By Camille Long
Faith, to me, means having an unwavering trust in God. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” I have been a teacher for the past nineteen years, and I have faith that each year, I am going to get students in my class with whom I can connect. Also, I have faith that God is going to give me the ability to reach every student that crosses my path.
God is using me to reach the next generation. I know that at school, especially a public school, I cannot teach about Jesus. I can, however, show Jesus through how I teach, how I act, and how I interact with my colleagues and those around me. I try to be the light in the dark and teach my students to be kind and good citizens, not just excel academically.
What sets me apart from many other teachers, is that I have Christ inside and with me. He is with me every single day as I instruct kids of various backgrounds, races, and cultures. I know that God has handpicked every student in my classroom. I do not take this knowledge lightly. This means I have a part in his divine plan for all my students. When students come into my room every morning I greet them individually. While they are with me, and even when they leave Elementary for Middle School, they know that they are loved by me, and can always count on me to be there for them. Once one of my “kids,” always, one of my kids. Faith means sharing the love of Christ, and that is just what I do.
CAMILLE LONG teaches 5th grade at Cypress Creek Elementary School. She is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from American Intercontinental University. She is married and has two children. In addition she is a youth group leader to middle and high school students. She has twice been chosen as Teacher of the Year at her school.