Why a public school teacher?

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24

This verse brings to mind the reason I am a public school teacher. People often ask me why I spend so much time working at school and working on school especially since the pay is not much. The truth is my mind never truly stops thinking about the children I am serving. To me, school is my mission field. Currently, I teach 4th grade, and I know this is where God wants me to be. I believe that, even in a public school, children should feel safe, loved, and successful. Teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic is not all I do as their teacher. God has given me the opportunity and responsibility to act as their mother, nurse, and counselor while they're in my care. And while the state puts pressure and mandates on what these kids should know, their basic needs, beginning with love, are the most important things to me. Many of these same kids attend our bus church, and although I don't work in the bus church, I am blessed that people I know, love, and fellowship with are also getting a chance to impact their lives. Its not very often that the parents of these children say thanks or give you a pat on the back. However, my work is not in vain. That look a kid has when he/she gets it, or that hug he/she gives, and when a kid sits with you at recess just because he/she can, or even that note a student writes to you when you have not had a good day is reward enough for me. I thank God for the opportunities he gives me.