7 Things Your Teachers Want

Marvae EikanasTeachers

  1. Inspiration – They need to know why what they do is important and how it contributes to the Kingdom.
  2. Appreciation – They need to know that you value their contribution and specific examples of things they do well and the difference they make.
  3. Encouragement – Life is full and challenging and the enemy wants to do everything he can to distract and discourage people advancing the Kingdom. Your consistent encouragement can point them back to Jesus and help to urge them on!
  4. Clear Expectations – Without your clear expectations it is impossible for them to do what you want them to do. With a clear target not only does it give them something to shoot for, it also makes it easier to address issues later on if you have been clear upfront.
  5. Relationship – They need to feel like they are more than just a cog in the works. They need to know that you treasure and value them as a fellow believer. Taking the time to find out what is going on in their lives and following up on those things can make a big difference in how they feel about you and also how you feel about them.
  6. Training – Even the best teachers need to know how you want things done and can benefit from reminders and ways to improve as teachers. It is easy to drift and forget even simple things like keeping your language age appropriate, tips on managing a classroom in a consistent way or the opportunity practice storytelling skills.
  7. Support – They need to know that you or someone else on your team is available to help out with sticky situations, restock supplies and give them the heads up about out of the ordinary circumstances. Making the rounds after they have finished teaching a class is a fantastic time to hear their frustrations, concerns as well as the awesome things that they just experienced. It is also great information for you.

Which of these 7 things is easiest for you? Which is most challenging?