A Year Full
of Teacher Support and Affirmation
Here are twelve ways to support and
affirm teachers and other volunteers. It's a way of
saying "thank you for your willingness to use the
gifts God has blessed you with." They are not
assigned to any particular month so you can
initiate them according to the rhythms of your own
education program.
-
Volunteer Buddies--ask each of
your teachers to name one thing that they need an
extra pair of hands to do. Listen carefully and
pair a teacher with someone who does not want to
teach but loves children and wants to be
involved. Sending out postcards to absent
students, unclogging the glue bottles or making
phone calls are perfect opportunities for
shut-ins to be a part of the education team.
-
"Tools of the Trade"--provide
subscriptions to periodicals such as Parish
Teacher (Augsburg Fortress) to give teachers a
once-a-month idea boost.
-
Prayer Power--invite members of
the church council, and others in the
congregation, to be prayer companions for each of
the education volunteers.
-
Parents as partners--celebrate
the faith-home connection! on a rotation basis,
schedule each grade level to have a "parents day"
where parents are invited into the classroom to
learn along side their child. It won't be a seen
as support if the teacher is left to plan this
all alone--so offer lots of help.
-
Birthday Wishes--we all love to
be remembered on our birthday. Whether it be by a
card, a phone call or a small gift, here's just
another opportunity to say a word of thank you
and support. Include a Scripture Surprise.
-
Scripture Surprise--one of the
most lasting and meaningful gifts we can give
each other is the gift of the Living Word. Take a
moment to think about the personality of each
teacher. What scripture passage reminds you of
that person? Write it on a card, a bookmark, a
balloon, a poster or an inexpensive picture
frame.
-
Communication is the Key--a
monthly newsletter for teachers that offers
lesson enhancement ideas, classroom news and
information of upcoming events will be a welcome
addition to any lesson planning!
-
"Spotlight on our Teachers"--reserve
space in each issue of the congregational
newsletter to write a brief message of thanks to
one or two educational volunteers Include a short
biographical sketch of each person. Interview the
students about the teacher--there's an
affirmation!
-
Teacher Renewal--Nurture a
teacher's growth in faith by encouraging worship
attendance or offering adult Bible studies at a
time other than Sunday morning. Periodically
invite parents or other volunteers to take over
the classroom so the teacher can attend the adult
class.
-
Continuing Education--one of the
best ways to support and celebrate the gifts of
the teaching staff is to arrange for their
participation at a local or synodical Christian
Education event (This includes paying for the
event for them!). Call your synod office to get
details of upcoming events.
-
Celebrate with thanks--a thank
you apple, candy kisses, a brunch, a dinner, a
hand written note or a gift are all ways to say
"we value your partnership." Make this part of
your monthly support for teachers by giving a
small gift that reflects the season or the
sub-theme for the month.
-
Community Building--Teacher
meetings are not complete if they are only
attentive to the business of planning. Everyone
has a story to tell. Allow time in each meeting
for someone to share the story of their faith
journey. What a gift to offer all those present!
Copyright © by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765
W. Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. 800/638-3522. Produced by Christian
Education of the Division for Congregational Ministries.
Permission is granted for congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America to reproduce this resource for local use.