dear sister

The Power of God in the Classroom of a Christian Teacher

Dear Sister,

Let me first thank you and our brothers for your faithful service in the field of education. I love the thought of our “little humans” being shaped by Christian educators who see beyond PK–12th grade, envisioning their students as future effective adult learners. Today’s students encounter caring, passionate, and well-spoken teachers who stand and sit before them throughout the school day. I believe this is how favorite teachers are born and why students seek them out long after they have graduated.

As a former Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) paraprofessional stationed outside the United States and a current public school employee serving military families, I am blessed to witness the power that Christian educators—from Kansas City, Kansas, to Nairobi, Kenya—bring to the classroom. While cultural challenges certainly exist, both national and international teachers who follow Christ bring a distinct, Spirit-filled presence to their teaching. This reflects a divine application of God’s power, encompassing His wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.

It takes the fellowship of the Holy Spirit to effectively lead a classroom throughout the school year. Secular scholars often assert that race, class, gender, and ethnicity act as barriers to participation in learning. Yet not so with God—He sees all, knows all, and powerfully includes all within the grasp of His servants. For this reason, it behooves the Christian educator to learn from the expectations of Almighty God and to apply His principles and practices in the classroom—regardless of race, culture, ethnicity, individuality, or intellect. All of these are interrelated and must be carefully understood through the lens of Christ.

This perspective, proceeding from the mind of Christ, can serve as a driving force for redesigning education in a way that transcends what the world calls “cultural diversity.” The Christian teacher, led by the Holy Spirit, is granted discernment, skill, and wisdom to reach the multitude of students who enter the classroom—planting and watering while trusting God to bring the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6). It is the work of our ultimate Teacher, Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, who enables Christian educators to manage expectations, extend grace, and teach with divine power and love to further the learning path of students.