Some Lessons Learned

Steve Skaggs

It sometimes seems that I learned more in twelve years of teaching than I learned in grades one through twelve. I'm sure this isn't literally true, but here are a few of the most important lessons the Lord has taught me through experience.

Lessons Learned About Myself

1. God can use me to do things I don't think I can do . . . if I'll let Him (I Cor. 2:9-16; Phil. 4:13; II Tim. 1:7). When I first started teaching, I doubted my ability to maintain discipline in the classroom--not to mention my ability to preach in chapel, drive a bus, or lead teacher workshops. But as time went on, I took advantage of opportunities; I actually looked forward to new experiences and even sought them out. (Well, I never really enjoyed driving the bus.)
2. I need to stay close to the Lord so that I can have the discernment to deal appropriately with others (Jude 20-23; Gal. 5:16-25; Eph. 5:18-20). In my first couple of years of teaching, I habitually used anger to deal with students' misbehavior. However, the Lord gradually taught me that true discipline begins with self-discipline.

Lessons Learned About My Colleagues

1. I'm not like any other faculty member at my school--and that's the way God wants it (Eph.4:16; I Cor. 12:14-27). Maybe another teacher had better rapport with students than I did. Perhaps there was another one who illustrated points with a great deal of humor, while my jokes fell flat. And what about those colorful, battery-powered bulletin boards the science teacher created? My strengths lay in other areas, but God allowed me to be in that school to fill a specific need.
2. I must not unwisely compare myself to other teachers (II Cor. 10:12). Comparing myself to teachers who seemed to have more weaknesses than I did resulted in pride. On the other hand, constantly comparing myself to teachers whose paths seemed smoother than mine resulted in discouragement. This is not to say that I did not learn from other teachers; I did and should have. Humbling myself enough to observe others' teaching was greatly helpful (Prov. 11:14; 15:22; 24:6). Being a good teacher required patience, perseverance, and a positive attitude. But above all it required wisdom. What a blessing to realize God promises us wisdom if we'll just ask Him for it: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5).

Lessons Learned About Parents

I had to remember that I was working with parents to help them bring their "children . . . up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4). I did not need to fear communicating with parents. I needed to let them know about consistent problems or character flaws I saw in their child. More often than not, if parents were approached respectfully and problems (and their potential solutions) were discussed positively and tactfully, I found that parents and I agreed. Usually parents had seen the same problems at home and/or heard similar stories from other teachers.

How frustrating it was for parents to find after report cards came out that their child was struggling! How irritating to learn only then that their child had been inattentive or disrespectful! In our day of telephones, faxes, e-mail, and so on, there is no excuse for not maintaining communication with the ones who have entrusted the teacher with the responsibility of teaching their children.

Lessons Learned About Students

My primary job was to help perfect students and to build them up (Eph. 4:11-12). Note that the phrase "for the perfecting of the saints" implies that the saints I taught were not perfect when the arrived. I had to do more than simply teach grammar; I needed to reflect Christ through my words, actions, and counsel. Dealing with one student's private issues (e.g., poor grades) in front of other students did not edify. I also learned that sarcasm did not edify and neither did griping--about problem students, other teachers, school policies, and so on. These actions tear down, demoralize, and frustrate students.

I also needed to respond in a Christlike manner to students who were purposely malicious (Matt. 5:44). I was used to giving student tests. But how well did I do when they tested me? A grade of C-, D, or failure in this area demonstrated my own spiritual immaturity for the whole class to see.

I needed to be praying for my students regularly, especially those that I had trouble liking as well as the class "gems" and those who showed improvement. (I heard more than once from students who believed that "every time I mess up, I get into trouble, but when I try hard to do better, no one notices.") All of my students needed encouragement.

This article has been compiled from Some Lessons Learned (May 1997), Some Lessons Learned, Part 2 (October 1997), and Some Lessons Learned, Part 3 (December 1997).

Used with permission from BJU Press. For permission to reproduce this article, please write BJU Press.