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Robert Frost, a renowned American poet, was also a teacher, so he knew what he was talking about when he said, "I am not a teacher, but an awakener."
As an awakener, teachers enable students to learn information and develop critical thinking skills, hone insights, become courageous learners who are not afraid to fail, and grow spiritually and emotionally.
When it comes to faith formation, it's essential for teachers, who are also spiritual leaders, to have what they want to see developing in their students – a growing relationship with God in an environment that encourages children to seek God and respond to God's grace.
That's a lot for one person to bring to students year after year and can best happen when teachers have time to support each other as colleagues and spiritual companions on a journey. It's not only an aid to better teaching. More importantly, it is a gift to a teacher's spiritual life.
Unfortunately, with the educational system being what it is in the United States, there is often limited time for teachers to come together, share ideas or pray together.
Enter summer. For those teachers who don't have to make daily trips to the classroom, the summer provides an opportunity to plan a few informal gatherings of teachers at someone's home or lunch at a restaurant that would allow for conversation.
Spending time with spiritual companions is meant to feed the teacher's soul and mind, not just create a better lesson plan. It's time to relax, breathe, and find joy in your chosen ministry.
Remember the words of St. Paul to the Corinthian community: "As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ."
Catholic school teachers are part of one body, the body of Christ and the school community they serve. And yet, each has different spiritual gifts to be shared. Even a summer gathering of two or more is worth the time.
During your gatherings:
Take time to talk about the art of teaching, not just the mechanics. Share stories of working with individual students, what made a difference and what didn't, and share questions about faith, including doubts that may impact your sincerity when teaching the faith.
Talk about God. Share your understanding of God's nature, God's love, and God's plans for each person. How are we different? How are we alike? How does God make it possible for us to do what we do?
Listen to others' ideas about God without judgment or trying to change their minds. You may come face-to-face with the grief or loss of others which has impacted their feelings about God. Listen well.
Keep your time together as positive as possible. Do not spend this time criticizing teachers who came before you. Blaming is not a tool for growth.
Pray for each other. Jesus prayed for the Apostles, his spiritual companions on his earthly journey. Follow his example.
Read Scripture. The Bible is a continuing source of learning and grace for teachers and students alike.
About the AuthorMary Regina Clifford Morrell, mother of six and grandmother to nine, is a Catholic journalist, author, and syndicated columnist who has served the dioceses of Metuchen and Trenton, New Jersey, and RENEW International in the areas of catechesis and communication.
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