By Alexandra Jensen
When I originally decided I wanted to be a teacher as a junior in high school, I had no explanation as to why. My last semester in college, I was constantly asked the question, "why do you want to be a teacher?" My profound answer, "I don't know."
It was an honest answer, still I pondered the question. Maybe it was Mrs. Shut, my first grade teacher who came to my seventh birthday party, and brought me a present- a little stuffed lamb. Perhaps it was Mrs. Vaughn, my third grade teacher who taught me the art of report-writing; the same lady who drilled multiplication facts into my brain like a Sargent General. Perhaps Ms. Robinson, my high school cheerleading coach inspired me to become a teacher. It was likely the culmination of the wonderful teachers from my Elementary, Middle, and High School years, that inspired me to become a teacher. But I also believe it was more than that...
In becoming the woman God has destined me to be, I am starting to see something beautiful, yet unexpected unfold. My decision to become a teacher was really no coincidence at all. Teaching has been sewn into the fabric of my being, before I existed, when God knit me together in my mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13).
My plan to become a teacher was really the Lord’s plan all along. The Holy Spirit placed the fairy tale idea of teaching in my mind at young age. God put special teachers in my life during those growing up years to inspire me. It was God himself who engrained the wish to teach upon my heart. It is reassuring to know that God led me to major in Education. It is awesome to realize that God molded me to be a teacher. He is still sculpting, shaping, and perfecting me as a teacher, but now that God’s plans have come to fruition, he is using me to impact kids’ lives on a daily basis. I cannot help but accept the epiphany of this profound truth: I am meant to be a teacher; and so are you!
Maybe has been no defining moment in your life so far that you knew you were supposed to become a teacher. Perhaps it was not an ecstatic moment when you realized that teaching was meant to be a part of your divine journey. Lighting did not strike near a school as an answer to your prayers. An apple did not fall off a tree and hit you in the head. A rainbow did not arch over the playground. Dear sister in Christ, our assurance comes from the Lord. Recognize being a teacher as part of God’s plan for your life. Say these words with me, “I am meant to be a teacher.”
The A+ Life cannot be achieved without the help and mercy of Jesus Christ. Mathematics, Reading, or Social Studies; our first priority must be Jesus. Remember who you are; who you belong to as a daughter of Christ each school day. Stand firm in your faith throughout the storms each school year presents. Respond out of love to defensive parents. Love your students unconditionally; as Christ grants you new mercies each day. Cultivate a classroom environment God's loving kindness.
An A+ teacher strives to live for Jesus each day. She is not perfect, or without flaw by any means; but she does try. Living for Jesus is a series of small choices; which add and equate to God's love. Before your students enter your classroom each day, say a prayer of obedience; and Christ will help you choose to LOVE WELL.
