INTERESTING FACTS FOR TEACHERS

 

The average teacher is a woman, because for out of every five of the approximately 2,741,929 Sunday School teachers in the United States are women. She is about 45 years old, the mother of two children, has a high school education plus one year of college; but has no teaching experience except that gained in her own church's Sunday School.

She began teaching in her teens, and has had no formal instruction in how to teach.

She spends less than one hour per week in preparing her lesson for Sunday, and that usually on Saturday night. In this preparation she relies entirely upon her Bible and teacher's book.

She usually arrives late at Sunday School and is absent ten Sundays a year.

Although there have been many advancements in methods for teaching Sunday School, she makes little use of them. Usually teaches in the same way Sunday after Sunday. Basically feels that her work as a teacher is successful because of her thorough and regular preparation.

What's wrong with the above description?

As a teacher, what we need to do is measure ourselves by the Master Teacher – Jesus Christ. He spent much time talking to God about his purpose on earth. He was always ready to teach, to different age groups, large or small, and usually not in a formal setting. He was not afraid to say what needed to be said.

Luke 2:52 – Jesus advanced in four ways : spiritually, socially, mentally, and physically

As we teach, we must remember that we are handling heavenly subject matter. You as a teacher are training both minds and souls. As a Sunday School teacher you teach most by what you are. Your words, deeds, and thoughts are most important. Your life must demonstrate faith and obedience. Your teaching cannot be better than you are!

Your purpose as a teacher is to help others to become Christians and to grow as Christians. To do this, we MUST be a Christian.

Your goal as a teacher is to make each child feel welcome in your class, feel comfortable in your presence, and to let them know you are interested in them as an individual. You need to spend time outside of class talking to them, plan little parties at your house, occasionally give them something special, send a card when they miss a class. Be totally committed to this task!

God expects our best in His service. The Bible – God's message of salvation – is the most important subject matter in the whole world. We have a GOLDEN HOUR (or less) each week to teach this message. Make the most of the time!

There is no telling what you could accomplish if when you take on the job as a teacher, you fully commit yourself to the training of these young souls.