Jimbo's Jots

Happy Back to School!! As I referenced that week, it’s that time of year that teachers and students are going back to school. Some have already gone back and been back for a couple of weeks. Some have gone back this last week. Some will start in the next week or two.

There can be, like with most jobs, good teachers. There can also be bad teachers. I asked some of my closest friends on social media who their favorite teacher was and what made them so special? There were names given: Mrs. Stearns, Mr. Balos, Mr. Richardson, Mr. Maxwell, Mrs. King, Mr. Rhule, Dr. Bentley, Dr. Serri, Ms. Buda, Mr. Diadiun, Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Thomas, Dr. Brian Stogner, Ms. Meyers, and Mrs. Osterman.

I had Mr. Humphrey in 5th grade and Mr. Risutko in 6th grade. They also both worked with Ms. Holloway – she taught 5th grade and then moved up to 6th.

What makes a good/great teacher? My friends had some insight. It’s funny that most of them said it wasn’t what they taught according to lesson plans. It was the lessons they taught apart from the curriculum. They taught lessons of encouragement, engaging students in discussion, making learning happen by giving students a voice in the learning, telling the students that they are loved. They gave their students a sense of value and spoke worth into them.

There’s a story in Matthew’s gospel in which parents are bringing their children to Jesus. The disciples are getting upset, yet Jesus says to let the children come. He taught them that they are valued. They are loved and they are His.

So as the school years, let’s bless the children as we send them off. But let’s also bless the teachers that are pouring into our kids to let them know they are valued and loved.

Be blessed! Be a blessing to others, especially teachers!