Prayer Journal #17

 It's that time of year again---too early, in my opinion, but no one asked me!

Back to School time. 

I told Gary yesterday that we always see prayers for the kids returning to school and asking God to guide them through the year, hoping that their years are good ones, that the bullying is not prevalent, that safety is maintained, which is a big issue now.  But nowhere I have seen a prayer for teachers, especially those who are entering new environments.

I also saw a post by Beth Dean, my former student teacher (when Hilary was a baby) who is beginning her 38th year today but as an assistant principal.  She was hoping she could sleep last night---nervous for the 'first day.'  I had to smile because I was always the same way.  No matter when it was, either in August or January or even once in October, rarely was there a good night's sleep the night before.  Just nervousness for all of the new faces and new curriculum or even new teaching techniques.

But what I was really sharing with Gary yesterday was the prayer needed for those teachers who were in new situations.  Courtney accepted a job at Winamac so she had a new classroom, new students, new colleagues, new procedures.  Rae Jeanne had spent a portion of last year as a CASA, then as a media center aide, after retirement from teaching at North Judson Elementary.  She started a new year as a 3rd grade teacher at Winamac yesterday.  Brian Eaton had been the Athletic Director at Clinton Prairie for several years, then left in June to be an assistant principal at an elementary school in the Tippecanoe School Corporation.  New environment, new building, new faces, and new kids to get used to. Quite a difference from dealing with high school sports teams and coaches and now talking to elementary children on a daily basis.  Chris Butler---leaving his position as a math teacher and soccer coach at Frankfort High School to teach math at Rossville.  Landon's music teacher who was wonderful who left to be an assistant principal at an elementary close to Columbus IN.  Katie and Heidi who aren't returning to the classrooms because they are new moms.   Besides adjusting to new students, which all teachers do, and new materials (which happens sporadically), these teachers are experiencing new classrooms, learning new names of not only students but colleagues, adjusting to new schedules and procedures, and just learning a new way to spend their days.  I understand, especially after leaving WC and moving to Ivy Tech.  

Today I pray for all of them.

Dear Lord, we know that August seems to come more quickly each year and that the school year brings so many changes and opportunities.  While we pray that the students adjust well to the new grade levels and new classes, new classrooms, and new teachers, we also pray for the teachers who have new changes in their professional careers. We pray that the teachers who walk into new buildings and meet new administrators and staff members adjust well to their new positions.  We pray that the teachers and administrators learn the names and procedures quickly so that they feel comfortable in their new roles.  We pray that they are happy with the decisions that were made to put them into the new surroundings and new roles or titles that they have for this new school year, that they do not regret leaving the comfort of the rooms or positions from last year.  We pray that they remember the primary purpose they chose the career of education, to encourage young people to become the best citizens they can be, so that they can lead productive lives, and that they gain the knowledge needed to become successful adults.  Please watch over all of the students, teachers, and staff in our schools, especially those who are adjusting to new schools, students, and routines.  In Jesus' name. Amen.