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I once told a friend who was learning to be a teacher that there is a need for more Christian Elementary teachers. While the teaching of Christianity in a secular classroom is not permitted, it is still a very important thing when the teacher can model Christian values for her students in everything he or she she says and does. As a Jr/Sr teacher and Assistant Principal, I found that allowing God to work through me made me better at what I did. I was more caring, more patient, and far more willing to understand students' problems, instead of just getting angry. But it wasn't easy learning to do that. One of the first difficulties I encountered as a new Christian was dealing with unpleasant Jr. High boys; students who didn't care about themselves or others, and who were always causing problems. I wondered how I could let God help me deal with them when I didn't even like them! I asked God for some help with that, and He directed me to several people in my life who gave me some good advice. The most important words came from the person who was responsible for my becoming a Christian in the first place. This is what she said: “We shouldn't give up on others so fast, because God may be drawing them to Himself, and you may be the instrument He uses. These people may be desperately crying out for something in life to fill the hole they feel. They try popularity, drugs, being the center of attention, bad language ... you name it ... to try and cover what they feel. Over the years I have learned that only God can change people, and that He wants to use us in the process. By being an example to these people, and trying to love them like Christ, you will never know how big an impact you may have on their lives.” What she said completely changed the way I dealt with chronically misbehaving kids. In particular, the words 'trying to love them like Christ [does]' opened my eyes. If I was going to become a more effective teacher to all my students, I had to understand the 'problem' kids better. I had to discover why they were the way they were, by talking with them outside of class, getting to know them, and dealing with them compassionately when they got into trouble. It was a struggle, but with God's help, I tried to do that. I realized after a while that since I'd learned what I had to do, I hardly ever yelled at one of my students, or let my anger show. That was a big change for me, and I know I couldn't have done it without God. Sometimes this less confrontaional attitude worked wonders; sometimes it didn't. But it certainly lowered my stress levels, and I really believe it resulted in fewer behaviour problems. It was all God's doing, of course. I told the person who'd given me the suggestions about how to let God help, that I now often imagined that God was sort of 'watching over my shoulder' whenever I had to deal with a kid who had been causing problems. That little trick always reminded me of His presence, and allowed me to let Him direct my words and actions. But I always knew I had a long way to go. I prayed often to ask for His help in continuing to make me a better teacher. |