An anthology of reflections for Teachers dedicated to discipleship in the crucible of education - the classroom. These Christian reflections are derived from wide experience, speaking to the challenges facing Teachers - especially those committed to remaining as they were called.
When facing pedagogical challenges, or reconciling polarities in curricula, these reflections can orient you to elements and essentials. Each reflection rests in the brilliance of Jesus' teaching, addressing controversial and confronting issues, as well as ways to cultivate blessing and happiness in your work, your calling.
The collection is not a narrative, except insofar as every teacher's life is a narrative. Consistent themes are Christ the Leader, Christ the Teacher, Christ the Guide, pedagogy, valuing students, negotiating managerial and staffroom politics, classroom design and planning, foundations for curriculum, classroom management and discipline, practical designs for teaching and learning, spiritual warfare and how to navigate the difficulties which can antagonise all teachers. The spectrum of capacities required of teachers is extraordinary, because the work is both demanding and amazingly rewarding. Every part of every working day draws on your knowledge of pedagogy, your love for your students, your knowledge of the subjects you teach, your ability to maintain and coordinate multiple relationships - with both luminous and draining people.
Being grounded in lived experience helps to make these useful; the working day for a teacher includes late nights of marking and preparation, meetings with parents and managers, school holidays appropriated as 'breaks' by careless administrators who want to control even much-needed rest. This is a book that is on your side, and understands the battles of a teacher's life. It is on your side, because Jesus is. He sees, He knows, He cares about what you are doing. The whole collection begins with the truth that Jesus is the greatest Teacher in the whole of history. Mary the Magdalene called Him 'Rabboni' - 'Master Teacher'.
Utilise them in isolation, or in relation to other reflections. Each reflection has its own heading, which helps to identify its core focus. They are written to be helpful; it is my prayer and hope that as you pray and use them, the Holy Spirit will guide, accompany, and direct you. May their application enlarge the Kingdom, and extend the domain of Grace.
