Backpacks, crayons, and sharp new pencils. School supplies are here and all the emotions that go with them. Teachers, parents, and students all feel a combination of excitement, fear, anxiety, and joy as they anticipate the start of a new school year. As a parent, you want the best for your student this school year. Here are some practical ways to partner with your child’s teacher this school year and live out Philippians 2:13 to fulfill God’s purposes for good.
Be Available to Serve Teachers
Think of ways you can help or support your child’s classroom and offer to serve. Can you offer to cut things out in your free time? Can you send plates and napkins for the class party? Can you donate a new book to the class library? Think of your availability and offer to support your child’s classroom in a practical way. *Matthew 5: 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Give Grace to Teachers
Things don’t always go exactly how you think they will. There will be a bump or two along the way this school year. When the bump comes, give grace. You can still communicate with your child’s teacher, but remember to be kind and grace-filled in the way you communicate. You and your child’s teacher both want the best for your child! * Proverbs 16:24 Kind words are like honey sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
Communicate. Communicate. Communicate.
Communicate things your child’s teacher needs to know about him or her. This could be something as simple as their favorite color and the way they should go home each day. It could also be something more personal such as specific learning needs and emotional needs. When you communicate with your child’s teacher, make sure you choose a time and opportunity that is appropriate for the content of the conversation. Learning needs and parent concerns are best discussed in a teacher meeting or phone call to allow for the protection of your child’s personal information. *Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Be an Encourager!
Choose a way to encourage your child’s teacher. Send a quick email with a positive encouraging vibe. Include your child in encouraging their teacher. A sweet note or a Sonic drink can have a tremendous impact on a busy, stressful day! *1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Pray for Students, Teachers, Administrators, and School Personnel
The car ride to school has always been a favorite time for our family to pray over our kid’s school days and to lift up their teachers. Although my kids now drive themselves to school, I remember this being such a special part of our morning routine each day. If you’d like to take it a step further, when you communicate with your child’s teacher let them know you are lifting them up in prayer and ask if they have any specific prayer requests or praises they’d like to share with you. * 1 Thessalonians 5:16 . . . The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
This year remember that your child’s teachers are on your team. Your child’s teacher wants the very best for your child. This year you have the opportunity to share Christ’s love as you work together for an amazing school year.
Looking for a community or someone to grab coffee with who is in a similar life season? We’d love to connect with you and get to know you better! Below you will find a few people that can’t wait to meet you, shoot us an email so we can make a plan!
Tyler OJ Campus
Teresa Ator: teresaa@gcc.org
Bethanie Tayler: bethaniet@gcc.org
Tyler UB Campus
Max Heller: maxh@gcc.org
Marthe Durosiermarthed@gcc.org
Lindale Campus
Molly Pontius: mollyp@gcc.org
Debra Kirby: debra@gcc.org
