Call To Teach

Call To Teach


by Claudia Smith               

THE CALL TO TEACH  

A Teacher's Creed  

I believe I have been called by God to teach. I believe in children...young and old...black and white...rich and poor...each in need of learning.

I believe in blackboards, chalk dust, textbooks, and computers for each has a part in imparting knowledge. 

I believe the love I give to my students will someday be reflected in their lives.

I believe the gift of teaching is not measured simply by marks, enrollment, or the end of the school year.

It is in the witness I give and the fullness of the life lived by those I teach.

I believe I have the power to lead those in need of leaning to the threshold of their own minds.

I believe in my giftedness to use each of the tools available no matter how new or old...for the light of knowledge in the eyes of another is my goal.

I believe teaching is more than tests, diplomas, paperwork and fundraising.

It is the values I breathe daily into another...slowly.

It is the faith I share in Jesus...ever changing and growing...never ending.

I believe my success today goes unnoticed...until those I teach and touch can stand alone and say in my life I have learned?

I believe if I have taught and touched one person...in God's name...I have used my gift to me justly...and can humbly say,

I believe in teaching.

I AM A TEACHER!!         

    by Julie McClellan           

  It is hard to believe that summer is almost over and that school is about to begin again.  Teachers will soon be in the classroom preparing for the return of students ..                

I am convinced that it takes a special person to teach, one that is blessed with the power of understanding, the power of sympathy and the power to communicate.  I believe that in order to have these qualities that a teachers must walk hand in hand with our Lord.                  

This church is blessed to have so many teachers among our congregation.  Many are presently teaching and many are retired or inactive.  Our retired or inactive teachers include  Caroline Bigger, Kathryn Brown, Richard Brown, Wilma Harris, Kenneth Smith, Eva Mae Stallworth, Allison Steele and Patricia Steele. Many of you will be surprised as I was to know that Jerry Steele had a teaching position on two different occasions.  After he graduated from Auburn Poly and returned home he didn't have a permanent job.  He was doing odd jobs as they came along.   Mrs. Hardee had to absent for a semester during the 1953-54 school year during the time Joel D. had rheumatic fever. Jerry was hired to teach her math classes.  Jerry says that it was during this time that he fell in love with Patricia although they did not date until after her freshman year at college.  Later Jim Pace, the football coach at Beatrice High School, had polio during the summer and was not able to resume his duties when school started in the fall of 1954.  Jerry was hired to coach the football team  and teach Coach Pace's classes.                 

Those that continue to teach are Margaret Brown, 5 year old kindergarten at MA, Charlene Hines, 6th grade at MA and Rondalyn Philen, 5 year old kindergarten at MA.  Jenny Philen is the Monroe County Instructional Supervisor for the elementary teachers.                    

We wish to recognize all of the teachers in our church and let them know that we will be saying special prayers for them as you begin this new school year.  All of us have had a teacher that made a difference in our lives and we pray for them as they make a difference!!  We will also be praying for our State and County leaders as we deal with the tax issues before us regarding our schools.                  

Thank you teacher for your willingness to teach and to make a difference!!! .