There are many Bible verses that may be used to encourage teachers as they impart wisdom and act as role models for children. These verses will motivate them to stand firm in their profession, be disciplined, and always have a positive mindset.
17 Bible verses for teachers’ appreciation
It is important to let others know that they are appreciated. The word of God has many scripture quotations that may be used to express appreciation to teachers.
The following list of Bible verses may be used to convey warm sentiments to teachers as you acknowledge and recognize their important role.
Romans 12:6-7 NIV : Teaching is a Gift from God
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; ⁷ if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;”
Teaching is not just a profession or vocation that one pursues. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit that should be utilized to edify and strengthen the body of Christ.
In sharing this scripture passage, you are not just saying thank you. You are also acknowledging the influence of a good teacher while affirming him or her as an important individual who is using a God-given gift to positively touch the lives of others.
Proverbs 3:13-15 NIV : God blessing to a teacher
“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, ¹⁴ for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. ¹⁵ She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.”
Educators and instructors are individuals who share their knowledge and understanding with others. Some individuals are highly trained in specialized fields and the wisdom they impart to others is almost priceless.
This text expresses how valuable a great teacher is by comparing his or her wisdom to silver, gold, and rubies. It also states that all who find wisdom and gain understanding are blessed.
This is a great way to say God bless you to a teacher while also acknowledging that knowing him or her is a blessing in your life.
Daniel 12:3 NIV : Teachers are like bright stars
“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”
Teachers’ Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, and International Teacher’s Day are set aside to acknowledge the service of teachers and celebrate their contributions by expressing appreciation in various ways.
This verse is a beautiful text to include in a devotional exercise, ceremony, or keynote speech for these annual celebrations. It may also be used on souvenirs like plaques, coffee mugs, wall art, and other items that may be given as tokens to teachers.
1 Thessalonians 5:12 NIV : Teachers work hard
“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.”
Teaching is a role that requires other qualities such as leadership, service, discipline, tact, and wisdom. Administrators of schools, teachers’ unions, and other groups that work closely with teachers are well aware of this.
This text is a reminder that the service and hard work of teachers should be acknowledged by their colleagues, those whom they serve, and those who supervise them.
There is an old saying that ‘encouragement sweetens labor’. Having a teacher of the week, teacher of the month, or a similar award system will build morale and show appreciation at the same time.
Hebrews 11:1 NIV : Teaching is a work of Faith
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
This verse is not only for a Christian teacher because teaching in itself is a work of faith. When a teacher prepares a lesson, he or she has to be confident that it was planned in such a way that the students will grasp the concepts and that the objectives will be met. That is an act of faith.
This text helps teachers to be hopeful about their students and be confident in the role they carry out in imparting knowledge. They cannot see the end result but they have a conviction that the lessons they teach throughout the school year will have positive end results.
Matthew 13:4-5,8 NIV : Teachers are mouthpiece of God
“As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. ⁵ Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. ⁸ Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
Regular teachers as well as Sabbath or Sunday school teachers need to be reminded that teaching requires great faith. Even though this parable was comparing the kingdom of heaven to a farmer planting seeds it has many lessons for teachers.
Teachers are mouthpieces of God, they should work tirelessly, and they should not lose faith. Nothing was wrong with the seeds that the planter sowed but the environment affected their growth.
Teachers should always be mindful that the environment of a student may affect how well he or she grasps, retain, and internalize a lesson.
Psalm 32:8 NIV : I will counsel you with my loving eye
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
The Word of God has so many beautiful quotes to motivate and inspire teachers. This text may be used to boost the confidence of a teacher who is studying or being assessed for teaching.
It’s a great passage to reflect on before preparing and planning lessons and if for any reason a teacher is doubtful it provides great reassurance.
In times of uncertainties there is no need to lean on your own understanding because the Lord’s great love, counsel, and guidance will be enough to provide all the direction needed.
1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV : Teaching is a unique challenge
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
This is one of the many Bible verse quotes to use as you admonish a group of instructors. Whether they serve: vacation Bible school, another department at church, a local community group, or as public school teachers they will face certain difficulties.
