When August approaches, it often signifies that summer is coming to a close and a new school year is upon us. As we reflect back upon the last year of teaching during a pandemic, it’s clear that teachers play a vital role in shaping the minds of our children. Although there is still much unknown for this school year, we do know that teachers are essential to creating the opportunities for all children to reach their full potential.

Great teachers have the ability to change lives. They can act as a support system, role model, coach, inspiration and counselor. As Christians, we follow Jesus as our savior and also as a teacher. In the New Testament, the title of ‘Teacher’ is applied to Jesus 39 times. His message spoke to the hearts of people and He skillfully used illustrations, parables and questions to teach His followers. If Jesus is considered the Great Teacher, we must acknowledge that teachers are truly a gift from God.

Proverbs 22:6 tells us, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” To all the students, teachers and families in our community, have a prosperous and blessed school year.


Dear God, Welcome Back to School: Encouragement and Revival for Public School Workers
By Vanessa Frazier

You might be working in the public schools, but who are you really working for on your job? Are you allowing the Lord to use you in such a way that He is obviously at work with you in your public school? Yes, God is looking at our public schools and sees the righteous ones in whom He can work to bring about revival and spiritual healing. From bus drivers to teachers to administrators, there is no Christian public school employee who can’t have an influence for our Lord Jesus Christ if we allow Him to fill us and lead us.


Inspire For Teachers: Prayers, Promises, and Proverbs for Those Who Change Lives and Tough Hearts
By Josie Carr

Inspire your favorite teacher with poignant scriptural prayers and wisdom from Proverbs. This faith-based book reminds teachers about the importance of developing their prayer life and communicating with God. A perfect gift for those important influencers, this little book will inspire teachers everywhere for years to come.


Christian Teachers in Public Schools: 13 Essentials for the Classroom
By Dalene Vickery Parker

Christian public school teachers face a myriad of administrative, social and instructive challenges. How do you walk the fine line between being a public educator and a believer? Sharing anecdotes, tips, Scripture verses and legal resources, this book will guide Christian teachers in handling many classroom situations and student dynamics.


Morning Meetings with Jesus: 180 Devotions for Teachers
By Susan O’Carroll Drake

Designed for each school day in the student year, these lighthearted and insightful devotions offer lessons from the Master Teacher and a challenge to apply these lessons in real-life situations that confront educators today. From the student who attacks verbally or physically to the lab experiment that goes wrong, teachers face a variety of challenges; the author shares not only her own experiences, but the biblical principles she has learned over the years.

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Kelly Wise Valdes
Kelly Wise Valdes has been writing for the Osprey Observer since 2008. She graduated in 1989 from Florida Southern College with a B.S. in Communications and enjoys writing and traveling. She currently resides in northern Hillsborough County with her husband, David. When not traveling and writing, Kelly and her husband enjoy spending time with their five grown children (as well as their grandchildren) that still keep them very busy.