God Bless the new teacher
Who is excited but anxious,
Starting a new career,
So much to learn.
God Bless the enthusiastic teacher
Who gives her all everyday
Making learning fun for her students
Still loves her job.
God Bless the weary teacher
Who tried her best last year
Trying make up for lost time
In spite of all the mandates.
God Bless the parent-teacher
Who is balancing home and work and kids
Feeling guilty for giving more time
To one or the other.
God Bless the frustrated teacher
Who is trying to find her way
Wondering if this is the job for her,
Just craving some support.
God Bless the fearful teacher
Who is unsure of her welfare
Taking necessary precautions
But still not feeling safe.
God Bless the busy teacher
Who doesn’t have a minute to herself
Burning the candle at both ends
As she reminds herself to breathe
God Bless the mature teacher
Who is close to retirement
Pondering the what-ifs
Yet hesitant to be done.
God Bless the heart-broken teacher
Who has suffered loss
Getting used to a new normal
Although it hurts
God Bless the teacher leader
Who keeps her team energized
Encouraging those around her
While being a Rockstar.
God Bless the thoughtful teacher
Who makes everyone feel important
Remembering all the important things
And even the not-so-important ones.
God Bless the overextended teacher
Who does the duties no one else will do
Believing the students deserve better
So she shows up.
God Bless the unwell teacher
Who is physically or mentally struggling,
Attempting to continue day by day
Though not sure she can.
God Bless the stressed teacher
Who doubts herself
Contemplating when enough is enough
Not able to relax.
God Bless the worried teacher
Who has personal or family concerns
Pretending that everything is ok
Except it’s not.
God bless all the teachers
Who are walking into another year of uncertainties
Ensuring the very best for our children
Because it matters.
These are just a few of the teachers at our schools. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that teachers have lives outside of the classroom. A fellow teacher once told me about the time she was fussing at her students for not doing homework, and she admitted that she was tired when she got home from work too. Before she could even finish explaining her point, a confused student asked where she worked. Many times it’s more than our work, especially when school starts: it’s all consuming.
Even if the teachers you know love what they do, they are dealing with a lot right now, just like everyone else. So, as we start the new school year, join me in praying for our teachers, as well as all those who are working with our kids. Be kind, be gracious, be supportive, and love on them any chance you get. God bless all the teachers and have a great school year!!
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 (NIV)