One of a teacher’s greatest roles is to inspire learners to be leaders—calling students to action rooted in truth. As Catholic school teachers, we are in an especially unique and honorable position to motivate others to follow Christ and, in turn, lead others to Him. But how can we do this? How can we be the kind of leaders who inspire our students to be leaders, too?
I believe that the difference between a good Catholic school and a great one comes down to its leadership and how its leaders promote students to be leaders outside of their homes and classrooms.
“Modern man listens more willingly to witness than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.” (Pope Paul VI)
Chances are, we have all heard the line, “Do as I say but not as I do” countless times in our lives; however, I believe that more often than not we learn by watching the actions of those around us far more than listening to their words. How many of us can remember the exact words of a teacher–one who impacted us positively or negatively? I would argue that most of us cannot, but we can surely remember how the teacher acted and how that teacher made us feel.
As teachers of the Catholic faith, we have a unique opportunity to provide comprehensive spiritual formation that respects and honors the Catholic Church. It is a gift when a school offers regular Masses and opportunities for Reconciliation, thorough sacramental preparation, and dedicated and spontaneous times for prayer and reflection throughout the days. But to teach with conviction, we must prioritize these things in our own daily lives. When we live what we believe, we are true witnesses to the faith. When we live our faith, we have entered into an intimate relationship of infinite and unfailing love–a love that radiates from within us and permeates our lives and the lives of those entrusted to us.
“Learn of me, for I am meek and humble of heart.”(Matthew 11:29)
Humble leaders are open to the ideas and perspectives of others, fostering collaboration and teamwork within their school and classroom. Humility asserts truth and requires being open to feedback from students, parents, peers and administration, learning from successes and mistakes and celebrating each one equally.
A humble leader in the classroom listens attentively to students and encourages them to express their thoughts and questions freely, seeing each student as a gift from God. Humility builds trust, demonstrating authenticity, sincerity and a willingness to listen and learn from others. Humble leaders acknowledge their limitations and seek to collaborate with colleagues and parents to achieve common goals for their students. By modeling humility, a teacher can inspire students to embrace humility themselves.
“For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.”(Ephesians 2:10)
Teachers who understand the importance of motivation acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and progress of their students. By recognizing their efforts and success, teachers reinforce a sense of accomplishment and encourage continued engagement and dedication. Instilling a love for learning and truth at an early age sets the foundation for life-long learning habits, encouraging students to seek knowledge and truth and experience the wonder of creation inside and outside the classroom.
Every Catholic school has a mission statement. Excellent Catholic schools are driven and guided by this mission statement. Effective teachers articulate a compelling vision and purpose that resonates with the school’s mission statement and values. By connecting individual tasks and goals to this greater purpose, teachers, as leaders, inspire motivation and commitment in their students.
In essence, motivated learners often become motivational leaders, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and growth rooted in truth and inspiring those around them to do the same.
“Stay where you are—find your own Calcutta. Find the sick, the suffering, the lonely, right there where you are—in your own homes and in your own families, in your workplaces and schools.”(Saint Teresa of Calcutta)
Integral to the Catholic mission is the call to serve others. Service puts faith into action, and as Catholics we are called to show reverence and love for every person, defending and promoting the dignity of every human person. We have a responsibility as Catholic school educators to model for our students how we can see one another through the loving lens of our Father, viewing each person we encounter as precious sons and daughters of God. By implementing service-learning initiatives in our schools and classrooms, we allow students to apply their faith in action, looking with compassion and extending comfort to those in need.
Christian service can take on many forms from simple acts shared in our homes and classrooms to grand acts in our greater community. Service-oriented leaders who prioritize the needs of the less fortunate foster a culture of empathy and kindness and ultimately contribute to building up the Kingdom of God, willingly leading through service wherever we are.
The role of the Catholic school teacher extends far beyond the mere transmission of knowledge; we are entrusted with the noble task of forming the hearts and minds of our students into future leaders. To effectively fulfill this responsibility, we must embody the qualities of faith, humility, motivation and love. By doing so, we can play a vital role in shaping the future of our youth, inspiring others to be leaders who strive to create a more just, compassionate and loving society, rooted in the teachings of Christ.
Emily Joncas is a kindergarten teacher at St. Gertrude School in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.ejoncas@stgertrudesch.org
