Encouragement For EducatorsSample

Dear Teacher…

I asked a group of Christian teens, “If you could say anything to your teachers, what would you want to say?” Their answers turned into a lively and insightful discussion that I compiled into the following letter. As you read it, let it encourage and challenge you.

Dear Teacher,

You are important, what you do is important. I come to school to learn. I am often thinking deeply about what you are saying, not daydreaming. Good teachers will reap great rewards; God knows what you go through every day and He always rewards the faithful. Thank you for the sacrifices you make to be a teacher.

Nothing discourages me more than to hear a teacher complain about teaching. I will work with all my heart and mind if I believe you care about me and my success. Please see me as an individual and do not lump me in with other students who lie, cheat, scheme, or disrespect you. Please do not tell me to read something and figure it out for myself—my success is your success. Please do not sigh or make fun of me when I ask questions, my self-esteem is probably much lower than you could ever guess.

The hallways can be cruel; let your classroom be a safe haven for me. If I seem distracted or depressed, feel free to ask me if I am ok. You would be shocked to know some of the things your students are going through. You could be my greatest hero, a life-changer, the teacher I look forward to every day, that I work my hardest to please, and the one I give credit to when I am a big success; please keep that in mind when you come to work every day. Pray for me and I will pray for you. Let me know in some direct or small hint that you are a Christian; that means a lot to me. Get to know me, or at least something about me; I might just change your life too.

Respectfully, Your Students (Present and Future)

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this encouragement. Challenge and change me where my attitude and actions do not glorify you. Help me to show my students that I care and that I am a Christian.