In the noisy world of social media, an “influencer” is someone who suggests a product they may never have used to their audience of people that listen to what they have to say. By this definition, influencers are selling something they may or may not believe in. They attract an audience by the force of their personality, but their hearts may not be in their flashy words.

Catholic teachers do want to be influencers, but with a vital distinction: we aim to authentically share the faith we believe in with our students and their families. A better term to describe us would be “evangelist.” Unlike flashy social media influencers, evangelists practice what they preach. In the media world, evangelizers not only show you products or ideas but they also believe in them and use them themselves. As teachers of the Catholic faith, we aim to positively influence our students by the sharing in the Good News in both word and action. When we teach from our personal convictions about our faith, we hope to build our students into “evangelizing influencers” who will carry on the mission of Jesus.

• Professional Development. Each of us can recall a teacher who influenced us and whom we consider a role model. What qualities did that teacher possess that made a difference for you? How do you hope to emulate that special teacher? Being an influential teacher starts with who you are. If you develop positive qualities in your own life, your students will see them and copy them. Here are some positive qualities to consider:
  • Be an affirming teacher by giving the praise they crave.
  • Be a visionary teacher, seeing and communicate a picture of their future.
  • Be a celebratory teacher who commemorates milestones and successes.
  • Be a comforting teacher by creating a safe space in your classroom.
  • Be a patient teacher. Count to 10 when situations get stressful.
  • Be an attentive teacher. Listening well to hear what they don’t say. •
  • Be a prayerful teacher who demonstrates reverence and love for God.
     
• More on Student Wellbeing. Listen to the research-based webinar by RCL Benziger expert, Susan Ferguson, “Catholic Schools Celebrate Social, Emotional & Spiritual Wellness."
   
• Thanking Our Role Models. Write a letter of appreciation to a favorite teacher in your own life. If they are living and you know how to reach them, send the letter. Even if you have lost touch, write the letter anyway. Consider sharing the letter with your students and telling them your story. Invite students to write a letter of appreciation to someone who has positively influenced them.
   
• Resources for Managing the Influence of Social Media. Sign on to your Flourish account for the Family Life Series to access resources to share with parents. Under Catholic Parenting 101, see “Navigating the Shoals of Online Social Networks,” by psychologist Dr. Tim Hogan. In Videos from Experts, see Dr. Hogan’s video, Children and Electronic Media, and view family ministry expert Dr. David Thomas’ short videos on Competing Influences, Part 1 and Part 2.