My paternal grandmother was a public school teacher in a school in Muleshoe, Texas many years ago. The citizens of that small city thought so highly of her that they named the elementary school in her honor. I have seen it once on a trip to that community many years ago. Public education has drastically changed since the days that she reigned over that small school house, and since my mother’s mother taught English in El Paso. The family structure today, the huge number of single parent families, and now the huge numbers of refugees from numerous countries around the world make many of our urban and even suburban public schools, miniature United Nations. It is not enough for a teacher to be proficient in teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic, while providing the child with an adequate foundation in science, history, English and the language arts. Many teachers find themselves filling roles that they never imagined that they would fill. Some perform herculean miracles. Some out there, like my friend Amy Washington, who teaches at Lee A. McShan Elementary, have the vision to see beyond the myriad issues she is faced with every day, and consequently have the wherewithal to allow themselves to be transforming forces in their classrooms. She joined my wife and me for dinner a few weeks ago. During the course of that evening, she provided me with the following perspectives.
Chuck: Describe the racial, socio-economic, national-origin composition of your school?
Amy: The majority of our population is Hispanic, who represent 66%. African American (includes Black Americans & African Americans) represent 18%. White (includes Non-Americans) represent 4%. Other (includes Asians) represent 12%. 98% of our students are eligible for free or reduced lunch. 74% are considered “Limited English Proficient/LEP” students. We service students who represent over 30 different countries and speak over 60 different dialects. Although it poses several challenges, we are rising to the occasion. I am glad to be a part of such a dynamic group of people!
Chuck: What are things that you can actually say in the public school arena about God and Jesus without violating separation of church and state?
Amy: As a public school teacher, I am not allowed to initiate conversations about my religious beliefs. However, if a student initiates the conversation, then I can freely speak on the topic.
Chuck: When dealing with children from refugee families, how can you make a substantive lasting difference in their lives when you can't verbally share the gospel?
Amy: The book of John is one of my favorite books of the Bible. The reason being is that Jesus shows us how to meet people where they are before telling them what they need. Our refugee population, predominately, come from refugee camps, which are notorious for inhumane conditions and violence. By the time I get my arms around my little refugee babies, they have been stripped away from their homes & their families, they are suffering from malnutrition, they have seen &/or been through a traumatic experience, and have not been given time needed emotionally to transition to this foreign land. In this volatile state, they need me to create a safe place and show them that they can trust me. When I make that connection with the child, that child goes home and tells his parents about me, which opens up a door of opportunity.
Chuck: What are ways that you can be a witness for Christianity in the public school through non-verbal communication?
Amy: I think that my outward expression of my personal relationship with Jesus Christ is how I love my students. The majority of my communication with my students of my love for them is non-verbal: hugs, pats on the head/back, smiling, looking them in the eyes with affirmation, listening, building their confidence by assigning leadership roles and giving them rewards for their progression.
Chuck: What kind of spiritual support do you need as a teacher in the public school system?
Amy: John10:10 states that the thief (Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. It is important for me to remember this in any area of my life because I have to be dependent on Him for He alone is the giver of life. I've learned that I have to speak His truth over any circumstance in my life, if not, then I'll believe lies that lead me to dark places where there is no life: depression, sickness, anxiety, fear, etc. I also covet the prayers of other believers and stay connected with them so that I am encouraged and restored.
Chuck: Do your friends and family provide that support?
Amy: Absolutely! I make sure that I surround myself with mature believers who commit to loving me enough to get in my business and pray for me. As for my family, it is a blessing to have such a large support group who will point me back to Christ.
Chuck: What occurrence since you have started teaching has brought you the greatest joy?
Amy: The greatest joy as a teacher is speaking words of life over my students! I let them know that they were created for a purpose, they are worthy, loved, unique, and are called to be leaders.
Chuck: What occurrence since you have started teaching has brought you the greatest heartache?
