What if your greatest teaching lessons didn’t come from a textbook — but from your students?
by Fran Turuta: Guest Writer for the Faith Journey blog.
As Christian educators, we often spend hours designing lesson plans, aligning curriculum maps, and integrating a biblical worldview into every subject area. Yet, some of the most powerful learning moments come not from what we teach — but from what our students teach us.
After celebrating 20 years in the classroom, I’ve found myself reflecting on the countless faces, prayers, and stories that have shaped my journey as a teacher. From grading papers to chopping vegetables at home, memories of students past and present remind me that God has used each of them to mold me into a more compassionate, thoughtful, and faith-filled educator.
The Unexpected Teacher Named Jude
One student — let’s call him Jude — stands out vividly in my memory.
Jude was the kind of student every teacher dreams of: respectful, bright, funny, and kind. I remember him once joking that a bright red sports car parked near the buses was “his ride home.” That moment still makes me laugh.
His handwriting looked like art — the kind you’d hold up in the teacher’s lounge just to show off. At that time, I thought, If only every student could be like Jude!
But years later, I realized something deeper: students like Jude make teaching joyful, but it’s the challenging students — and the challenging seasons — that make teachers grow.
Growth in the Messy Middle of Teaching
Every student who walks through our classroom door comes with a story — sometimes joyful, sometimes heavy. Some struggle academically; others face social or family challenges that weigh deeply on their hearts.
These are the moments when Christian educators step into sacred work:
We pray, we listen, we partner with families, and we learn perseverance.
In these hard places, teachers discover new strategies, empathy, and endurance. These moments refine us — shaping us into educators who teach not just for grades, but for God’s glory.
When we face those classroom challenges, it’s worth asking:
“What can I learn from this situation or this child?”
Every challenge becomes an invitation to grow our teaching toolbox — to seek out professional development, collaborate with colleagues, and trust God’s process of sanctification in our classrooms.
As President Franklin D. Roosevelt wisely said, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”
Faith, Curriculum, and Continuous Growth
Whether we’re updating our curriculum maps, working on vertical alignment across grade levels, or integrating faith formation goals into lesson plans, the principle remains the same: God uses every experience to grow us.
The flipped classroom isn’t just a strategy for instruction — it’s also a metaphor for spiritual formation. Sometimes, it’s the students who flip the lesson and teach us something new about patience, creativity, or grace.
As we document learning, assess growth, and align curriculum, may we remember that the heart of Christian education isn’t perfection — it’s discipleship. Every student encounter is a divine opportunity for both teacher and learner to be transformed.
Looking Ahead
As I look toward the next 20 years, I still feel the same joy and anticipation I had on my first day of teaching. When the time finally comes to retire, I like to imagine that a shiny red sports car — just like Jude’s “bus” — will be waiting to take me home.
Until then, I’ll keep learning from my students, trusting God’s hand in every moment, and giving thanks for the incredible privilege of shaping young hearts and minds for Christ.
✝️ Call to Action: Supporting Christian Educators in Growth
Are you a Christian educator or school leader seeking to deepen your impact through curriculum planning, biblical worldview integration, or teacher development?
Let’s walk this journey together.
Connect with our partners at Atlas to explore professional development, curriculum mapping, and faith-based instructional design that supports lasting transformation in your school.”
About the Author
Fran Turuta serves at Smithtown Christian School on Long Island, NY. With over 20 years of experience teaching 1st through 5th grades, she brings deep wisdom, joy, and a heart for faith-based education. Fran is also a wife, mother, and lover of paddleboarding, baking, running, and reading.
