Join with others in being imitators of me, brothers, and observe those who thus conduct themselves according to the model you have in us.” (Phil 3:17)
There are likely to be many great teachers in your life. Today’s exercise asks you to think back on your own education and recall some of the best teachers in your life. Use the questions in 31 Days to Becoming a Better Religious Educator to help you remember the impact one of these teachers had on you years ago.
Alternative Exercise: Recall the Worst Teacher in Your Life
Alternatively, choose a teacher or coach who had a negative impact on your life. Use this teacher as a non-example for your reflection today. Consider the following questions for reflection:
- What did they do that you will do differently in your classroom?
- How can you avoid making the same mistakes they made as your teacher?
- What do you think caused them to act in that way?
- How can you act differently in similar situations?
Meditate on the Magnificat
Finally, end today’s exercise with a meditation on Christ’s first teacher, his mother Mary. Consider the words of her Magnificat:
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children forever.
(Lk 1:46-55)
