Schools across our District are trying to open their doors with as much normalcy as possible. Everyone is so incredibly stressed at a time when most are typically really excited to be starting a new school year. Even the thought of Friday night lights is a source of anxiety for some.
Our congregations have been working hard to help their C4C partners feel the love of Christ. From welcome back gifts for the teachers to backpacks for the students, churches are reaching out with love. Often people ask why they should focus on teachers while they attempt to serve students. It’s simple… if you want to help children learn, you need to help keep a great teacher in the classroom!
In NC, right about 50% of the public education teaching force, is now made up of lateral entry teachers. This means they might have a degree in anything from banking to psychology or anything in between. It also means, they have little if any, experience with classroom management or education pedagogy. They will be great! They will also need additional support and encouragement.
Helping teachers feel appreciated and supported goes a long way in helping them stay committed to schools in our community. The longer a teacher stays in your partner school educating the students in your neighborhood, the stronger the instruction becomes for the children who need it the most.
Over 50% of the students in NC, are living at or below the poverty line. That means many of the brand-new teachers are working in schools with high rates of poverty. This presents challenges that our congregations can step in and help to meet. Schools with high poverty rates probably don’t have active PTOs to help with the “extra” things teachers can always use for their classroom. Schools with high poverty rates typically could really use tutors, books for children to take home and share with their families, and in the era of pandemics… they may need a safe place with Wifi access.
Churches across the Sound are providing clothing closets, playground equipment, headphones, and so much more. They hosted welcome back lunches for teachers and rolled our red carpets for students and families on their first days back. Each time we make LOVE a verb, they see Christ in each of us. Love loudly this year because our families and students are struggling. We all are really.
The picture with this article is from First United Methodist Church in Havelock. Each year, they host a welcome back lunch for EVERY single Elementary teacher in the city. Teachers fellowship and build relationship with the congregation while getting an amazing meal. They leave with a small token of appreciation and hearts filled up. Knowing that a congregation is praying for you, helping you, and there for you and your family is a comforting thing.
If your congregation is looking for a way to help your neighborhood school, please reach out to the District C4C Coordinators and let them help you find your unique way to strengthen you community one child at a time and strengthen the kingdom… one heart at a time.
“Teach your children right from wrong, and when they are grown they will still do right.” Proverbs 22:6 CEV
If you would like to view past editions of A Message from Kim, follow this link: https://sounddistrictnc.org/category/from-district-lay-leader/
If you would like to connect with Kim please do so through her email, k.smith@nccumc.org