Returning to school after any long break can come with a lot of hard feelings: anxiety, overwhelm, even dread. But re-entering the classroom doesn't have to be so bad. Listen to this episode of encouragement for teachers as they get ready to go back to school after a break!
listen here:
What We Really Need
I don't know about you, but sometimes when it's time to head back from a break, I realize, "My goodness, I am not ready to go back."
We went into the break exhausted, tired, maybe really overwhelmed and even discouraged. And we thought, "Okay, the break will fix it all. I'll come back, I'll be refreshed, I'll be ready to go." But..it didn't.
There are times when we just need a break and the break is very invigorating and refreshing. However, sometimes the time off simply doesn't cut it. And part of the reason was because we needed more than just a break.
Our hope was misplaced. Simply taking time off can not solve problems that it or restore my weary heart. In other words, we needed more than just some time away. We really needed to reconnect with God. We needed to consider why we are here. We need the time to do deeper soul work. So here are three ways to get ready to go back to school when you are dreading it.
1: We Are Where God Has Called Us
We need to remind ourselves that God has called us right where we are.
You are working for him first and foremost. It's so easy to get caught up and prioritize what admin, parents and students are staying. Obviously we should take feedback and care about doing a good job. But ultimately, what matters most is the fact that we are serving Christ. He is our priority.
We should be seeking first to honor Him and recognizing that He's placed us right where we are for a reason. So if you're struggling returning to your classroom, recognize how Christ is calling you back. You're going back for him, not for the students, not for the parents, not for the admin. First and foremost, it's for Him.
One verse that helps remind us of this is Colossians 3:23-24. "Whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward." You are serving the Lord Christ. So remind yourself God has called you to this work.
2: God Goes With You
The next way to prepare for going back after a break is to remind yourself that God is with you. You can arm yourself with the words of Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
So whatever it is that is stirring up that anxiety and fear concerning returning, remind yourself that God is with you in that situation. He is there to help you know what to do and know what to say. God is there to give you wisdom, he's there to give you energy, he's there to give you strength. He is at work even when we don't see it. So you are not stepping back into that classroom alone. You are stepping back in it with God at your side.
3: Pray For God's Help
Which brings us to number three, pray and ask God for help. God is always there, but prayer is a special invitation of connection between you and God. When we ask him to be involved in the situation, we are directly inviting him to get involved; to be the source of energy, strength, and wisdom that we need. I love Philippians 4:6-7. You've heard these verses before, but listen to the truth:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
So share your fears, your worries, and your feelings to God. You can tell him exactly how you feel. He already knows why you're afraid or worried and why you aren't ready yet to return to school just yet.
Yet, that conversation of prayer is so special. When you ask him to help, ask him to be involved, then you can let that peace fill your heart. Sometimes we have to choose to let go of our anxiety, our fear, our emotions, and say, "God, I'm going to choose to trust you in this situation, to face this upcoming challenge with you in charge."
4: Practice Gratitude
Number four actually comes from the same verses. Did you catch that little phrase? It says by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. Practicing gratitiude is obviously not something brand new to you. You have probably heard it a million times, but the power isn't in knowing about it, it's in actually doing it.
So sit down and just make a bullet list of all the things that you're thankful for. You can make a list of things that you're thankful for in your personal life, at home, things that happened over the break, but then definitely include or make a separate list of things that you're thankful for at school. The point of the exercise is to help us thank God for how he has blessed us in our job, even if we don't feel it in the moment.
No matter how hard this year has been there are blessings that God has given you at school. Jot all those down and thank God for them. Be reminded of just how good God has been.
Remember that you are where God has you, God is with you, He has blessed you, and given you much to be grateful for.
Yet, some of you may be facing one of the most difficult years of teaching in your career. If you still feel discouraged, check out the resource below:
Love Teaching Again Challenge
Join us in the Love Teaching Again Challenge where you'll fight back against the overwhelm & discouragement so prevalent in our profession alongside teachers from around the world
Each day you'll unlock a short video & action item to use during your regular devotional time that will increase your trust in God and rekindle your love of teaching.
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heRZOG FOUNDATIoN
The Herzog Foundation exists to catalyze and accelerate the development of quality Christ-centered K-12 education so that families and culture flourish.
Herzog will be accepting Teacher of the Year nominations beginning Jan. 6, 2025. If you know of a teacher who has served in Christian Education for at least a year and is highly respected by students, parents, colleagues, and the community, Herzog would love to consider them for this award. Nominations can be submitted at herzogfoundation.com/awards.
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