When we pray, especially in private, we must spend time in silent openness to what God is saying to us. Whether you are veteran teacher with a masters degree in theology, or a first-year teacher who attended secular grade school, high school, and college with little recent study of religion, you must be ready to share your prayer life. Be sure there is something there to share, for we cannot give what we do not possess. Some ways in which you can prepare yourself are to look for opportunities to learn more about the faith in general and prayer in particular. In our Diocese there is an institute which provides a course of instruction toward certification in religious education for catechists.
Parishes usually pay the tuition as an investment in the formation of catechists.
Many schools offer teachers opportunities to take part in regular prayer experiences ranging from retreat days to brief gatherings once a week or day. Sometimes you may be asked to lead prayer. Never pass up an opportunity to do so. Just like our students, we learn by doing. The more we act as spiritual leaders, the more comfortable we will be being spiritual leaders.