More Than A Paycheck: Finding Purpose and Passion in Christian Education

IF YOU SPEND ANY TIME ON SOCIAL MEDIA, you’ll probably come across countless teacher Instagram accounts that poke fun at the profession. Scroll long enough, and you’re bound to see something like this:

"Pretty much all teachers hate their jobs."
"If you work in education, I hope you don't plan to get rich."
"Teaching is a long-term suffering career with literally no reward."

I get it. No matter what anyone tells you, teaching is hard. The workload can feel overwhelming, the pay isn’t exactly rolling in the Benjamins, and the expectations seem to rise every year. Plenty of teachers feel stuck, exhausted, burned out, and unappreciated.

But here’s the thing—that’s not my story.

I don’t hate my job. In fact, I love it.

I get to teach American Sign Language in a Christian school where I have the freedom to connect with my students in meaningful ways. My administration team actually supports me when I need help navigating the challenges of the classroom and beyond. My students respect me and, for the most part, want to learn. But above all, I have a deep sense that this is exactly where God wants me to be.

Sure, there are challenges (LOTS of them, at that), but they don’t outweigh the joy and purpose I’ve found in this career.

So why is my experience so different? Let me tell you.

Earlier this semester, as my students made posters to celebrate World Language Week, I had one of those moments—the kind that makes you stop and just take it all in. As I walked around the room, I saw more than just creative designs and ASL-themed artwork. I saw biblical truth woven into their work. I saw their love for Jesus reflected in the details they chose to highlight.

And in that moment, I realized—this is why I love my job.

Yes, ASL is a passion of mine. I love teaching the language, sharing Deaf culture, and watching my students grow in their skills. But the best part? It’s not just about the language. It’s about encouraging these students in their faith. It’s about the conversations we have, the moments of fellowship, and the way I get to walk alongside them as they pursue Christ in their lives.

When I first considered teaching at a Christian school, some people discouraged me. They said, "Why teach there? Those students already know Jesus. They don't need ministry... they're already saved!" 

But I didn't listen...not even a little bit. Because the truth is, my students still struggle. Anyone who has really spent time teaching in a Christian environment would have knowledge of this very reality. These students still have questions. They still wrestle with doubt, identity, and purpose. Just because they attend a Christian school doesn't mean their faith is secure or their understanding is complete.

I know that this is true because I was once in their shoes.    
I grew up needing someone to help me understand who Jesus is, what the Bible really means and that our relationship with Him is both PERSONAL and NECESSARY for our lives. I needed someone to walk alongside me, to answer my questions, and to show me how faith intersects with everyday life. I never truly got that type of discipleship until I was well into my college years. And now, I have the opportunity to be that person for my students, to provide them with guidance and support that I never received myself. I have the blessed opportunity to remind them that knowing about Jesus isn't the same as knowing Him personally. To encourage them to seek Him deeply and trust Him fully. 

Teaching at a Christian school also means I get to integrate faith into every lesson, every conversation, every challenge. When my students struggle in various ways, I can point them to the Bible in this way. When they succeed, I can remind them to give God the glory. When they have questions about life, faith, or purpose, I have the privilege of guiding them through a biblical lens.

And here's the thing—I don't take that privilege lightly. I know the impact a teacher can have on young minds. I remember the teachers who shaped me, who encouraged me, who walked with me through the MANY difficult seasons of my life. Now, I get to be that person for someone else. It is a humbling experience. It's beautiful one too. And it's worth every challenge.

So yes, teaching is hard. But it’s also a calling. And for me, it's one of the greatest joys of my life.

If you’re a teacher feeling burned out or discouraged, I see you. I hear you. And I want to encourage you to look for those moments that remind you why you started. The moments where God whispers, "You're right where I want you to be."

Because sometimes, purpose isn’t about ease or comfort. It's about obedience. It's about faithfulness. It's about showing up, day after day, and trusting that God is at work—even in the hard things.

And for me? That makes it all worth it.

As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians: “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” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

May we all continue to serve faithfully, knowing that every moment, every conversation, and every lesson, both effective ones and the not-so-great ones, have the ability to make all the difference in the lives of our students...all within God's timing. 

Till next time, 

Josh 

P.S. Has a teacher ever made a lasting impact on your life? If so, what was it? Let me know in the comments below!