Renewing Your Contract in Education

Dear Sister, 

The time is upon us and some of our brothers and sisters are considering their next move in education in the name of "professional growth."  There's probably an emoji that could describe the look on my face when I hear these conversations. With some believers I rejoice, but with others, their year-long murmuring and complaining tells a different story.  

Let me remind you of a few Biblical principles that are vitally important if you're considering a move since you and our brothers understand that your work in education is a calling from our Lord Jesus Christ.  As the living Father sent the Son (John 6:57), Jesus has and will continue to appoint you within His harvest (Luke 10:2). This is a huge truth to embrace: 

[Jesus] told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field (Luke 10:2). 

Sister, that daily prayer will affect teacher retention and recruitment! That's good news. 

But how do you know if you're coming or going? 

Jesus said, "When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house (Luke 10:5-7). 

In our case, it's school to school. Jesus made it very clear to His disciples that they were not to move from house to house--even if the place was absent of those who promote peace.  Instead, they were to bring peace with them, speak peace and prepare themselves for a move of God:  

When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you' (Luke 10:8-9). 

If you feel welcomed, get ready for a work earmarked as Kingdom work.  In the case of the disciples, the work involved the healing of the sick which meant that a manifestation of the Holy Spirit (healing) took place, proving that the Kingdom of God had come near!   

What would that look like for those of us sent to public schools?  It could be a Professional Learning Community or Social Emotional Learning proposal that's so packed with God's wisdom that it moves the needle in education beyond your classroom! It could be a sentence spoken by the Holy Spirit that immediately curves school violence. It could be the Lord's guidance to eradicate cafeteria debts while presenting a proposal to offer free lunch for all students. 

(And the cafeteria managers say, "Amen!") 

Get this: success comes from our communication with the Lord. What would that look like for you? Take some time to seek the Lord.

I'm called to make disciples of public-school teachers, encouraging teachers to get to know God's ways.  Eventually, with you and our brothers in mind, the eyes of your heart will be enlightened and you will know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe (Ephesians 1:18-19).  

Your sister in Christ,

Vanessa

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Vanessa Frazier is a servant of Jesus Christ and the Founder and Director of Christ Teens ministry (DisciplesEDU.com). She is the author of the book, Dear God, Welcome Back to School (Redemption-press.com) and the South Carolina State Coordinator for Moms In Prayer International. Frazier enjoys coaching teachers who desire to change the conversation on school reform. She is gifted by God to encourage and turn classrooms and schools upside down for the glory of God.