Teachers are, in a very real sense, the school. When the classroom door shuts, it is the teacher that creates the learning environment. Simply put, the school will never be any better than its teachers. Consequently, the priority of SMLCA will be to attract the most excellent and nurturing Christian teachers possible. This necessitates a vibrant, real and evident personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Students themselves know what makes an excellent teacher. Various surveys of middle school students consistently emphasize the following description of a great teacher:

1) Great teachers must know their subject area. Hypocrisy is an important word with students today. They want to know they are being taught (or coached) by an expert in their discipline.
2) Great teachers care for their students. In fact, it’s been said of teachers by students, “They don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” Students know if teachers attend their concerts, plays or games. They intuitively know if teachers are truly investing their lives in them.
3) Great teachers instill discipline. Students do indeed realize a controlled classroom is the best learning environment. They know instantly if a teacher has control or not.
4) Great teachers are perceived to be fair and equitable in all areas of school life. Although in today’s diverse atmosphere where fairness can at times be impossible, the great teacher makes it seem that way.
5) Great teachers are creative and innovative. At times, there is no substitute for repetition, hard work and simply “grinding it out”. However, for the most part, the days of fifty minute lectures are gone. Great teachers will not let that happen day in and day out.
6) Great teachers are passionate about their work. Nothing is more evident to a student than a teacher who instructs with a sense of calling as opposed to one who is simply going through the motions.
7) Great teachers have the respect of their students.

Everyone looks back at their educational experience and remembers with admiration the teachers that had such a positive, long-term impact on their lives. That is the type of teacher we desire at SMLCA.

Ps 127:3
 Behold, children are a gift of the LORD; the fruit of the womb is a reward.