Each time at Teach Feast we’re going to get into an element of what it is like to be a teacher and think about the lights that God’s word sheds on the way we live out our faith in schools.
Anyone can join in this conversation and all levels of experience are welcome. Those who have been in the classroom for a while will have something to say and something to learn from those who are just starting out, and the other way around.
Starter
1. Share together: When did you decide to go into teaching? And why?
2. Why is teaching a very good thing? (try to come up with over 10 reasons together)
3. Which of these reasons excites you most?
Teachers teach for all sorts of reasons, but most will have a root of hope for good things for the children they work with. Good things in terms of being able to pass on knowledge, teach them about the world and give them new skills.
Good things, too, in making a difference in bringing justice, love and hope to young people. And good things in the general goodness of being with other humans while learning and growing together.
No living thing is static – we all grow and it is a very good and God-given gift and instruction to be involved in the learning and growing process.
Deeper
Have a slow read of the next verse and then answer the questions below together.
n.b. These questions are designed to get you thinking, not necessarily to give you all the answers. Be ready to bounce ideas off each other and to think deeply.
‘Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not tun from it.’ (Pr 22.6)
4. In what ways do teachers ‘start children off?’
5. How do we know the ways children ‘should go’?
6. In what ways is this different, or not, if we are Christian teachers?
Tim Keller has done some thinking how work fits with faith. Read the quotation and chat through the questions together before praying for each other.
‘Work not only cares for creation, but also directs and structures it… the purpose of work is to create a culture that honours God and enables people to thrive.’ (T. Keller, Every Good Endeavour)
7. How can you see teaching as ‘honouring God and enabling his people to thrive’?
8. Where do you find it hardest to honour God in teaching?
Reflect
We will all head into tomorrow with different thoughts and feelings. We all also have a God who made us to work in the world, to honur him and who helps us powerfully.
What do you want to pray for God to help you with this week? (Share all together or in pairs)