James 3:1-5

“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” vs. 1

There is a strange paradox connected to the teaching profession. On the one hand we see teachers being regularly disparaged and discounted in popular commentary. It is said that they suck up massive amounts of taxpayer dollars while working short hours for only a portion of the year. As a group they’re held responsible for the decline in achievement scores and the breakdown of traditional values. James is right! Those who teach are judged with greater strictness! Yet it is also true that almost all of us remember with fondness teachers who have touched our hearts and challenged our minds. Even today our children are exposed daily to men and women who are having a profound effect on their lives. Denigrated as a group, individually, teachers are changing lives in powerful and wonderful ways. It is indeed a noble profession! We should be thankful for all those who have a gift for teaching, and who take the steps necessary to use that talent in enriching lives. They are making connections that will last for a life-time and passing on skills that every person needs for a satisfying life. Of course they will be judged with greater strictness–their jobs are crucial and need to be done well. But they also need to hear praise–especially in these days of COVID. Today might be the perfect day to “thank a teacher.”

Thought for the Day: How has COVID affected teachers?