Elizabeth A. Baker
Liberty University Online
Abstract
Relationships in the teaching profession need to be guided, nurtured, and encouraged. Teachers do not only have a relationship with their students, but also with the parents of the students, the other teachers, and the administrators. Each relationship needs to have the foundation of a teacher with godly character. A teacher with a heart for the Lord will be able to, in the least, sustain a relationship though the grace of God. God provides strength when one of his children lacks it and can provide love for another person when it feels like it is not deserved. Keywords: nurture, godly character, relationships
Relationship Building Plan …show more content…
Teachers have the ability to pull together, bounce ideas off of each other, and make cohesive decisions on what works best in classrooms for particular age groups and/or classrooms. While students may be the only ones thought of to have “peers” in the school system, teachers also have peers. The dictionary describes a peer as “a person of the same rank, value, quality, and ability.” Positive peer relationships and friendships can be related to a well-oiled machine. Teachers who have good relationship among each other can hold one another accountable, share suggestions, point out praises as well as improvements that could be made, and help each other remember that our purpose here on this Earth is to not only teach children how to perform the basic math, science, reading, and physical education practices of this world, but to show God’s unfailing love and faithfulness by our actions and words. (McCullough, page …show more content…
According to Joy D. McCullough, there are four essential aspects of having this form of character. The first is to take responsibility. One must be accountable not only for his/her actions and words, but for the thoughts and attitudes that are portrayed as well. The second is to stand firm in his/her foundation and recognize that the values and beliefs held are built upon that foundation. The third area of godly character is to realize that sin is bad and live a life by which sin does not fit in comfortably. Lastly, a Christian educator must recognize that in order to strive for a pure heart, God must break down and build back up in His image. (McCullough, page 9) Without godly character, the reason for educating or having relationships with students, parents, administrators, and teachers may begin to fade into the background noise of