What do you do for work?
I’m a middle school Special Education Teacher and Coordinator.
The process of getting a job can be quite interesting and/or eventful. What’s something that you went through to get this job or get into this line of work?
This school year marks my 18th year as a middle school teacher. I still remember graduating college, eager to secure a full-time job so I could tackle my student loans. I put in a lot of effort, attending job fairs, networking, using job search websites, and sending my resume to every school I was interested in.
What would you share about your work that would be helpful for others in their own lives? Or a fun fact about your work.
As a special education teacher, I have learned that consistency, patience and flexibility are key because they directly contribute to creating a supportive, effective learning environment for students with diverse needs. Special education students thrive on consistent routine and clear expectations. Patience is essential when working with students who may need extra time to grasp a concept or develop a social skill. Flexibility is key because you are dealing with kids. They have personalities, attitudes and good/bad days. As a teacher and coordinator being flexible allows you to adjust lesson plans, teaching methods or behavioral needs.
What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced at work as someone who’s goal is to live by the Bible?
As a teacher, one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a Christian is balancing my personal faith with the need to maintain a neutral and inclusive environment in a public school setting. While I hold strong Christian values, I also have a responsibility to respect the diverse beliefs of my students and create a classroom where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their background.
For example, when discussing topics that might touch on moral or ethical issues—such as issues of justice, truth, or even sexuality—I often find myself grappling with how much to share of my own worldview. It’s important to be respectful of differing perspectives, yet at the same time, my faith is deeply intertwined with how I view the world and how I interact with others. Striking a balance between teaching what’s in the curriculum while maintaining integrity in how I model kindness, patience, and fairness as a Christian can sometimes be tricky. Therefore, I try to be shrewd when necessary and straightforward where needed. I have said statements such as “I am a Christian, and because of my faith I …”
How would you advise someone to best manage this challenge i.e. your (biblical) best practice.
When I think about balancing my Christian faith with my role as a teacher, I realize that it’s often not about what I explicitly say, but about how I live and interact with my students. There are moments when I’m faced with the challenge of staying true to my beliefs while maintaining a respectful, inclusive environment for everyone in the classroom. Therefore, I try to focus on living out my faith through my actions. I don’t always have the opportunity to talk about my faith, but I believe my behavior can speak volumes. Treating my students with fairness, integrity, and empathy—even when things get difficult—helps me reflect Christ’s character. I think of Matthew 5:16, where Jesus says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” By simply doing my best and showing kindness, I can point students to something bigger, even if they don’t fully understand it.
Also, I remind myself that teaching is not just a job for me—it’s a calling. Even if I’m not always able to explicitly share my faith, I’m still serving as an ambassador of Christ in the classroom. I keep in mind Colossians 3:23-24, which says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Every lesson I teach and every interaction with my students is an opportunity to serve God and reflect His love.
For me, managing the tension between my faith and my role as a teacher comes down to living out my Christian values through my actions—showing love, being humble, and always seeking wisdom. I know that when I approach my work with these principles, I can create a classroom environment that honors God and respects the diversity of the students I teach.
What’s a scripture that would be a great go-to when faced with this challenge?
My favorites are Colossians 3:23 and Matthew 5:16–however, when a preteen or teenager tries to curse me out, I activate Matthew 9:36 in my mind. It reminds me how Jesus viewed the crowd as “harassed and helpless.” I like to think of it as the biblical version of “Bless their heart.” That perspective helps me respond with compassion, and an understanding that their behavior may come from deeper struggles. Even though I’m mentally calculating how fast I could run to the nearest exit…lol
How would you advise someone to best handle conflict, or differences of opinion?
When I face conflict or a difference of opinion, I’ve learned the best approach is to stay calm and focus on understanding, rather than “winning” the argument. The first thing I try to do is listen. It’s tempting to jump in and defend my point, but I’ve found that listening carefully helps defuse tension. I give the other person space to share their thoughts, even if I don’t agree. It shows respect and helps me understand their perspective. James 1:19 reminds me, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”
I also try to find common ground. In the middle of a disagreement, I look for shared values or goals. Focusing on what we both want helps shift the conversation from a battle to a collaboration. It’s easier to work together when we feel like we’re on the same team. Romans 14:19 encourages, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” That’s always my goal—peace and respect, even if we don’t see eye to eye.
Lastly, I pray for wisdom and peace. When a conflict gets tough, I know I can’t handle it on my own. I ask God for wisdom to respond in a way that honors Him, and for peace to stay calm, no matter how heated things get. James 1:5 reminds me, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach.”
What are you reading in your quiet times lately?
Lately, my quiet times have been focused on renewing my mind and thoughts. I’ve been really intentional about what I allow to shape my thinking, especially with everything going on around me. Romans 12:2 has been a key verse: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” It reminds me that how I think directly affects how I live and handle challenges.
I’ve also been reflecting on Philippians 4:8, which says, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right…think about such things.” This has helped me focus on positive, life-giving thoughts rather than getting caught up in negativity or stress. It’s a reminder to center my thoughts on God’s goodness and what’s worthy of praise.
In my quiet time, I’ve been journaling a lot too, helping me process what I’m learning and how God is shifting my heart. I’ve been praying for wisdom and for my thoughts to align more with His truth.
Overall, my focus has been on letting God renew my mind. When I start my day with this intention, I feel more at peace and able to handle whatever comes my way. It’s an ongoing process, but I’m already noticing a change in how I think and respond to life.
How do you prepare for your workday i.e. your morning routine?
My morning routine actually starts the night before. I’ve learned that if I don’t prepare ahead of time, I’m more likely to feel rushed and stressed the next day. So, before I go to bed, I make sure to pack my lunch, lay out my clothes for the day, and do the same for my son. I also set all the alarms I’ll need so I can ease into the morning without that panicked feeling of, “Did I forget something?” That way, when I wake up, I already feel a little more in control.
When the morning actually arrives, I usually begin with prayer and time in the word. Starting my day this way helps me feel at peace and prepared to face whatever is ahead. Then, it’s time for a good breakfast, an on-the-go breakfast. I make sure to have something nutritious to fuel me but easy to eat on the go, whether it’s overnight oats, eggs, or fruit. I also take this time to listen to something encouraging in my car ride, like a podcast or a quick devotional, just to set the tone for the day.