Top 7 Encouraging Bible Verses For A School Teacher

Teaching is a very demanding profession, as it requires a great deal of creativity, preparation, outstanding performance abilities, as well as grading and assessment time. The rewards are priceless, though, as the investment spent on each child is definitely worth every moment. As a former Christian elementary school teacher for over six years, I know that everyone appreciates some positive reassurance and inspiration on a regular basis. So here are my top 7 encouraging Bible verses for a school teacher.

Deuteronomy 6:7 “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” 

I chose this verse, as one of my top verses to encourage a teacher, because it is a clear reminder of what teaching is all about. The Lord is referring to parents instructing their children in the ways of the Lord in this passage, but it also applies to school teachers. As Christian instructors, we should be diligently teaching and reminding our students continually about the truths found in God’s word. This process needs to be repetitive and recursive, as young ones learn best by constant review.

Psalm 34:11 “Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.” 

One of the most important things that children (and adults for that matter) need to learn is to fear and respect the Lord. God does not want us to be terrified of him while shaking in our boots, but he does want us to have a reverence and an awe of him as our creator and Abba father. Likewise, teachers need to instruct their pupils to have respect for the Lord, their parents, and other people in authority. Showing respect and submitting ourselves to authority are sure signs of wisdom and maturity at all ages.

John 13:13 “You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.” 

Jesus was speaking to his disciples here in this verse, as he was washing their feet. They were resisting his act of service, so he reminds them that he came to lead them while following the Father’s commands. He also acknowledges the fact that he is their teacher and their Lord. Jesus was the perfect teacher, and although as human beings we can never reach perfection, we need to recognize and be proud of the calling he has given each one of us as teachers.

John 13:14 “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.”

Jesus, the ultimate teacher, was a servant, and, likewise, all teachers are called to lead by serving their students. The gift of instruction is one of servant leadership, and it is a great honor. It also brings much responsibility, as the Lord cautions teachers to be very concerned for the knowledge, inspiration, and care they provide for their pupils. As he explains in this verse, Jesus washed the disciples feet in a symbolic act to teach them how to minister and serve others as well.

I Corinthians 12:28 “And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.” 

Teaching is a gift from and designated by God. It is one of those important ministries that should be exercised within the church as well as to children and families in the community. God appointed it along with the other very important jobs in the body of Christ, because it is a necessary and valuable endeavor. Teachers are often under-appreciated, but this passage is a good reminder of their importance and value in the Kingdom of God.

Colossians 3:12 “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,” 

I chose this verse as one of my top seven verses to encourage teachers, because I believe that these are some of the most important qualities we must possess to be great instructors. When God calls us to be teachers, he knows that we will not only impact those children placed in our care each year, but that we can inspire them and their families for generations to come. Exhibiting God’s holiness, love, compassion, kindness, humility and patience to our students will speak volumes to them that will last even beyond the classroom instruction and curriculum.

Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” 

This is a verse I taught my students every year in my classroom, because I wanted them to realize the importance of saying and doing everything for the Lord. This is also an encouraging verse for teachers, if we realize that everything we do and say in the name of God will have eternal ramifications to bless our pupils. This is especially true if we will model his love and an attitude of gratitude in all of our lessons and classroom interactions.

CONCLUSION 

Teaching is one of the most challenging careers a person could ever choose, but it is also one of the most rewarding. This is especially true if we realize that God has called and gifted us in this area to serve his children in a special way. I heard recently that a great teacher not only instructs their pupils but he or she inspires them. This is what Jesus modeled, and it is what he is encouraging all teachers to mirror in their classrooms as well.

Written by Karla Hawkins

God has been good to me over the years, and I have much for which to be grateful to Him. First of all, I feel blessed to be the pastor’s wife of a thriving church in northern Michigan and the mother of four amazing grown children. It is also very rewarding to be a Christian author, editor and translator for the Kingdom of God. Some of my favorite pastimes include supporting my children’s contemporary Christian band ONLY9AM, singing on the worship team at church, traveling, and connecting with family and friends via social media. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and especially with my precious three-year-old grandson.