"The church can best serve local schools with human resources. Tutors, coaches, etc. I don't know how feasible this is but I know that so many of my students don't have the relational structure they SHOULD have outside of class."
- Darrell Williams, sophomore English, Alief Elsik HS
Often we focus on what our schools are lacking rather than what our students are lacking. At the beginning of my teaching career, I was plagued with the question of "how do I get what I need to educate these children?" It didn't take long to realize I was absolutely equipped with the very thing every single one of my students needed - love.
Every day in teaching is an adventure and a journey. The adventure comes when trying to find a balance in your classroom amidst the different personalities sitting in uncomfortable plastic chairs. The journey is what happens after finding the balance and then channeling your energy into meeting each student's individual needs.
The truth is - no teacher or principal or counselor can meet every student's needs. We have students from emotionally and physically abusive homes. Students who have been abandoned. Students who are raising siblings. Students from what appear to be happy homes but are far from ideal. Try as we may, we cannot fully be present for every student.
As we prepare our hearts and minds for the upcoming school year and maybe even grieve a little at the thought of no more mid-morning swims or no-alarm mornings, there are children counting the days until they can return to the one place someone hugs them and encourages them. School is a safe haven for so many young souls.
As a teacher, I long to see every child reach their full intellectual potential. As a Christian, I long more for every child to know they are special, valued, and have purpose.
This is where the Church comes in and fills a void that teachers often don't have the time or resources to fill. Most schools offer mentorship programs where volunteers can come in and spend time with a student. Whether it be one lunchtime a week of playing cards or sitting in the stands of a basketball game, simply showing up speaks volumes to children who have lived a lifetime of neglect.
An ear to listen, a voice to encourage, and a heart of love are really the three things our schools need most. As you pray for an area to serve in the upcoming school year, press in to see if God could best use you as an advocate and volunteer. The joy that comes from impacting a child's life will in turn change our own lives.
1 Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
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Samantha is a Spotlight Award winning journalism teacher in CyFair ISD who loves Jesus, flat shoes, and supporting teachers and students! Follow her on Twitter @samanthamazing!