A Message for Teachers This Summer

First, let me start with this…THANK YOU! Thank you sincerely from the bottom of every parent’s heart for all the love, sweat, blood, tears, time, sacrifice, and so on that you have poured into our children over the past nine months! Our words really can’t convey enough how grateful we are for you!

Teaching may feel like a “thankless” job, but as you head into this summer, we want to let you know how special you are personally! So here are some encouraging (and slightly humorous) words that came out of the mouths of babes (and a few teens) that will hopefully touch your heart and remind you how much you are admired and adored. Yes, these are actual comments various students gave when asked to share about their favorite teacher. I hope this brings a smile to your face.

What Students Have to Say

• Mr. H always shared funny stories. One time he shared a story about how he went fishing with his dad when he was little, and an alligator swam up close to the boat and then… he got really quiet and waited for us to say something. Then, he scared us when we jumped up and screamed. He was as funny as my dad. (4^th grader)
• I really liked the way my teacher put on her lipstick (imitating). She is like a fashionista. (1^st grader)
• She really will never know how much it meant that she took the time to make sure “we got it,” showing up early to school and staying late. (12^th grader)
• My teacher was really nice and only got mad once when my friend brought in his pet tarantula. (3^rd grader)
• I want to grow up and be just like Miss B. She is pretty. And smart, too. (Kindergartener)
• My teacher always called us her “little gumdrops” and had funny little terms that made us all laugh but also feel special. (8^th grader)
• In the middle of the school year, my teacher lost her parent, and was noticeably upset, yet, she still came to work with a smile. She later told me that she enjoyed teaching because it brought happiness and healing to her. (10^th grader)
• This year I had some great teachers and was really lucky. My favorite teacher had this handshake as we entered the room. I don’t really like science, but he made it seem like it wasn’t so bad. (6^th grader)
• I love my teacher! She told me that I am smart and can do anything. That’s because I am. (Kindergartener)

A Message from Parents

As you head into your summer, hold on to those enduring notes and special words your students have said about you because you made an impact in more ways than you will probably ever know. And as a parent, we also want to share a message with you.

Dear Teacher,
In case you haven’t heard this in a while – we, too, think you’re pretty amazing! Like rockstar amazing. Really! We don’t tell you nearly enough, but I assure you that because my child thinks you’re pretty neat, so do I. And based on the tears that streamed down her face on the last day of school and the endless stories about how you made learning fun while wrapping it all in compassion, it only shows that you made a rather deep impact. And I can’t thank you enough for that! So, dear teacher, we hope and pray that you can take a moment and breathe. Reset. Relax. May you find moments that bring you some much-needed peace. While you sip on that cup of coffee and linger in quiet moments, we pray that God meets you there (Psalm 46:10), touching your heart and reminding you of the good you did for His children this school year.

We also hope that this summer, you can spend precious quality time with your own family. May this summer be filled with blessings, from sweet and tender times to unexpected ways that bring you utter joy. Hoping this summer, you can make special memories with those you dearly love. We hope you are encouraged and equipped to tackle the next school year. When the end of the summer draws near, we pray you can look at the new school year with anticipation, eagerness, and excitement. We pray that God leads and directs you and blesses your gift to teach, filling you with passion and a desire to form young minds with truth and grace. Sweet teacher, we sincerely appreciate all that you do.
Love,
Parents Everywhere

Inspirational Bible Verses for Teachers

As you soak in the sun rays on the beach or lounge in the backyard watching the kids jump around in the sprinklers, here are a few Bible verses you may want to carry with you. Better yet, jot them down and tuck them into your teacher planner. Either way, let God’s Word remind you that He is with you as you rest this summer, prepare for the next school year, and serve our youth in the classroom.

• “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.” - Luke 6:40
• “Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.” - Deuteronomy 32:2
• “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” - Psalm 32:8
• “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” - 2 Timothy 2:15

Sweet teacher, you have the honor and privilege of teaching the next generation. They will follow your example and the one you set before them within the walls of your classroom. You can lead well and with dignity. Your students will look to you for wisdom and guidance. As God has called you to teach, and you are blessed with such a gift, you can demonstrate God’s love through your words and actions, planting seeds of faith. So, dear teacher, may you teach with bold conviction and compassion for your students.

A Prayer for You, Sweet Teacher.

Faithful Father,
We lift up all educators and ask that You cover them with Your unfailing love, mercy, and grace. Give them time to rest this summer. While planning, training, and other obligations may fill their summer, invite them to come and sit at Your feet. Give them permission just to be still and soak in Your presence.

Lord, grant them time to be present with their loved ones and make memories they can carry into the new school year. As they clean out their classrooms and prep for the new year, tuck Your Word in their heart. Let Your faithfulness shine in their classrooms and allow them to be a light for this upcoming generation. As they head into the next school year, I ask that you be with them. Lead and guide them as they help form young minds. Give them patience, compassion, and understanding. As they dispense wisdom, make it come from a place of truth wrapped in grace. Let them be bold as they spread Your Word in both words and in good deeds. I ask all this in Your Holy Name. Amen.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/kali9

Alicia Searl is a devotional author, blogger, and speaker that is passionate about pouring out her heart and pointing ladies of all ages back to Jesus. She has an education background and master’s in literacy.  Her favorite people call her Mom, which is why much of her time is spent cheering them on at a softball game or dance class. She is married to her heartthrob (a tall, spiky-haired blond) who can whip up a mean latte. She sips that goodness while writing her heart on a page while her puppy licks her feet. Visit her website at aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.