Prayer in School

My dad emailed me something last night that I wanted to share. I have seen this email before, but it was a perfect time to be reminded! With all the stress of district testing and the start of a new nine weeks, it's a good time for reflection.

This is about a teacher applicant after being interviewed by the school administration. The teacher prospect said,

"Let me see if I've got this right! You want me to go into that room with all those kids, correct their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse, monitor their dress habits, censor their T-shirt messages, and instill in them a love for learning. You want me to check their backpacks for weapons, wage war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, and raise their sense of self-esteem and personal pride! You want me to teach them patriotism and good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play, and how to register to vote, balance a checkbook, and apply for a job. You want me to check their heads for lice, recognize signs of antisocial behavior, and make sure they all pass the state exams! You also want me to provide them with an equal education regardless of their handicaps, and communicate regularly with their parents in English and Spanish by letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card. You want me to do all this with a piece of chalk, a blackboard, a bulletin board, a few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that qualifies me for food stamps?! You want me to do all this and then you tell me..........I CAN'T PRAY?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?"

This is SO true!! It reminds me of my first class. I came in January (the fourth teacher in that room!). My kids were wild, but so much fun! When it came time for district testing, I was a nervous wreck! District testing is much more stressful than MCT. I don't know if I've told you we are testing this week...so this story feels so appropriate.

My first class...Van Winkle 2005 As one of Mrs. Pemberton's students said as she peeked out their window, "Who's that white girl!?" Ha!
We were getting ready for an MCT Pep Rally to motivate the students.

I had prepared and overprepared my student for these tests. I sent home a note detailing my expectations, and telling the parents how much I believe in and love these students. I was ready! On test day, my proctor had arrived and I was going over the script before the students began. You know how standardized tests are! Anyway, after I read through the directions, I asked if there were any questions. Kadarius raised his hand. When I called on him, he asked if he could pray. I told him sure, and went on passing out the test booklets (thinking he was going to just close his eyes for a minute or two). Then, I hear this voice say, "Everybody bow yo' heads!" I wish you could have seen my face - eyes wide open as I looked to the proctor. She looked the same way! Who was I to argue?? So, I did what the boy said. I bowed my head! He said a prayer for the class to "do good on these tests." When he said, "Amen," the class joined in and called out "Amen." I just kept thinking what we must have looked like as the administration and test monitors passed by our window! At least, if I lost my job...I'd lose it for an awesome reason!

Kadarius (on left) and Charlie

I love that story, and I try to remember it each time we take these tests. God is so good! I love the ways He reminds me that He is here. What a great first testing experience!! And who could ever, for a second, believe that a teacher can survive without prayer!?