Amy: I used to work for a principal who came from a dysfunctional home where her father abused alcohol. She and her siblings watched helplessly as he verbally and physically abused their mother. As an adult, her sister wrote a book about the experience and she said something along these words, "As we packed our bags and got into the car, I knew we were heading back home. It was at that point that I realized that children do not have a say." What brings me to tears every year is the fact that some of my students do not have parents who are the advocates that they desperately need! Who is going to be their voice? Who will protect them? Who will make sure they get what they need physically, emotionally, and mentally? If not me, then who? As a teacher, this is a part of our job description, but as I and others have learned, we are limited. This is not a truth that I wanted to embrace when I saw one of my parents with bruises around her neck. It was apparent that someone tried to take her life, but because my student didn't exhibit any signs of abuse, my hands were tied. I never knew what she witnessed, but she was not the same child. She spoke of having nightmares and said that she was not sleeping at night. The only thing I was advised to do was to allow her to sleep. I often went to bed crying and praying that God would protect her from being another victim of a domestic dispute. I still think about her today.
Chuck: Are public school teachers paid enough for what they do today? Why? or Why not?
Amy: I don't think that any public service professionals are paid well. As a society, we value these professions with our mouths only. Teachers should be compensated for not only educating students, but also for being: mothers, counselors, diagnosticians, nurse's aide, advocates, translators, trainers, and data entry clerks. I'm sure I left something off the list, but I'll let you know when I'm drowning in work next year!
Chuck: How do you personally feel about your role as a teacher?
Amy: Being a teacher is a gift and a calling. Since Jesus called me back into this profession and helped me to understand that, I do not take it lightly. I believe that every child that He places in my class is a gift and I treat them accordingly. I pray for wisdom, patience, and discernment on how to respond & teach each child. Teaching, for me, is the hardest profession, but most rewarding. As educators, we have an opportunity to impact the next generation. . .I cannot think of anything better!
Chuck: For a Christian, is there a relationship between being a public school teacher and being a missionary?
Amy: If you are a Christian, then you are called to be an Ambassador for Christ in any public sector. Therefore, we are called as missionaries to infiltrate, influence, and impact our society for the sake of the calling. . .to tell others about Him until He returns. This opportunity may not occur with my students, but He definitely open doors for me to share with my coworkers.
Chuck: What are you willing to give up in your life over the long term to stay the course as a public school teacher?
Amy: In order to stay the course as an educator, I will give up my personal time, money, and hobbies(knitting, crocheting, scrap booking, reading, visiting art districts, traveling, etc). During the year, my time and money is spent on creating a print-rich environment for learning and instructional aids. I have to make myself stop and schedule time for friends and family. I also have the desire to finish my Masters, but cannot afford it financially, mentally, and physically. I have enough responsibilities on my plate as it is, I cannot risk not being able to perform in the classroom by additional stresses being added to my life. Those days when I think I’m being cheated, I exchange the lie for more of Him. . .He always fills my cup until it overflows.
Chuck: What can the church do to support its members who are public school teachers?
Amy: Everyday, educators are faced with challenges that take a toll on us. We need the church to commit to interceding for us in prayer. Also, we need more tutors/volunteers who can help us serve our students well. If you can donate supplies or clothing, please do not hesitate. We need the community to run alongside of us so that we can join forces and fight for their education.
Chuck: How are you encouraged to stay the course as a public school teacher?
Amy: I am encouraged by the harsh years I endured while walking outside of God’s will for my life. When I finally got a clue, I had to start all over again! If anything, I have learned that “obedience is better than sacrifice”(1Sam.15:22). And it doesn’t hurt that I have always loved being around children. Teaching has taught me more than any other profession ever will! I am sure God is allowing this job to prune and develop me into the woman He’s created me to be.
Chuck: If you were to teach 25 years, appreciating the realities of the public school system, how would you define success as it relates to you and what you have accomplished as a public school teacher?
Amy: Success in my profession is to be able to teach the whole child(physically, mentally, socially, & emotionally). I want each of my students to be an engaged learner, who takes responsibility for his learning. When we hand the baton to the next leaders of our country, we want life-long learners, not just a person who can pass a test.
Teaching as Mission
Posted: August 1, 2012 by Chuck DeShazo
