Tim Greener,
High School Principal,
Christian Academy of Louisville, Louisville, KY
Merry Gunnett,
Director of Academic Services,
ACSI,
Colorado Springs, CO
Steven Babbitt,
Director of Publishing Services,
ACSI,
Colorado Springs, CO
You have been hired to teach part-time. The opportunity for ministry to students is an answer to prayer, but how do you get connected when you are only at school part of the day? How do you become an integral member of the faculty and school? The answer, much easier said than done, is to be a part-time teacher with a full-time attitude.
You can do many things to foster this mind-set, and no doubt you’ve thought of some already. Permit us to offer a few more for your consideration:
- Never refer to yourself as just part-time. Your role is as important as the role of any other teacher. God has called you to your position for a specific purpose. How easy it can be to miss this opportunity if you think of yourself as just part-time!
- Get to know as much about the school as you can. Become familiar with the school’s vision and mission statements. Read the school’s literature, including policy manuals and the handbooks for students, parents, and faculty.
- When you are at school, be there full-time. Be mentally focused on the assignment God has given you—to help shape the hearts and minds of your students so that they make a difference in the world.
- Follow the school’s policies and procedures. Don’t get caught in the mind-set that you don’t have to follow them because you’re just part-time.
- Get to know your colleagues and allow them to know you. Be eager to help and to be helped. You are an important member of the team God has put together.
- Look for ways to become involved in school activities. Attendance at athletic contests, music programs, and other such student activities communicates your eagerness to participate. Students, colleagues, and parents will recognize your interest.
- As your schedule permits, accept opportunities to substitute teach. This involvement will reflect your desire to be an integral part of the school.
A Note for Administrators
You play an important part in the lives of your part-time teachers. Your investment in their lives will translate into benefits for the students and school. The following are ways you can help your part-time teachers develop and maintain full-time attitudes:
- Communicate with them in the same ways that you communicate with full-time faculty. All memos, mailings, and calendars must be passed along to these valuable staff members. In particular, when the routine of the school day is altered, be sure to communicate changes that impact their schedules.
- Include them in every faculty in-service training. Provide a way for them to receive instruction in the philosophy of Christian school education as well as to participate in all other professional development opportunities.
- Include them in all faculty meetings, retreats, prayer groups, parties, and social get-togethers. Including them in these team-building opportunities lets them know they are important members of the school staff.
- Acknowledge their value to the school by asking for their input on school-related issues. Give their opinions as much attention as those of the full-time staff.
Being part-time does not mean that you have to have a part-time attitude. Colossians 3:23 gives instruction regarding the right attitude: And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.
Part-Time Teacher, Full-Time Service 6.1