Today, we continue our Pray A to Z series, and T is for Teachers. You can get caught up on the entire series here. You can still download your printable prayer cards here.
Veteran teacher Becky Devito shares with us today on how we can pray for teachers.
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“Teaching: You laugh, you cry, and you work harder than you ever thought you could. Some days you’re trying to change the world and some days you’re just trying to make it through the day. Your wallet is empty, your heart is full, and your mind is packed with memories of kids who have changed your life. Just another day in the classroom.” (Krissy Venosdale – teacher)
How true this quote is! I have been teaching for twenty years now and every day is different than the one before. From the minute we step into our classroom we become not only teachers but social workers, nurses, counselors, surrogate parents and entertainers and this is a choice made by those who are called to be a teacher.
I believe teaching is a calling not just a job. Do you know that it has been said that teachers make 1,500 decisions a day? We have mastered the skill of multi-tasking! I have been called to love, inspire and teach these classrooms of students year after year, and my greatest reward is seeing the joy and excitement on their faces as learning takes place.
T is for teaching.
“To teach is to touch a life forever.” I love it when a former student comes back to visit me and says “Do you remember me?” You know what – I do. Creating and establishing a relationship is probably one of the most important things a teacher can do. Trust=Learning.
E is for Enthusiasm.
A smile and a happy attitude goes a long way and I am not just talking about the students. Students will succeed when he or she can tell that the teacher loves his/her job and is just happy to be there.
A is for academics.
“Reading, Riting and Rithmetic” All students can learn – as teachers we have to figure out how each student learns best. Quotes from students: “I can’t believe how fast this day has gone!” “This is the best day of my Life.” (We were learning about polygons!) “Is it the end of the day already?” “You are the best teacher in the world, Mrs. DeVito!” See why I love to teach!
C is for catch them being good.
Praise and a positive attitude make students want to do their best. In my experience, all kids have the desire to behave. Give them the chance, and expect them to “be good.” Some of the most challenging students that I have had still come back to give me hugs. I just needed to believe in them so they could believe in me.
H is for Happiness.
I love my job. I love my First graders. I love to walk into my classroom and pray over all my wonderful students that will be walking through the door when the bell rings! I have the most rewarding, fun, challenging and life-changing job ever!!
A prayer for all teachers: Give us wisdom, strength, knowledge, creativity, a sense of humor and a desire to see through the eyes of a child. Teaching is a work of “Heart.”
Becky DeVito is married to John and has 3 boys. She lives and works in Lowell, Michigan. She has been teaching First grade for 20 years.
Pull out your T card:
- Write down names of any teachers you know.
- Write down names of school administration and staff.
- Pray for their strength, wisdom, and courage every day.
- Pray for them to know how to best love and encourage the children in their classroom.
- Pray for their relationships with parents and for open communication.
Tweetables:
[tweetherder]To teach is to touch a life forever. #Pray for #teachers. #PrayAtoZ[/tweetherder]
[tweetherder]A veteran #teacher shares how we can #pray. #PrayAtoZ[/tweetherder]
[tweetherder]As #teachers we have to figure out how each student learns best. #PrayAtoZ[/tweetherder]
[tweetherder]Teachers become social workers, nurses, counselors, surrogate parents and entertainers. #PrayAtoZ[/tweetherder]