Pray for our schools, and get involved in education

Where has the year gone? Summer is drawing to a close and in just a few weeks the leaves will begin their transformation to yellows, oranges, and reds. 

With this transition to fall, we also begin the 24-25 school year. Educators are already planning, getting their rooms ready, adjusting schedules, and preparing for the new arrival of students they have been assigned the lifechanging task of educating. 

The face of education has changed significantly since my educational career started. Education is listed as one of the five hardest jobs in the United States. I agree one hundred percent. The halls of our schools are filled with students from every economic, social, and cultural background, and our educators must navigate these complex facets and create a classroom culture where learning can occur.

As important as the task of teaching is, many teachers report feeling underappreciated and unsupported by both parents and the community. The question comes, how do we support those in the education field? Teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, aids, secretaries, administrators, bus drivers, and custodians all have an impact on every student’s education. How can we, as a society, support them and show them that what they are doing matters?

First and foremost, pray for our education system. The strains and requirements that have be levied on our education system are massive. State requirements and federal requirements coupled with rising student population and teacher shortages have created a myriad of issues that can only be described as alarming. Pray for our students, teachers, paraprofessionals, secretaries, bus drivers, custodians, and administration. 

The call to teach is a divine call and anyone who is part of the educational process of a student is part of that divine call. Pray specifically for your schools. Grab a Bible and read and pray Psalms 91 over our schools. Our students, faculty, and staff need the protection of the Spirit of God over them.

Second, get involved in the education system. Every district has a way to get involved. Call your school and ask how can I get involved? Your presence in the school is valuable to show your support. The education field has changes significantly since you were in school. Processes and procedures are no longer as they once were. 

To be an advocate, get involved so you can see first-hand what is happening. You can volunteer to read a story to students, help with recess duty, come eat lunch with students, volunteer for classroom parties or events, and much much more. You may not have a student in school any longer, but that does not mean you cannot be involved. You can make a difference by your presence.

One final thing you can do to help strengthen our educational system is to let your voice be heard. Attend school board meetings, public forums, state legislature briefings, and other public events that center on education. You may be surprised to know that educational advocacy is at an all-time low. 

Parents busy working schedules and other factors have caused the public voice to be weakened. It is time to prioritize education once again. Our students and faculty deserve it. This week would you join me as we pray for the school districts around Southeast Iowa. Tell them you are praying for them and rooting for them and ask them how you can help. We can have faith that God can and will change it, but remember God uses people to accomplish his will.