Checklist for Life for Teachers: Timeless Wisdom and Foolproof Strategies for Making the Most of Life's Challenges and Opportunities

By Checklist for Life

Checklist for Life for Teachers is the ultimate handbook for educators, offering insight into issues that are specific to the challenges teachers face every day in the classroom. In addition to a brief narrative, each chapter of this interactive handbook features:

• An I Will checklist of heart and attitude reinforcements
• A Things to Do checklist of action points
• A Things to Remember section of scripture verses and applicable quotes from famous and not-so-famous people

Topics addressed include patience, fairness, goals, time management, leadership, creativity, and vision, to name a few. In all, there are insightful narratives, scriptures, quotations, and checklists on sixty-six topics. The practical, inspirational content plus the attractive two-color text design and unique cover make this a book teachers will want to purchase or receive as a gift.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: Apr 30, 2005
• ISBN: 9781418559359

Book preview

Checklist for Life

for Teachers

Presented To:

___________________________

Presented By:

___________________________

Date:

___________________________

Checklist for Life

for Teachers

3

Copyright © 2005 by GRQ, Inc.

Brentwood, Tennessee 37067

All rights reserved. Written permission must be secured from the publisher to use or reproduce any part of this book, except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles.

Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Scripture quotations noted NKJV are from THE NEW KING JAMES VERSION. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers. • Scripture quotations noted AMP are from THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE: Old Testament. Copyright © 1965, 1987 by The Zondervan Corporation; and from THE AMPLIFIED NEW TESTAMENT. Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation (used by permission). • Scripture quotations noted CEV are from THE CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH VERSION. © 1991 by the American Bible Society. Used by permission. • Scripture quotations noted GOD’S WORD are from GOD’S WORD, a copyrighted work of God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society. Copyright 1995 by God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society. All rights reserved. Used by permission. • Scripture quotations noted KJV are from the KING JAMES VERSION. • Scripture quotations noted THE MESSAGE are from The Message: The New Testament in Contemporary English . Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved. • Scripture quotations noted NASB are from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, © Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission. • Scripture quotations noted NCV are from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Word Publishing, a Division of Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. • Scripture quotations noted NIV are from the HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. • Scripture quotations noted NIrV are from the HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL READER’S VERSION. Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. • Scripture quotations noted NLT are from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. • Scripture quotations noted NRSV are from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION of the Bible. Copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of The Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved. • Scripture quotations noted MLB are from THE MODERN LANGUAGE BIBLE, The New Berkeley Version in Modern English, Revised Edition. Copyright © 1945, 1959, 1969 by Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.

Managing Editor: Lila Empson

Manuscript written and prepared by Marcia Ford

Design: Whisner Design Group, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Checklist for life for moms : timeless wisdom & foolproof strategies for making the most of life's challenges and opportunities.

p. cm.

ISBN 0-7852-6004-8 (pbk.)

1. Mothers--Religious life. 2. Motherhood--Religious aspects--Christianity. I. Thomas Nelson Publishers.

BV4529.18.C44 2005

248.8'431--dc22

2004028645

Printed in the United States of America

05 06 07 08 CJK 5 4 3 2 1

Heart Attitude

I will ask God to help me set

achievable goals for my life.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Contagious Enthusiasm (Passion)

Total Dedication (Commitment)

Smiling Before Christmas (Cheerfulness)

Standing Alone (Courage)

All A’s (Excellence)

May I Have a Volunteer? (Delegating Responsibility)

Open Admission (Accountability)

Counting to Ten (Patience)

Thinking of Others (Selflessness)

Preventive Measure (Pride)

Real-World Language Arts (Communication)

Comforting Presence (Fear)

Good Conduct (Respect)

Healthy Dependence (Trust in God)

Teacher’s Pet (Fairness)

Peer Review (Competitiveness)

Divine Intervention (Conflict)

Always True (Honesty)

