The beginnings of today’s National Day Calendar celebration take us back to 1944. Discussions began between educators and politicians, seeking a way to recognize teachers for their dedication and service. As is true with most committees, there is lots of talk but little action.
Finally, in 1953, former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt approached the 81st Congress and convinced them to declare a National Teacher Appreciation Day. Also known as National Teachers Day, it would take another 27 years before the next one would be celebrated on March 7, 1980. Thanks to the efforts of the NEA, National Teacher Day became a regular celebration. In 1985, it was moved to the first Tuesday of May. And it was no longer a day. The celebration became a week of recognition for educators.
It might surprise you to know that there is over “3 million teachers in the United States in K-12 schools. There are around 56 million students. Teachers are thought of differently in different areas of the world. In China teachers are highly respected and well paid. In Ancient Greece teachers were some of the most highly paid skilled workers. However, many teachers in Ancient Rome were Greek slaves. Around 1.1 million students are home-schooled. And there are around 98,000 public schools in the United States.”1
Did you have a favorite teacher in school? My first favorite was Mrs. Pearl Bowman, our first-grade teacher. This lady was old school! She disciplined. She didn’t put up with tomfoolery in the classroom. “Line up” meant straight line, mouths closed, and hands to yourself. Infractions were met with a trip to the dark “cloak room” where you waited either for her to paddle you or until she was done being irritated with you. I think I ended up in there twice. Four things stand out in my memory from her class: the reason why I was in the cloak room, a Christmas ornament we made that hung on the tree for years, leaving first grade knowing how to read phonetically, and knowing that this woman with snowy white hair and cat-eye glasses loved and cared for each of us.
For years (maybe still), I had a postcard from her when she went on vacation in Florida. A handwritten note said that she was enjoying the sun but missing ME and looking forward to being back soon. For a few years, I walked around with the presumption that I was her favorite. Slowly though, I realized that she probably wrote the same message to everyone of her students. Still, this was a cherished postcard.
I feel amazingly blessed to have not only had some fantastic teachers in school and college but even better teachers at church. My early Sunday School teachers and all the teachers through high school and youth group hold a special place of value in my heart. I won’t name them because of fear that I might forget a name and I wouldn’t want to do that. Just know that if you are reading this and you were one of my teachers, YOU share in every blessing and reward that God has reserved for me. You made a difference in my life and left a lasting impression. I cannot thank you enough.
The Bible gives some instructions regarding teachers that we need to consider. James 3:1 says, “My brethren, be not many masters (literally, teachers), knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.” Hebrews 5:12 says, “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” One verse seems to say that we shouldn’t be too quick to jump into the teaching role and the other seem to say that we should be teaching. Which one is right?
BOTH!
The Believer’s Bible Commentary gives this explanation concerning James 3:1. “The subject is introduced by a warning against the hasty desire to be a teacher of the word of God. Although the tongue is not specifically mentioned, the underlying thought is that one who uses his tongue in teaching the Scriptures assumes added responsibility before God and man. The words “be not many masters” may be paraphrased: “Do not become unduly ambitious to be a teacher.” This should not be interpreted as a prohibition against the use of his gift by one who has actually been called of God to teach. It is a simple warning that this ministry should not be undertaken lightly. Those who teach the Word of Truth will receive heavier judgment if they fail to practice what they teach.
“It is a great responsibility to teach the Bible. The teacher must be prepared to obey what he sees in the word. He can never hope to lead others beyond what he himself has practiced. The extent of his influence on others will be determined by how much he himself has progressed. The teacher begets others in his own image; he makes them like himself. If he dilutes or explains away the clear meaning of any Scripture, he hinders the growth of his students. If he condones sin in any form, he fosters lives of unholiness. No other book makes such claims on its readers as the NT. It calls for total commitment to Jesus Christ. It insists that He must be Lord of every phase of the believer’s life. It is a serious matter to teach from such a book!”
Hebrews deals with the immaturity and lack of spiritual growth in a believer’s life that would hinder them from teaching. Too many Christians get saved and then fail to 
properly grow. Some of that blame falls on the church and a failure to disciple new believers but most of the blame falls on the individual for not taking the initiative to do what’s necessary for growth. While every Christian isn’t called to teach in a classroom or from a pulpit, every Christian is going to teach someone: their own children, a neighbor, coworker, or someone looking at their life. We must be of the spiritual caliber and maturity that would insure we teach well.
Ultimately, we acknowledge the greatest of all teachers, God Himself. The Lord says in Psalms 32:8, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” This needs to be our prayer. Memorize Psalms 27:11 and pray it often. “Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.”
1https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/national_teacher_day.php
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