We had the blessing of interviewing four Christian men and women who teach in public schools, from elementary through high school.
Our hope is that this interview will encourage you to pray more deeply and intentionally for our teachers, students, and schools. There is so much happening behind the scenes—opportunities for faith, growth, influence, and witnessing—that we may never see.
One high school teacher shared a perspective that especially stood out:
“Sending a Christian student to a public school is one of the best ways to allow God to test their faith and learn how to witness to non-believers, while still at home where they can ask questions and learn.”
Follow along as we hear directly from these Christian educators and discover what they’re seeing, experiencing, and praying for in our schools.
What was the most rewarding part of this past school year?
“Seeing God’s work in my daily school life. When students open up to me, I listen and pray. In the Book of James, God says He will give me wisdom as I ask. He gives me insights and words that I can share with them.”
“The growth I’ve seen in the students academically and the surprise of receiving a letter the last week of school from a 7th grade boy. He was one of the most challenging students in my class. He wrote how thankful he was that I was his teacher.”
“Serving as Activities Director, I get to be a part of creating school culture. I also serve as the Prayer Club Advisor and many of the students in ASB are a part of this club. It is amazing to witness the prayers that cover events and activities that we offer to the student body.”
“I enjoy inspiring students to love mathematics. Students have told me that because I have a passion for math, they also have a passion for it and they feel that I care about them. One student wanted to be an elementary school teacher, however, she wasn’t doing well in class. I encouraged her to stay and she ended up becoming a math teacher.”
What was the most challenging part of your school year?
“It was difficult facing opposition to our faith-based clubs. Initially, it felt like a personal attack, but then I realized it was a spiritual attack. Through prayer and spiritual encouragement, I held firm and continued to support each of those clubs without fear.”
“Dealing with my sinful nature is a challenge. I want to represent Jesus correctly.”
“The toughest part of the school year was managing student behavior issues. Poor behavior has a ripple effect on the rest of the class, disrupting learning and taking valuable time and attention away from students who are ready to learn. Changes in discipline and attendance policies since COVID have also made it more difficult to address chronic defiance and absenteeism effectively.”
“At the high school level, academic honesty can be a serious issue.”
How have you been able to witness to your students and other teachers who don’t know the Lord?
“Although I’m right in the thick of worldly culture, God’s not going to stop working, but reaches people wherever He wants. I get to reach students that are normally closed off to the gospel.”
“In my classroom, some students bring up God, which opens the door for me to answer their questions. The most common question is, ‘Who were the first people on earth?'”
“When considering what Christ has done for me, it softens my heart to show grace and love to others.”
“About seven years ago, God revealed to me that public schools are spiritual battlegrounds, changing how I showed up each day. I realized I needed to be a prayer warrior for my school, students, and staff. I’ve since seen students grow bold in their faith and encouraged other teachers to join me in praying over our school community.”
Can you share a testimony of how God has worked at your school?
“After graduating, a student came back to see me and thanked me for the godly influence I had on him. He is now in college and has accepted Christ.”
“A few years ago, after a student passed away suddenly, I felt led to pray in the quad with about 100 students present. This was a pivotal moment that changed my mind set on being Christian and a teacher. COVID also brought to light the urgency to do more for the Lord and that my kids in school needed to do the same. My sons helped form the Prayer Club, and soon 11- and 12-year-old students were coming to school early to pray. Students invited friends, and the group grew. A Moms in Prayer group also faithfully prays for our school.”
“I see God at work in the way my students behave or perform academically.”
Are there Christian clubs on campus?
“Yes, there is a Christian club that is reaching out to students. I also have students who hang out in my classroom during lunch time and my mission is to pray for them.”
“We have three Christian clubs on campus. Our Prayer Club started 4 years ago with 4 students. Despite many students graduating, we have grown to 24 students who faithfully show up on Tuesday mornings before school starts. We have also started a tradition of praying over every classroom and space before the school year begins. This past year, students took the initiative to pray over every student and teacher by name over the course of 6 weeks.”
“Yes, we have Staff in Prayer, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Salt and Light clubs.”
Do you get to witness Christian students sharing their faith at school?
“Yes, I witness students being bold in their faith. It is especially sweet when they come to me and ask for prayer and keep me updated with what is going on.”
“Yes, there are times when I hear Christian students share their faith with their friends. I have also witnessed students in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes encouraging one another.”
“The young students at our school wear Christian t-shirts to be a witness to others on campus.”
How can Christian moms pray for teachers and the school this school year?
“Pray that Christian teachers will see their classroom as their mission field. Pray for God’s insight and His words in our daily lessons. Pray that we represent Christ correctly. It might be the last time some of these students see a Christ representation on a daily basis.”
“Pray for unity among teachers, administration, and staff.”
“Pray that we would stand firm in our faith in Christ and that we will pray over teachers and staff that do not know the gospel. Additionally, I encourage parents to be involved in campus life and find ways to serve and minister to families that may never step foot in church.”
“Pray for unity in loving and caring for our community well. Many students have issues with their identity.”
How can we pray for the students?
“Our God cannot be stopped by any means. Pray that Christian students will love Jesus more than anything and be aware of their unique placement in life to be used by God. Pray that troubled students will know that they are cared for and listened to. Lastly, pray that Christian students will understand that the power that raised Jesus from the grave is with them… even in public school.”
“Pray for the safety of kids on their bikes and eBikes. Also, bullying has been an issue, especially since each student at our school stays in one class and is with the same students for several years. By 5th grade, they realize where they’re at academically and may get jealous of others and start acting out.”
“I believe that the best way to pray for students is for wisdom and discernment. There are many different opinions on a public-school campus that will conflict with their Christian world view. When we point our children to Scripture and openly talk with them about their faith, we empower them to know the truth and to recognize the twisting of truth. Pray that our students will know why they believe in Christ and can stand firm on that belief without shame.”
“Most students think they’re not good at math because they had a bad experience. Pray that students will not feel less-than and that they’re not their grades. Identity is so important. Please pray that students would know the love of Christ and that they’re important to God.”
Moms, thank you for your heart to pray for our schools.
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Mr. Park recently completed his 22nd year teaching high school in California. He is married and they have five children. Four of their children have been in their dad’s class in the past several years. Mr. Park and his wife attend Orchard Church in Murrieta, California. They serve in the deacon and couples ministries.
Meera Navarro-Dela Cruz is a middle school teacher in San Diego. She has been an educator for 27 years. Meera loves being a wife, mother, and serving her school community and church family. She is grateful that Jesus captured her heart and has given her an opportunity to serve in one of the most beautiful places in California.
Kimberly De La Llave is a mother to three children, all in their twenties. She started teaching when her kids were young, then took some time to be a stay-at-home mom. She re-entered the classroom and for the last 18 years, has been teaching English as a second language at a K-8 school in North County, San Diego. Kim connects well with her students because she had to learn a second language as a young girl. She serves at her church as a Sunday School teacher, VBS volunteer, and on the Prayer Team. Kim was a member of a Moms in Prayer group when her kids were in elementary school and again when they went to college.
Patty Brooks is married with two grown children and has been teaching high school Mathematics in San Diego County for 34 years. She has been teaching Advanced Placement mathematics courses for approximately twenty years. During the summer, Patty provides professional development for high school mathematics teachers.