Teacher’s Day Reflection
I think back of the little girl I used to be – shy, quiet and scared of my teachers. Now that I’m a primary school teacher, I realise how talented and flexible teachers are in catering to every student differently in the classroom.
Though my days are long and tiring, I wear a wide smile when I enter the classroom and greet the students. Instantly I won’t feel tired anymore, because their energy brightens my day. That’s when I knew that this was the career I wanted to pursue.
My personal journey
Teaching was something I never dreamt of doing as an adult. I didn’t think I had the patience or skill to teach. But at one point, I had to offer tuition classes to earn extra income while doing my Master’s.
In 2024 during a fasting and prayer season, God left me in tears as He revealed His plans for me. I was convicted of my career path and slowly, a passion for teaching began to grow and doors started to open in ways I couldn’t have planned.
With every small step, God’s hand guided and equipped me. The more I taught, the more I realised that this was Kingdom work. Jesus Himself was referred to as ‘Teacher’ or ‘Rabbi’ in the Gospels, and He taught by example when He washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:13-15).
Becoming like Jesus
I think about how Jesus taught not with pressure or pride, but with parables in the tradition of His time as a wisdom teacher in Israel. His purpose in teaching was not just to transfer knowledge or give information, but to reach hearts and bring transformation.
That inspires me and it’s the kind of teacher I long to be – someone who leads with love, sees the children beyond the textbook, who listens, believes in them, and imparts something of God’s eternal truth into their lives.
Proverbs 22:6’s “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” is proof that teachers can influence a child’s future. So I often pray, “Lord, I want my students to see Jesus in me, even if just a fraction.”
More than anything, I want them to enjoy coming to class, to learn, laugh, make mistakes and know they’re still accepted. Even when I have to correct them, I pray that there is kindness in the disciplining.
A teacher’s greatest joy
One of the greatest joys as a teacher is witnessing growth, not just in grades but in their confidence and understanding. I’ve had moments where a student who once struggled finally said, “I get it now!” as he understood what he was learning.
And of course, nothing compares to the joy of simple things like handmade cards, gifts on Teacher’s Day and messages from parents telling me how their child has improved in a subject. Those are the little moments that keep me going.
A teacher is always learning
Incidentally, there is a proverb that goes, “What one knows is only a handful, whereas the unknown is the size of the world.” So just as much as I teach, I also learn with humility. I believe that while I shape my students, God is also shaping me.
I’ve learnt that patience is not just a skill to perfect, but a daily surrender to God. I’ve learnt that I don’t need to strictly follow a lesson plan if a child needs something different on the day, as I can adjust it to keep them engaged, and come back to it later.
Along the way, I’m picking up Gen Z and Gen Alpha trends. But beyond the fun and gadgets, I’m reminded that our job is not just to raise a generation of achievers, but kind and courageous individuals who will walk in integrity and rise above greed and pride.
A tribute to teachers
To every teacher showing up each day, God sees you. On the tiring days when you doubt if what you do really matters, God sees you. To all the parents, siblings, friends, mentors and coaches imparting values and life skills beyond the classroom, God sees you too.
May the seeds we sow take root one day at a time, one child at a time. It’s true what they say, that God doesn’t call the prepared, but He prepares the called, just like He did with me. Happy Teacher’s Day!
A prayer for teachers
Lord Jesus, we ask for Your love, patience and gentleness in the way we listen, speak to and respond to our students.
May we become more like You, our Teacher and Lord, as we lead by example and value each student as you value them.
About the Author
Priscillia Ann David is a Malaysian from Ipoh, Perak. She holds a Degree in Analytical Chemistry with a minor in Environmental Technology. Currently pursuing her Master’s in Natural Product Research in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), she has been working as a teacher and researcher in Penang for almost two years.
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