One of the biggest compliments I’ve received (and I get this one frequently) is actually a question: “Do you teach?” I also get the similar statement, “Oh, I thought you taught school.”
I get this primarily from parents of children I have or have had in the past in my Sunday school class. They’ve seen my passion for the children and may know about what I do behind the scenes as well, and have reasonably assumed that I do this professionally as well. I don’t–I don’t have an education degree–but I love getting this question, because that means that my passion is visible to others.
I love the opportunities I get to teach now, both at church and occassionally through my job. It’s an area that I’m constantly growing in…I still have so much to learn.
I do hope to teach more full-time some day. My first preference would be to teach my own children, but if God doesn’t have that for me, then I’d like to teach in a public classroom likely teaching math. I’d already be working towards this goal if it weren’t for the fact that I’m not ready to give up my current job (teaching isn’t the only thing I’m passionate about!).
So for now, I’m thankful for the passions that God’s given me and the opportunities I have to exercise them. Will I be a full-time teacher one day? I don’t know, but I sure hope so.
Photo by S Baker
More power to you! The public school system would be lucky to have you!
Interesting, Ronnica…each one of us is a teacher throughout our lives. Do you ever stop to think about how many people see your daily actions? Scarey, huh? As the saying goes…sometimes our lives/actions are the only Bible people see.
Amanda: Thanks!
G. Zoe: True!
That’s a praiseworthy ambition, Ronnica. My only daughter is in her second year of college, preparing to become a math teacher. She also wants to have a family, though, so I’m not sure (and she isn’t either) how those two desires will come together.
Hey, that is a good question. With your love for books and teaching, I would think you would’ve chosen a teaching career, especially in the English department. I personally enjoy teaching, but when it came time to make a choice at college, I just couldn’t imagine spending all day in a classroom, making lesson plans and grading papers every night.
hehe…I used to tell God I never wanted to be a teacher, but I felt like He had that for me, so I asked Him to hold off as long as possible and make me love it. He didn’t hold off for long, but I certainly loved it, and like you, hope to have the opportunity to do it again sometime.
Liz: I know, right? I WAS a math ed major for about a year in college, but at the time it didn’t interest me. I wanted to work in a church. Now, I’m content with the work that I do in church and feel no need to pursue it as a profession. I do, however, have a greater desire to teach than I have ever had. I would prefer to teach English because I’m passionate about literature, but I’m utterly unqualified as I took no English classes in college! Ironic, no?
Bethany: My mom was a teacher and I would always tell people when I was asked that I did NOT want to be a teacher. Strange how God works in us, no?
Talking about being a Sunday School teacher made me think of my daughter’s SS teacher. She has had this particular teacher for two year now and loves her. She was crying the other day because she’ll be moving up to the next class in a week. This teacher has probably had more of an impact on her than the teachers she sees at school everyday.
Yes! You do teach! You teach some of the most important things there are to learn and the only thing that will last forever!!! Passion is catching. I’m glad you’re passing it on. :)
Sounds like your future students (and children) will be lucky to have you!
That’s so great that people can see your passion, and also recognize that you are good at it! I always thought teaching might be fun. I’ve been a piano teacher for 2 years now, and I absolutely love it. I love seeing kids “get it” and improve. I love seeing kids actually enjoy what I’m teaching! And I love that I’m responsible for their improved abilities!
It’s awesome that you invest so much time with youth. I’m sure they recognize your sincerity, and appreciate you.
My goal is to be an English teacher. I come from a long line of teachers and have always loved the idea of having such an impact on young minds. Lately though, I’ve come to realize that I am already a teacher to my 3 young children. Teaching, whether professional or otherwise, is truly one of the most rewarding activities I’ve ever encountered. Best of luck!
I think you definitely have a gift for it.
I know the parents appreciate your enthusiasm and obvious
love for teaching their kiddos.
♥
Joy
Don’t give up on teaching! I am just having a crappy start to the year all around- professionally and personally. We need more teachers who care!
That is so sweet. Teaching is such a rewarding thing and it is such a gift to be given students whether they are Sunday school students, your own children, or any other type. Keep teaching!
Sounds like you’d be an excellent teacher – I’d love to have you nearby, I know you wouldn’t be mean like the teachers I’m working with now!
I am glad you are teaching my Kerry Berry this year!
I am not certified either, but it is amazing how God equips us to teach our own!
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