Jesus Is Our Model Teacher

Jesus is our example of the perfect teacher.  Jesus taught the truth in many ways.  He told parables and used allegory to illustrate deep truths (Luke 15: 1-7).  Jesus entered into dialog with his disciples using questions like, “Who do people say I am?” (Mark 8: 27).  Jesus gave practical, hands-on experience when he sent his disciples out to put into practice what they had learned (Luke 9:2).  Jesus gave structured lectures like the Sermon on the Mount.  Most importantly, Jesus modeled behavior by living a life on earth devoted to the Father (John 1:14).  Following Jesus’ example, teachers at a Christian school should use a variety of teaching methods to reach children of varying learning styles.  We should use stories, audio-visuals, and modern technology to illustrate the truth we are teaching.  We must enter into debate with children to encourage them to think through the truth that they have received. We must give practical, hands-on experiences through workstations, field trips and classroom workshops.  Teachers should value structure and communicate through lecture at various times.  However, the most distinguishing factor of a good Christian school is the life modeled by its faculty.  Teachers walk in the Spirit before the children and are open to the Spirit for teachable moments (Romans 8:5).  A ‘teachable moment’ is the use of an unexpected event in the day to teach truth.