The anticipation for the start of a new year excites most of the world. Maybe the teacher in me only sees the “end of the year” as May so looking ahead to writing the wrong year on documents and checks isn’t as appealing. However, I do understand the feeling of anticipation. The feelings of excitement, hope, and anxiousness all tied into a pivotal moment or event. Even without knowing the outcome of 2020, people focus on their hope for what the new year could bring.

People focus on their hope for what the new year could bring.

A definition of hope is “to expect with confidence”. Currently, my looking forward revolves around the next few weeks – surviving the fall semester. In education, teachers experience those days of confidence. The bell rings or your class leaves and the mountain top feels so grand. Then tomorrow comes and, if you share experiences similar to mine, you fall on your face (literally or metaphorically).

As a teacher, we only share a short time with our students. If you are in K12, you may spend the full-year academic year with your class. College instructors see less face time with students, classes only meet for a short 16-weeks. At best, I can interact with the same student for a few years at the community college level before they go off to work or transfer to their next school. After the syllabus lecture ends, the clock begins ticking for my 16-week countdown to impact the lives of the students in the classroom.

The thrill.

As the Advent season kicked-off on Sunday (December 1 in 2019) with hope, I found myself reflecting on what I hope for as a teacher. Similarly, I would imagine you do the same thing if you find yourself reading this. My first reaction to the question, what do I hope for as a teacher, felt overwhelming. I hope for everything! After the noise settled in my mind, I began to narrow into what I hoped for versus where I found joy or peace, or what I simply love about teaching.

First, I hope to plant a seed of lasting impact in the lives of my students. I can’t really describe the “lasting impact” as it varies for each student. Yet, whether I only get 16-weeks or 2-years, I hope and pray for the glory of God to be made known in my life and in my classroom in such as way there is no option but for students to experience transformation. I hope students see this through my decisions as an instructor. In policies and actions which exhibit fairness. In feedback which provides encouragement and speaks truth. Setting standards which developing character, and living a life which models my expectations for them.

Practical Application: Lasting impact

• Learn students’ names
• Ask questions about personal interests, follow-up throughout the year
• Eat lunch together (as a group)
• Read scripture regularly so you can respond with Truth to questions and conflicts
• Let your “yes be yes and your no be no” – craft policies you will stick to. Even if that makes them “easier” on the surface. Most teachers draft harsh policies and then make exceptions, it creates confusion and distrust. Let your yes be yes.
• Social media – as a college instructor, I allow students to follow or friend after grades are posted for staying in touch.

The unseen.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1, ESV

After that, my next hope is to see my students again. So often, we spend time investing into the lives of students only to not see them again. It can make the everyday grind…grinding. Those thoughts of uncertainty creep into the shadows of my mind. Am I good at this? Should I quit? I’m not teaching them anything. They don’t care about this.

With rare glimpses into the next chapters of students, it’s hard to visualize impact. The hope for the seed you planted may never be experienced by you, the planter! Gosh, that’s hard for me to live with. My desire to control rails at that reality. It forces me into a position of submission, praying for the cultivation of that seed and protection from the harsh conditions of our world. Because, ultimately, I want to see students again at the feet of Jesus. When I envision a treasure in stored in heaven, there are names and faces of precious humans I hope to see. I expect, with confidence, to see because of our promise-keeping Savior.

Practical Application: Seeing them again

• Invite them to things! Have former students come speak with current students, invite them to campus events as volunteers or visitors, or over to your house (again, as appropriate for the age group).
• Pray for them. We cannot control all things; however, we know who does! Use that confidence to continue your lasting impact in the lives of students!
• Say hello! When you see someone out in town, be the one to say hello! Don’t let forgetting a name stall you from saying hello. We’re human and can ask for help, too.

What do you hope for as a teacher?

For resources during this Advent season, I recommend the She Reads Truth advent plan! Day 1 started Sunday, but it isn’t too late to start! CLICK HERE