A Grateful Heart for Teachers

                   A Grateful Heart for Teachers

Scripture: “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.”
— Proverbs 1:5 (ESV)

Today, we pause to give thanks for one of the most under-celebrated, yet deeply influential roles in our lives — teachers. From classrooms to lecture halls, from chalkboards to smartboards, educators help shape not just what we know, but often, who we become. I’ve had the honor of teaching on both the collegiate and middle school levels, and I can personally say that while it is incredibly rewarding work, it is also undeniably hard work. It takes heart, patience, vision, and grit to stand before a classroom and dare to unlock the potential in others.

I encourage you to offer appreciation — both to God and directly to the teachers in your life. Thank the Divine for those individuals who pour wisdom into our minds and plant seeds of purpose in our hearts. Then go the extra step and let a teacher know that their work matters. Whether it’s a note, a word of encouragement, or a small act of kindness, gratitude goes a long way.

Two teachers left indelible imprints on my own journey — one from high school and another from middle school. Their words, presence, and belief in me gave me courage when I felt unsure and clarity when I was confused. They saw something in me before I saw it in myself. That is the gift teachers give every day.

Anna Julia Cooper once wrote, “The cause of freedom is not the cause of a race or a sect, a party or a class—it is the cause of humankind, the very birthright of humanity.” Teachers carry this cause. Every day they equip minds and liberate spirits. Similarly, W.E.B. Du Bois reminded us, “Of all the civil rights for which the world has struggled and fought for 5,000 years, the right to learn is undoubtedly the most fundamental.” Teachers are the custodians of that right. Let us honor them accordingly.

Prayer: Gracious and Wise God, Thank You for the teachers You’ve placed in our lives—past and present. Thank You for the strength You give them to show up each day, even when they are tired. Thank You for the love they show when others may not notice. May Your Spirit continue to equip, encourage, and renew them daily. Remind us to express gratitude and extend kindness. Help us honor their service with our words, our actions, and our prayers. May we always remember the great responsibility and sacred trust they carry. In Your holy name we pray, Amen.

Today, be intentional. Reach out and thank a teacher. Lift them in prayer. Let them know they are seen. And above all, be grateful—for in shaping minds, they are shaping the future.