All staff in schools benefit from support and encouragement. Many Christian staff working in education see their job as a vocation, a form of Christian service into which God has called them. Churches can play a vital role by recognising their work as God's calling and supporting and encouraging them in that ministry.
Schools are demanding environments in which to work. The rewards are tremendous when young people are enabled to blossom, but the challenges are also huge. In term time, teachers and headteachers work extremely long hours, and their daily work can be very stressful. Therefore churches should aim not to over-burden Christian staff with roles and responsibilities within the life of the church.
The best gift that you can give them is to recognise that the Christian teacher's first calling is to be a teacher. Resist the urge to ask or persuade them to be involved in children's or youth work or to run the annual holiday club! If they do subsequently volunteer to help, then you can be sure that they will have useful gifts and expertise for the role.
Do honour their ministry in education by inviting staff to contribute to services to share their challenges and concerns about education. Encourage the church to pray regularly for all involved in the life of the school. Prayer partners, education prayer groups or prayer chains can be a lifeline for Christian teachers.