Education comprises more than a knowledge of books. Proper education includes not only mental discipline but also training which will secure sound morals and correct deportment.
All forms of education will have a particular perspective in life. Young people of today especially Christians need to acquire Christian education for them to grow spiritually. The Bible speaks of the moral and spiritual instruction of believers in general and children in particular to be learned in school. It places a high value of knowledge both God and of his works. It describes the moral and spiritual knowledge that defines its ultimate objective, mission, vision and purpose.
Acquiring Christian education makes the students in all walks of life understand the perspective of God’s truth. The Bible becomes the lens in which students view what they are learning. However, it is not just about Christian way of living but also the Christian way of understanding, wherein, a students are expected to dedicate their whole lives in serving God. How do this kind of education be acquired? The only key is “teamwork between parents and teachers makes the dream work.”
Working as a public school teacher for more than a decade made me realize the importance of teamwork between teachers and parents to foster the success of the students. Communication is the key. Teachers and parents should have a common goal to facilitate the best educational experience possible for students. When parents and teachers communicate with one another, they are able to work together towards the common goal.
“It is a nicest work ever assumed by men and women to deal with youthful minds. The greatest care should be taken in the education of youth to vary the manner of instruction so as to call forth the high and noble powers of mind. Parents and teachers of schools are certainly disqualified to educate children properly if they have not first learned the lessons of self-control, patience forbearance, gentleness and love. The early education of youth shapes their character in this life. Solomon Says: “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”Proverbs 22:6; Ellen G. White Christian Education p.5. What an important roleto parents and teachers to become allies to carry out this goal.
In the teacher-parent partnership, it is important to remain mindful that both parties have areas of unique knowledge and skills. The parents are well versed in their child’s developmental history and lifestyle. On the other hand, teacher has a knowledge of teaching assessment strategies, school policies and procedures and student’s performance. Parents and teachers should share these knowledge and perspective in a collaborative manner. Together as a team, parents and teachers can work to create the best possible environments to foster physical, emotional, spiritual, moral and intellectual well-being of the students.
A teacher as a facilitator of learning,should possess some attributes and take the initiative to make sure this relationship between home and school is pleasing to God. Portray a love for what you are doing. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”Colossians 3:23. Pray for your students and parents. Ask God for wisdom how you able to perform you duties and responsibilities as teacher. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”(James 1:5).
Enthusiasm is another attribute of teacher that every students benefits from. When a person speaks with enthusiasm, his voice shows it. An excited person doesn’t speak in boring and monotone voice. Enthusiasm inspires the students to pay attention for what the teacher is talking about. In teaching subject by putting yourself in the students’ shoes, showing enthusiasm and giving encouragement by telling that you are proud of what they have learned so far, will do much to make more effective as a teacher now and in the world to come.
A teacher should make every effort to contact the parents and keep them informed of their child’s behaviour at school. Teacher should always welcome parental involvement and be approachable at all times. Parents should never be intimidated to come to ask the teacher about their children’s progress.“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17.
Technology like texting, email, telephone call expressing improvements are even more beneficial than those reporting problems. Have regular parent-teacher conferences as needed. Teacher should be efficient by keeping all students records accurately. Always follow up homework to let the students realize homework is important. Ask the parents to help you and their children by supporting their children in all school activities and motivating them to study to carry out the dream work. View each positive contact as an investment which may save you an unlimited amount of time and anxiety in dealing with future discipline problems. Such accountability relieves the teacher from being viewed as the enemy. Once this relationship is established, parents are more likely to respond positively to discipline procedures.
May God help us all to develop these wonderful attributes that will enable us to be more effective teacher and to carry out the great object of education which is to enable us to bring into use the power which God has given us, in such a manner to represent the religion of the Bible and promote the glory of God. For all the talents which God has intrusted to us, we are indebted to Him. Let us pray that parents and teachers are on the same team, nurturing the children for them to grow spiritually and pleasing in the sight of God.
By: Jerry Jerum B. Galota, Philippines
