LEAven Blog

Summer is around the corner. Are you ready? What’s your teaching journey been like this year? It may be a bit difficult to think all the way back to August but try for a moment. Can you believe how far your students have come since the start of the school year? What memorable moments come to mind as you think of what they’ve learned? As you begin to wrap things up, take a moment to ponder how you’ve seen your students blossom and grow.

Remember those goals you set way back when students first joined your classroom? Whether it was mastering letter sounds, learning to share toys, or simply raising a hand before speaking, your students have been making progress – in small steps and big. Think about the progress you’ve seen in each student. It’s pretty incredible, isn’t it?!

Now, as an educator in a Lutheran school, add a sprinkle (or, much more, hopefully) of faith into this mix of learning and growth. You’ve all witnessed those moments when a child surpasses expectations, and it feels like a small miracle. In those moments, you’re reminded of the guiding hand of God, helping students navigate the world and learn and grow in ways you can’t always fathom. You’ve made a difference in the lives of your students. God placed these students with you for a reason!

But growth isn’t just for students—it’s for teachers, too! Think about how much you’ve grown professionally over the course of the year. From trying out new teaching strategies to collaborating with colleagues to attending workshops and conferences, you’ve been on your own journey of development. Remember to always be a life-long learner!

Let’s not forget all those observations you’ve made along the way, too. From tweaking lesson plans to better suit your students’ needs to learning how to navigate unexpected challenges with grace and resilience, every day has been an opportunity for growth. God has been with you during each day and in every situation.

Now, think about the work samples and projects you’ve collected. Flip through them and notice the growth. From those early attempts at implementing new teaching methods to the polished and refined approaches you’re using now, it’s like watching your skills as an educator bloom before your eyes.

And, don’t forget about those proud teacher moments. You know, when a lesson plan goes off without a hitch or when you see that lightbulb moment in a student’s eyes? It’s like getting a gold star for your teaching journey. Again, God gave you exactly what you needed at exactly the right moment.

So, be sure to smile and give yourself a pat on the back for being a part of these amazing transformations – both for your students and also for yourself. As you wrap up the year, keep cheering on your students as they move forward on their path of life-long learning, celebrating every step of their journey, knowing that you were part of a bigger plan, guided by God’s loving and grace-filled hand. Here’s to growth, progress, and the joy of watching your students thrive with a marvelous faith to light the way.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)