Psalm 148 calls for all the earth, animals, and people to praise God.

Praise is not just a form of words or exercise we say or sing at set times during the week. We do not praise God by just having the words come out of our mouths. Praise is a living condition — a joyful, thankful state of mind and heart that are acted upon. We must constantly challenge ourselves to keep Christ as the central reality of life. We may acquire knowledge and understanding of Him -- but if all this does not lead us to be filled with praise and rejoicing in God, it is mechanical and lifeless. It must be the air we breathe -- the influence we radiate.

There is an old adage that says that children will not remember what you taught them, but how you treated them. I believe that teachers are called to live out the love and teachings of Christ in their daily interactions with students. At the end of the day, not ALL children will remember EVERYTHING you taught them. However, they will remember how their teacher treated them.

At the end of the day I ask myself, did I show compassion, did I show love and respect, did I offer praise and encouragement today? There are days when I sometimes find I cannot honestly answer all of these questions positively. Without the actions of modeling and demonstrating these values with and towards my students’ lives, I realize I will never reach my goal of imparting them.

Reading stories, computing numbers, and doing science experiments in front of a group of children is not what draws me to the art of teaching. The subject matter and content of a particular grade level is only a way to the means of what I hope to accomplish in this profession. I would hope to accomplish in a kindergarten classroom what I could in a sixth grade classroom, (though I will not deny that I have been thrilled to be teaching my most desired grade choice: THIRD for the last two years). Instilling a sound sense of respect, responsibility, and wonderment at the amazing world that God has created, are first and foremost the most driving factors in the opportunity of teaching. I strive to teach and live in service and praise of the One who deserves all the praise and glory. Praise be to the Lord!

Miss Heather Scott

3rd Grade Teacher