Transformational Teachers

June 16, 2017 | John Issa

Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith. (Hebrews 13:7)

For the past two decades, extensive research on transformational leadership has underlined its importance in many areas, both on the macro and micro levels.

As Seventh-day Adventist educators and leaders of leaders, we are to be most observant and cognizant of what we do in our schools and classes. We know that more than any time before, the obligations put on the shoulders of teachers are weighty and sacred. Students come into our classrooms, seeking more than just a good teacher. Many of them come with an expectation to find a friend or even a parent.

If we as teachers aspire to have our classrooms as tools that would enhance a positive transformation in the lives of our students, then we ourselves must be in constant touch with our God.  He is the only Source to draw from that would enrich and empower us to project a hopeful future that emphasizes a God whose love is unending and personally invested, and our role in preparing others to live joyfully, knowing, loving, and serving God even as we anticipate Christ’s return and the end of sin and all its horrible consequences.

Our commitment to our beliefs and values should be an inspiration to all students who will see that we are not afraid to call sin by its name, and that our faith in God is the only source of comfort in an increasingly evil world.

If we, as committed Adventist teachers, have not prioritized facilitating spiritual transformation in our students, then we ought to reconsider our calling.  While we may never know the full extent of impact of our intentional integration of faith in the classroom and in our co-curricular associations with students, our commitment should consistently be to allow God to work through us to transform them to strongholds of heaven’s values.

Ellen White intimates that the salvation of students will be the highest interest of Christ-following teachers.  As an Adventist teacher, have you chosen to be accountable to God for your impact on each student?  We have the privilege and responsibility to uplift Christ’s upside-down kingdom and values in today’s secular world, through our words and actions.

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Note: Article written and posted in English

CIRCLE Resources:
Developing Values Through Imagination
A Word Fitly Spoken
Best Practices in Character Education