Multiple Choice (Goals)

Infectious Inspiration (Motivating Others)

Satisfaction Guaranteed (Contentment)

After Hours (Time Management)

Silent Witness (Influencing Others)

Eyes in the Back of Your Head (Vigilance)

Keeping Your Word (Trustworthiness)

Front and Center (Role Modeling)

On the Altar (Sacrifice)

Relentless Pursuit (Determination)

Hidden Powers (Prayer)

Advanced Standing (Leadership)

Time-Out (Rest)

Mustard-Seed Experiment (Faith)

Lighten the Mood (Sense of Humor)

Useless Grumbling (Complaining)

Raising Your Voice (Praise)

Professional Conduct (Integrity)

Tranquility Amid Turmoil (Peace)

Priceless Instruction (Seeking Wisdom)

Critical Thinking (Criticism)

Like a Little Child (Humility)

God in the Classroom (Work)

The Greatest of These (Love)

Stress Reduction (Anxiety)

Change for the Better (Flexibility)

Hidden Talent (Creativity)

Benign Correction (Kindness)

Future Confidence (Hope)

Ears That Hear (Listening)

Head Start (Purpose)

Letting It Go (Forgiveness)

Pleasant and Pleasing (Friendliness)

Higher Education (Knowing God)

Core Curriculum (Values)

Diplomatic Dialogue (Tact)

Lifelong Learning (Teachability)

Better Than Barbells (Finding Strength)

Desire Gone Wrong (Envy)

Walking Uprightly (Ethics)

Team Teaching (Cooperation)

Looking Ahead (Planning)

Class Rank (Servanthood)

Unmerited Favor (Grace)

Personal Cheerleader (Encouragement)

Beyond Happiness (Joy)

Eyes That See (Vision)

Party Time (Celebration)

Introduction

My instruction is far more valuable than silver or gold. For the value of wisdom is far above rubies; nothing can be compared with it. —

PROVERBS 8:10–11 TLB

Every year, for roughly 180 days, you hold the awesome responsibility of guiding children and youth through their formative years, teaching, training, and leading them as they draw closer to maturity and independence. No matter what grade level you teach, no matter what subject you specialize in, you have dedicated the school year to influencing and instructing young people. And for the remaining 185 days? You’re still a teacher, because teaching is not only what you do but is also an integral element of who you are.

As a Christian teacher, you have a great deal more to offer your students than knowledge and skills. You provide your students with a role model; one that you hope and pray is a positive, godly example of right living. And you provide them with biblical wisdom, even if you never quote the Bible, because your character has been formed by the wisdom you have gleaned from the Scriptures. It hardly matters whether you see that or not. They see it, and it matters greatly in their lives.

There’s no question that your task is a daunting one. The Bible even acknowledges this: Don’t be in any rush to become a teacher, my friends. Teaching is highly responsible work. Teachers are held to the strictest standards (James 3:1 THE MESSAGE). Sometimes, the responsibility seems overwhelming, the standards impossible to achieve. But God does not want you to consider your calling an overwhelming impossibility. That’s where Checklist for Life for Teachers comes in. Drawing on the eternal wisdom of Scripture, each of the following sixty-six devotionals offers inspiration and practical help as you seek to have an impact on the world in a God-honoring way.

Each chapter offers a reflection on a character trait or classroom-related issue that applies the truth of Scripture to everyday experiences. Many of the scenarios are based on actual classroom experiences. The checklists that follow offer you an opportunity to do a heart check on your attitudes toward God, your work, and other people, as well as a selection of practical tips to use in your personal life and in the classroom.

Consider the devotionals to be a source of encouragement as you continue in the wonderful calling you are pursuing. May God strengthen you and give you wisdom and joy both in and out of the classroom!

A teacher who is attempting to teach without inspiring the pupil with a desire to learn is hammering on a cold iron.

—HORACE MANN

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.

