Surina Fletcher

"You face different challenges and you need God to guide you . . . having a strong network of friends also helps"

Would you describe teaching as a calling or a vocation?

Teaching is definitely a Christian calling because we are seen as ‘in loco parentis'. You are imparting core values and knowledge to the children you work with as if they were your own offspring and being a Christian teacher affords you that privilege.

In what ways do you think you have made a difference to the lives of your pupils?

There's a verse in the book of Proverbs that says, "Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it". This verse is talking about parents and their children. However, I believe that this can be applied to teaching all children whether they are yours or other peoples. Children spend a large portion of their time in compulsory education and teachers have a huge influence on their pupils' understanding of the world around them. From an early age teachers influence children's concept of life and give them experiences of the world that many people would not and will not get the opportunity to do.

How does being a Christian help you to cope with the challenges of teaching today?

I have had to rely heavily on God for almost everything. There is the satisfaction of helping children and knowing that you have helped them learn something new but you have to be realistic - teaching isn't easy. You have to pray: ask for grace, mercy and strength for each day because the dynamics of school life is such that you go into school facing different challenges and you need God to guide you. However, having a strong network of Christian friends - some of whom are teachers - also helps because I get support from people who understand what I go through at times.

What gives you a buzz about being in teaching?

I remember at a Parents Evening being told by a parent how happy they were that their child was in my class because they have seen an improvement in their child's work and attitude to work. Another parent was really pleased to hear that I would be teaching one of their other children. There is also the feeling of contentment when a pupil gives you a card saying you're the ‘best teacher' they've had or they understand a concept that you have taught them. It makes all the hard work worthwhile.

What would you say to a Christian who was thinking about going into teaching?

Make sure that you are going into it for the right reasons. Don't just think about the holidays or the money. You have to really want to do it for the children. Remember there will be a lot of hard work involved.

Could you use one sentence to sum up what it means to you to be a Christian teacher?

Going that extra mile with the children you teach, caring about them and also praying for each and every one of them, reminds you that these children are valuable, worthwhile, and a gift from God.