it...he saw it coming.

When they won’t listen or are hating on your discipline...someday they’ll realize

When you’re working real hard to get them to work a little...show them the ants...they don’t even need a leader to get them to work.

When they’re griping about your correction, shrug it off...it’s expected; there’s no use arguing. Just know those who are wise will gain from your efforts.

For the middle of the road students being enticed by the slackers...don’t be guided away toward destruction.

When students accuse you of lying or twist your actions to suggest you’re unreasonable...it’s ok to just hold your tongue

Yes. It happens. That one student you can’t get to sit, stay, and listen starts to lead others down the foolish path.