—WILLIAM W. WARD

Paul wrote: Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

1 TIMOTHY 4:13 NIV

Have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect.

1 PETER 3:15–16 GNT

Paul wrote: You have heard me teach many things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them on to others.

2 TIMOTHY 2:2 NLT

Paul wrote: Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

1 CORINTHIANS 11:1 NKJV

Checklist for Life for Teachers

The end of learning is to know God, and out of that

knowledge to love Him and imitate Him.

—JOHN MILTON

Passion

Contagious Enthusiasm

Paul wrote: Be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

—1 CORINTHIANS 15:58 NLT

Jim Henderson won’t soon forget the high-school teacher who inspired him to pursue education as a career. Mrs. Schiavo taught algebra and geometry—required courses for students on a college track. Math was not Jim’s strongest subject; after a tough first year, he questioned his ability to pass second-year algebra and go on to college. But several weeks into the new school year Jim realized he was listening better, understanding more, and getting better grades in math as a result.

What made the difference, Jim says, were Mrs. Schiavo and her genuine enthusiasm for her subject and the students she taught. Look at this! she’d say excitedly, moving around the room as she showed the students how to solve an equation and opened their eyes to a new way of looking at math. Her energy was so infectious that she pumped new life into Jim’s plans for his future, giving him the confidence to believe he, too, could instill a passion for learning in others. Today he is a popular history teacher in a Midwest middle school.

Jim—now Mr. Henderson—realized he could not expect his students to become excited about learning unless he was excited about teaching. From Mrs. Schiavo and others like her, he learned to express his enthusiasm through his facial expressions, voice, gestures, and even his word choices. He moved around the room, maintaining eye contact with students and occasionally doing the unpredictable. The lively classroom interaction that followed mirrored his energetic style.

Start by making little changes in the way you usually conduct yourself in the classroom. If you usually stand in front of the class, start walking around the room more. Add a bit more life to the way you speak. As you’re teaching, keep in mind the root meaning of enthusiasm—in God or inspired by God. Be in God even as you stand before your class, trusting Him to inspire you to present the subject matter in a way that will help your students listen better and understand more.

Think back to those things that factored in to your decision to become a teacher: A passion for a particular subject, a genuine love of young people, a desire to pass on your knowledge and enthusiasm to future generations—and a teacher who modeled all of that for you. Now you have the opportunity to be that kind of teacher to your students. Inject new life into your teaching style by becoming excited once again over those things that first attracted you to the classroom. Enthusiasm—being in God—is contagious. As a teacher, you have a wonderful, captive audience just waiting to catch it.

I Will

Things to Do

4 Write down your memories of a teacher you had whose enthusiasm impacted you, paying close attention to details that you could integrate into your teaching style.

4 Imagine yourself as one of your students. Remember how a teacher’s passion affected you at that age and complete this thought: I wish [your name] would . . .

4 Do something unpredictable—such as become a character or historical person related to your subject and teach as if you were that person. That will catch your students off guard in a positive way and also infuse new life into your teaching routine.

4 Focus on your vocal delivery for the next few days and see if you can inject more liveliness and energy into it.

4 Ask several trusted colleagues to evaluate the enthusiasm you exhibit for teaching. Keep an open mind and pray about their responses.

Things to Remember

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

ISAIAH 55:12 NIV

Let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits.

PSALM 5:11 AMP

The psalmist wrote: I call out at the top of my lungs, ‘GOD! Answer! I’ll do whatever you say.’

PSALM 119:145 THE MESSAGE

The LORD said: For you that honor my name, victory will shine like the sun with healing in its rays, and you will jump about like calves at play.

MALACHI 4:2 CEV

Jesus said: These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

JOHN 15:11 NASB

With a leap, [a lame man] stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with [Peter and John], walking and leaping and praising God.

ACTS 3:8 NASB

Nothing is so contagious as enthusiasm; it moves stones, it charms brutes.

