We have blessed the bikes…the boats…our pets…now, more than ever we need to bless the books and those who work with them and our children. Teachers are up against a tremendous challenge this year. 
 
So what can we do? Here are some suggestions:

1. Attend school board meetings and find out what is going on in your district. Check in with administrators and teachers.
2. Invite a teacher or administrator to bring a virtual update to your congregation to deepen your relationship with the school.
3. Pray for teachers regularly in worship. Pair up each teacher with a congregant for prayer support.
4. Establish a support line with a school for special needs. Form a team in your congregation that will mobilize school supplies or financial support for child care.
5. Connect substitute teachers and others with education experience to help in tutoring.  Provide space in your building for tutoring meet ups.
6. Contact a local school and inquire about becoming a virtual learning site for children who don’t have Internet access at home.

Supporting educators is an excellent way to demonstrate unconditional love for your community. The result multiplies when an encouraged and resourced teacher has more to offer his or her students. Imagine all those blessed parents and families when we bless the books…and those who use them!

Rev. Ben Ingebretson is director of new church development for the Dakotas-Minnesota Area of The United Methodist Church.