An Apple a Day...Helps Teachers Model a Healthy Way!

Richard Herman, WheatRidge Ministries

     There’s no doubt about it…Lutheran educators are role models for the children in their classroom. A teacher’s modeling extends to the parents of these children, members of the congregation and people in the local community.  Is this an awesome responsibility or wonderful opportunity?!

     Like it or not, among the aspects of a teacher’s life on display each day are many health and lifestyle choices and habits.  As we all know, children and parents love to see whether teachers practice what they preach.  Students learn a lot about the wonders of God’s creation and about faithful stewards of their body, mind, and spirit from what a teacher says.  If it’s true that actions speak louder than words, they learn more by what the teacher does!

     What are some of the “healthy” qualities you’d like to think your students are observing?  Wheat Ridge Ministries asked this question of a group of Lutheran educators a few years ago as part of a gathering focused on teacher health.  According to this group, a healthy teacher…

• Manages time effectively;

• Takes responsibility for his/her own health, including food and lifestyle choices;

• Serves with joy; 

• Accepts care from others;

• Possesses a positive self-image;

• Continues to mature spiritually; 

• Knows he or she is making a difference;

• Works effectively with other staff members;

• Enjoys positive networks of family and friends;

• Finds ways to take time away from school to refresh and renew;

• Is a life-long learner dedicated to continual self-development and personal growth;

• Is able to celebrate and have fun;

• Interacts with peers, parents and others in positive ways;

• Deals effectively with guilt (lives in the joy of the Gospel and forgiveness);

• Is an effective and competent educator;

• Lives a balanced lifestyle.

     Quite a list!  And one that causes us all to thank God for his mercy and forgiveness as we fall short of living the abundant life He envisions for us!

     As you and your faculty colleagues remember your Baptism each new day and look forward to opportunities you have to be healthy models for those in your care, here are a just a few ideas for you to consider:

• Pray daily for the well-being and their ministry efforts of faculty and staff colleagues.

• Replace the cookies, cakes, and donuts in the faculty lounge with fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

• Engage in regular conversation about how you can encourage each other to maintain a healthy balance among all aspects of your life - home, school, church, community, etc.

• Invite a parish nurse or other health professional to speak to the faculty about health-related topics such as nutrition, stress reduction, and relaxation techniques and be sure to teach these things to your students!

• Set personal goals and covenant with a group of colleagues to hold each other accountable for efforts to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

• Use a pedometer – 10,000 steps a day is considered a healthy amount.  (For a cool pedometer, go to the Wheat Ridge Marketplace at www.wheatridge.org!)

• Reserve on your calendar (in advance) 10 or 15 minutes each day for prayer, meditation, and reflection and work the rest of your schedule around this time.

• Make faculty meetings and other gathering places “negativity-free zones” that focus on the blessings and opportunities that each day brings.

• Schedule times to relax and socialize together as a faculty apart from the regular schedule of school day meetings and activities.

     And, an apple a day isn’t a bad way to go, either!  May God bless you and your ministry of health and hope each and every day!

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