Teacher Heroes!

The phrase “Back to School!” means different things to a lot of different kinds of people. Parents, students, teachers, and administration see school as loaded with many opportunities and hazards.

For most parents who have been running difficult kids all summer long “Back to School!” is a welcome reprieve. For those mythical parents who have been enjoying long days with well behaved kids “Back to School!” is a sad day.

For students going “back to school” is a phrase that means

• … a lot of work,
• … getting up early,
• … negotiating forced peer relationships,
• … making the team or club,
• … earning or achieving playing time,
• ... meeting and trying to impress new teachers,
• … and making acceptable grades.

Dare I say that school for kids can be very stressful? There is no other time in life when humans are so regularly tested, evaluated, ranked, and approved or disapproved publically. Wouldn’t it be nice to have an advocate in the classroom that was always looking out for your kid’s best interest?

YOU DO HAVE AN AVOCATE FOR YOUR STUDENT!

Your kid’s teacher can either be the excuse you and your child agrees upon for poor grades and behaviors, or, your child’s teacher can be an advocate that defends, supports, and promotes your kid’s best interest. Remember what Confucius once said, “The cross-eyed teacher can’t control their pupils!” Think about what going "back-to-school!” means for teachers:

• … a lot of work,
• … getting up early,
• … negotiating forced peer relationships,
• … coaching or sponsoring the team or club,
• … evaluating if a student has earned or achieved playing time,
• ... meeting and trying to impress new students,
• … and trying to teach your kids how to earn acceptable grades.

Then there are other stressors that are unique to teachers.

• … Hearing every excuse that has ever been heard.
• … Working to find a way to motivate a kid who refuses to be taught.
• … Negotiating the political storms that administrators, and parents whip into a furry.
• … Trying to decide where they are going to spend all their money!

The reality is that there are few people, outside of their parents who will have as significant of an impact on your kids as their teachers will. You would do well to earn their trust and partner with them. Teachers are just like you.

• Teachers love your kids (or they wouldn’t take a meager salary to teach your kids).
• Teachers can become tired (remember how you felt and the end of the summer? Then keep going…for 6 more months … with 25 more kids).
• Teachers can get their feelings hurt (like you would feel if I told you, that you didn’t know how to teach your kids).
• Teachers can be encouraged (just like you would feel if I told you, that you were a great teacher of your kids).

On 5th Sunday in September, REACH OUT SUNDAY, New Beginnings Church is planning to be intentional about reaching out to our local heroes, the public school teacher! Until then, you should figure out a way to encourage your kid’s teacher to be thankful they are your kid’s teacher.

I found this list Parent Life Magazine which help us see how we can be a positive gospel influence in our schools. (Galatians 5:22)

1. Show love.

   Our children learn best by example. What we say and how we say it when it comes to their teachers is noticed. Watch your words when you find yourself aggravated. "Like any relationship we have, we need to be respectful and look at teachers with love. Learn to trust that the teacher has your child's best interests at heart. Pray for your child's teachers and encourage your child to pray for his teachers also.

2. Celebrate with joy.
   Reinforce your child's classroom success by celebrating at home when he's done well. Share that joy with your child's teacher. Thank them with encouraging notes or emails. Teachers hear from parents who are upset freely, but an encouraging word can put a smile on a teacher's face at the end of a long day.
3. Be patient.

   Don't get upset if a teacher doesn't call you back or answer an email right away. Most teachers have more things to do and more students in their charge than they have time for in a day. Their students often come with a wide range of needs and requirements, and teachers often bring their work home with them at night and on weekends. A little patience goes a long way.

4. Share kindness.
   Teachers always need volunteers to make copies, help with art lessons, or bring snacks. Let your kid's teachers know you’re willing to help. Bring a treat for the teacher (flower, gift card, kind note, etc.)
5. Teach goodness.

   Christian parents raise their children with strong morals and values. Included in those values they teach their kids to treat others with authority and respect and to always do their best. If you and your kid comes into the classroom ready and willing to do the right thing, the future will be brighter.

6. Speak gently.
   Communication is key when it comes to solving issues or problems that come up with your child. Ask questions before assuming, and remember that how you communicate something is even more important sometimes than what you're communicating. When concerns or disappointments are shared in a way that doesn't devalue or demean the teacher personally, you're much more likely to get the response you're looking for.