Teaching has unique challenges that may discourage or cause individuals to give up hope. The word of God provides a reminder for teachers to be resolute while being fully committed as they work from day to day.
Isaiah 40:31 NIV : Mental strength for Teachers
“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
It takes a great deal of energy to keep up with little children because they are very active, agile, and vibrant. A preschool, kindergarten, or physical education teacher may from time to time get tired of trying to keep up with energetic boys and girls.
In moments of weariness, this text may provide a boost of mental strength. Secondly, dependency on the Lord will not only provide the needed physical, mental, and emotional strength but also a remedy for weariness. It’s so empowering to tap into the power source of the heavenly Father.
Deuteronomy 32:2 NIV : Teaching falls like rain
“Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.”
This is a beautiful text to display on a banner as a staff room wall art. It could be positioned in such a way that every time someone enters or leaves the teacher’s lounge it’s the first or last thing they see.
This means the lounge or staff room will be a retreat from each session or teachers will leave with a powerful prayer as they head to their classes. As classes are being taught the students will receive new knowledge like rain falling on tender plants.
3 John 1:2 NIV : Pray for your Teacher’s good health
“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”
This is a great verse that may be sent as a good morning message, a note for a get-well-soon card, or a short motivational quote.
It’s nice for your child’s teacher or your Bible study instructor at church to feel appreciated and know that you’re praying nothing but good things over his or her life.
Ephesians 1:16 NIV : Always Thank your Teacher
“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”
Sometimes the dedication and care of a teacher show in many ways. Improvement in a child’s behavior, grades, eagerness to learn, and interest in school are just some of the telling signs that an instructor is doing a phenomenal job.
In such cases, a grateful parent may borrow the words in this scripture. A framed quote with these words will be a nice reminder that you are praying for and appreciate the effort being placed in your child’s education.
Numbers 6:24-26 NIV : Teaching is a blessing
“The Lord bless you and keep you; ²⁵ the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; ²⁶ the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
This is a beautiful prayer request to offer up for an instructor. As you say these words claim them in the name of Christ Jesus and be hopeful that countless blessings will be granted.
These may be well-fitted words if: your child will be moving on to another class, there will be a school excursion, or the teacher is going on a trip.
Psalm 128:2 NIV : Teaching is a labor of love
“You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.”
The word of God is filled with many promises and blessings. These words will speak blessings and prosperity into the life of an educator while also reminding him or her that the work being done will be fruitful in many ways.
Teaching is a labor of love hence as you pray this prayer for someone you are praying that the love of God will extend to others through the lessons they are taught.
What does the Bible say about teachers?
Teachers are role models who display integrity and good judgment in their actions. They are disciplined men and women who share their love for children as they impart values, knowledge, and attitudes that will make them good adults.
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness ⁸, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” Titus 2:7-8 NIV
Teachers are leaders and the best way to lead others is by being a model of good works and setting the right example. The word of God says that integrity, seriousness, sound speech, and living an exemplary life are ideals that are important for good teachers.
These qualities will not only benefit the teacher and those who learn from him or her but will prevent others from passing judgment or bringing into question matters of character, competency, and integrity.
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6 NIV
Teachers have a great responsibility to ensure that the knowledge imparted to students will prepare them for the future and ultimately adulthood. The English Standard Version of this text says, “Train up a child in the way he should go…”.
This means that great care should be taken to give each child the training he or she will need not just for the next level in the education system but to function as an honest and disciplined adult.
“Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” Proverbs 13:24 NIV
Love and discipline go hand in hand. Only out of genuine love will teachers be able to instruct and correct students without compromising values, showing favoritism, or ignoring behavior that needs to be addressed.
A teacher of little children has to love with a big heart while still being able to maintain discipline and encourage positive behavior.
Conclusion
There are many encouraging Bible verses in both the Old and New Testament that may be used to express appreciation and warm sentiments for a teacher.
The word of God also has a number of texts that may be used to provide encouragement or pray to request blessings and prosperity for teachers.
