In many congregations teachers are our unsung heroes. They take time to prepare sessions that invite children to encounter God through story and response activity. They keep the classrooms tidy and well stocked. They pay attention to the needs of the children in their care, often providing snacks and cards. Some even take time to play with the children outside of class time.
Most teachers teach because they love kids and care about their spiritual nurture.
Provide regular check in times to affirm, listen, serve as a sounding board, check up on supplies, note potential areas of concern. Treat the teacher as a partner in ministry. Discover together what adults can learn from children about being church. Pass on teacher training tips through one page handouts, by sharing a book that is worth reading, sending home a Jubilee training video, short e-mail messages with a few ideas worth trying. Pay registration, travel and childcare expenses to send teachers to area conference training events in order to nurture their ministry gifts.