Educating children is no easy feat. It requires an extensive background of knowledge and experience to be an effective educator and provide students with a wide range of learning abilities with an effective and engaging learning environment. employing the suggestions advocated within the pages of this site, an educator will be able to not only effectively instill the necessary academic and developmental principles into her students but produce self-sufficient and functional members of society.
Psalm 37:4 tells us to “delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (NIV). As the scripture states, delighting in the Lord and revealing this delight with your students will enlighten their hearts and their minds to do what they feel is right, just and sound for their lives. With serving the Lord, Christian educators are “concerned for those who are struggling” (Ackerman, 2012, p. 4). They have a secular purpose to educate all students to the best of their ability and to equip them with both the academic knowledge and live skills to be functional people in society, yet they also are equipping saints to fulfill the great commission set forth by God.
When learning is presented in a fun, relatable and in a developmentally appropriate manner, both educators and students will possess the intrinsic motivation to put their best foot forward. Education is all about equipping saints to be “a steward, a teacher and a servant” (Brummelen, 2009, p.39) to others, and to live a happy, healthy, loving and caring life.
Practical Application
Pray for your students daily. As a Christian educator within a secular or Christian school, prayer is one of the most powerful tools that can be employed. Prayer will set the tone for the school day and school year. Though biblical principles cannot be exhibited within a secular school, using one’s life as a model to perpetuate Christ does not violate any laws. Displaying the fruit of the spirit and being a physical manifestation of the golden rule, will allow Jesus to radiate through actions versus words.
Be present and available for students. When they seek advice or counsel, provide them with biblically sound advice without quote scriptures or reference God or Jesus in anyway. Be cognizant of the words expressed and the actions displayed especially during times of stress, difficulty and pressure. Be a light unto the students in your classroom as Jesus is the Light of the world.
Classroom Management Plan 