Dear teachers,
As a former teacher, a pastor, parent of eight and a grandfather of two, I'd like to share some insights for how to be a successful teacher who impacts lives:
1. Teach students first — then curriculum. I hear a lot about "teaching to the test," but good teachers know better. A former student might forget how to conjugate a verb but will never forget that you really cared about his/her life. Some kids have a rough home life. Some won't be asked to the big dance. Some won't make the team. Many kids don't know where they fit in the big scheme of life. Successful teachers understand teaching is bigger than imparting and transmitting knowledge. Good teachers become "significant others" onsite during the school day to help kids navigate through the obstacles and issues that parents can easily miss.
2. Treat every student the same — both the honors student who is very teachable and loveable, and the "hard heads" and "hard-to-loves." It's far too easy to gravitate to the "good student" and neglect the struggling one — who probably needs you more. Teach both!
3. Let your life and teaching style model character, fairness, integrity and grace. Students will catch those qualities along with your subject matter, helping to shape them into adults who likewise are productive and an asset to their communities.
4. Know when to enforce the rules — and when to forgive and offer second chances.
5. Always be an encourager. Find the potential in each student and build on it. They might or might not be successful in your class in regards to grades, but you can help shape them to be successful people who know they have something important to contribute to the world.
6. Love is the greatest motivator and force on the planet. Kids will move mountains for anybody (especially teachers) who will consistently love and care for them — especially when they mess up or fail to meet expectations.
7. Never give up on a student. It's the tough ones that usually grow up to be world changers — even teachers!
8. Know that you are making a difference even if it doesn't look like it. One of the hardest things about teaching is that you rarely see the fruit of your labor. You will be surprised to find that many of your students remember long into adulthood the life lessons you taught them.
9. Know that we parents appreciate what you do. We respect your calling. We wouldn't be the adults we are now had it not been for you and your fellow teachers. We know you are underpaid and undervalued. Professional athletes make millions for running with a ball or hitting home runs, and become household names. You sacrifice financially to help shape the most precious commodity this nation has — our kids! That makes you the real heroes — the kind we want our kids to emulate!
10. Above all, realize that God uses you in powerful ways to influence, shape, and mold the future and destinies of the students you teach. So, we thank God for you and will keep you in our prayers.
The Rev. William Thomas is pastor at Hereford United Methodist Church. He can be reached at pastor@herefordumc.org.
