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It is one thing to ensure that vocations to teach are encouraged, it is quite another to seek to support those who are already exercising the Christian ministry of teaching. Work done in churches to encourage the vocation to teach of itself shows the value given to teaching as a ministry, and is part of the support of Christian teachers in the congregation. Nevertheless, most churches will wish to do more.
They will want to reach out to teachers and others working in local schools in order to demonstrate to them that their commitment and work is valued by the churches. One regular opportunity is provided by Education Sunday, which is now celebrated by most of the major Churches in this country. This Sunday, the ninth Sunday before Easter, was chosen partly because the theme of the Eucharist for that Sunday in the Church of England's Alternative Service Book 1980 (ASB), was 'Christ the Teacher'. Although the ASB is no longer authorized for use in Church of England churches, the theme has become so well established ecumenically that it seems unlikely that there will be serious moves to change the designated Sunday. If this Sunday is observed and teachers are regularly prayed for during services, perhaps particularly at the beginning and end of school terms, then the teachers in the congregation will know that there is a concern for them as a group. Christian teachers are individuals, however, and, like most Christians, will need the opportunities provided by such activities as house groups or meetings with Christian friends to share their story, and to discuss their concerns and worries. Failure to provide such opportunities and to remember the needs of teachers and schools in prayer is a signal that the church is not concerned with them in their vocation.
Unfortunately, failing to show care may not be the most unhelpful path that a church can follow in respect of the teachers and potential teachers within their congregation. In some places congregations are trapped into accepting an idea of the work of teachers and schools that is put about by those whose motives are destructive. Unthinking, insensitive, ill-informed or destructive criticism of education in general and the work of teachers in particular can have a devastating effect on both members of the congregation who are committed to teaching as an expression of their discipleship, and Christian teachers in local schools.
There will be some who will argue that this section overstates the case for the support of Christian teachers, but the issue is very important and therefore needs to be energetically argued. Teaching in schools and colleges is not just a matter of exercising certain skills and knowing more about a subject than the group that is being taught. Teaching has important links with the performing arts in so far as the best teachers are able to summon enthusiasm for their topic and convey this to their pupils. To do this they have to be prepared to make themselves open to their pupils and, therefore, take the risk of becoming vulnerable. The way in which teachers feel about themselves and the task in which they are engaged is vitally important to the quality of their teaching. The morale of teachers is crucial to the success of education. Churches have a duty to ensure that Christian teachers are encouraged and supported in their vocation for the good of the teachers themselves, for the quality of learning of the pupils and, therefore, for the values of the witness that they provide.
The material in this section of the web site emphasizes the importance of supporting the Christian vocation to teach. This should not be interpreted to mean that churches should only be interested in or value the work of Christian teachers. There are many good teachers who are totally committed to their work and the children they teach, who are not Christians. The local Christian church should demonstrate that their right to their own beliefs is respected and that they are valued as colleagues, co-workers for the children, and friends.
The vocation to teach
How do Christians become teachers?
How do Christians who are
teachers become Christian teachers?
Helping Christian teachers grow in their faith and their
profession
The headteacher - a special case?
Support staff
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