—EDWARD BULWER-LYTTON

Knowledge is power, but enthusiasm pulls the switch.

—IVERN BALL

1

Commitment

Total Dedication

Paul wrote: Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

—1 TIMOTHY 4:13 NIV

You’ve heard the phrase a thousand times or more: dedicated teacher. Coworkers and parents may have used that very phrase to describe you and your commitment to the lifework you’ve chosen. In describing you in that way, people are acknowledging your unswerving dedication to that work as well as to the young people you teach. It’s among the highest of compliments a teacher can receive.

The word dedication itself implies much more than the intention to see a job through to its completion. It signifies wholehearted immersion in the task at hand, a devotion to your mission in life that involves your body, mind, and spirit. It’s easy to see why that word came into common use to describe the best teachers, because that’s what teaching entails: the involvement of your whole being in the work you do.

There’s another definition of dedication, though, that you might not have considered in relation to your job. That’s the notion of being set apart or consecrated for a special use. A sacramental item, such as a chalice used during communion in church, is said to be dedicated for that one purpose. In a similar way, you, as a dedicated teacher, have been set apart for a special purpose, the shaping of the lives of the young people. That’s a heady assignment, but it’s one that you are equal to—because God is the One who has consecrated you for the work you do, as well as the One who gives you the strength to remain dedicated to that work.

One aspect of your dedication to teaching is the lifelong commitment you’ve made to the profession. But there’s also the sense of daily dedication, the ability to live out your commitment in the midst of difficult days and routine schedules and constant challenges. Dedicating each day to God serves as a reminder of your own dedication to your mission and the young people you serve, and strengthens you to follow through on the commitments you’ve made for that day.

Your wholehearted immersion in your work is not only pleasing to God but also inspiring to your colleagues and your students. Your commitment shows them what it takes to remain faithful to a task for the long haul. You may never see the impact that has on those around you. But you’ve come to accept that as part of the package of being a teacher. You teach because you are dedicated to fulfilling your mission as a teacher—regardless of the visible, short-term results.

I Will

Things to Do

4 Read the book of Acts, paying special attention to the dedication of the early church.

4 Send a note to a teacher from your past whose dedication has inspired you.

4 Read a few chapters of Foxe’s Book of Martyrs or dc Talk’s Jesus Freaks to draw inspiration from those whose commitment to God resulted in persecution and death.

4 Set aside one day to recharge your batteries and reflect on your commitment to your job.

4 Create a daily reminder—such as a pop-up note on your computer—that reads: This day is dedicated to God.

4 Thank a long-time teacher in your school for his or her commitment to teaching and his or her example to other teachers.

Things to Remember

Because the Lord God helps me, I will not be dismayed; I have set my face like flint to do his will, and I know that I will triumph.

ISAIAH 50:7 TLB

Jesus said: Which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it.

LUKE 14:28 NKJV

Be strong and do not lose courage, for there is a reward for your work.

2 CHRONICLES 15:7 NASB

Even though our outer nature suffers decay, our inner self is renewed day after day.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:16 MLB

Jesus said: Staying with it—that’s what God requires. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry, and you’ll be saved.

MATTHEW 24:13 THE MESSAGE

Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established.

PROVERBS 16:3 NASB

These troubles and sufferings of ours are, after all, quite small and won’t last very long. Yet this short time of distress will result in God’s richest blessing upon us forever and ever!

2 CORINTHIANS 4:17 TLB

Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world.

—MARGARET MEAD

It is a great deal easier to do that which God gives us to do, no matter how hard it is, than to face the responsibilities of not doing it.

—J. R. MILLER

1

Cheerfulness

Smiling Before Christmas

All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.

—PROVERBS 15:15 NKJV

Teachers who have been in the profession for a while likely remember the advice given years ago to education majors in college: Never smile before Christmas. The thinking at the time was that you had to maintain a stern demeanor and let your pupils know that you meant