Why did I quit teaching?

Introduction

I think, in some way or another, I have always been passionate about education.  This is for two reasons. First, I am fascinated by systems and the way they work.  Education, and public education in particular, is an enormous political, social, and economic system in America, so it's very interesting to think about from that perspective.  Second, I have had a very checkered educational and teaching experience personally, so I have a bit of a unique perspective on it as well.

Since I want to write and research education, I thought a good place to start was my own story.  That story has a particular turning point: the day that I quit teaching.

While I am concerned in large part with the state of the educational system in America, it strikes me that all this hinges on two factors: a student and a teacher.  There have always been students-- children who want to learn (voluntary attendance) or else are made to attend school by social and legal pressures (compulsory attendance).  For the foreseeable future, the kids aren't going anywhere-- a majority of parents still want their children to attend public or private school (though their reasons for it may vary).  But what about the teachers?  Are there still people out there willing to educate both children who want to learn and children who are compelled to attend?  If education is a right, rather than a privilege, is a requirement that we as a nation are capable of fulfilling?

Connection strategies: Outreach events & practices

Here's my last post on connection strategies, a series in which we discuss the way that you can solidify connections and a sense of community between people in your Sunday School or life group.  As mentioned in previous posts, a true community of believers is "sticky"-- it makes people feel loved, wanted, needed, and cared for.  It's more than a social club or a Sunday event; it is the body of Christ in action, meeting needs and growing the Kingdom.  By the same token, outreach is about more than numbers (reaching X number of people, growing by X percent, etc.).  It is about fulfilling the Great Commission and finding more people who need the love and care of Christ.

While your church may have some larger evangelism and outreach strategies in place, your Sunday School or life group can implement its own complementary practices for growth.  Here are some suggestions: