45 Encouraging Bible Verses for Teachers (with free printable cards to share!)

As a teacher, I know all about the challenges of the job, and how overwhelming it can be sometimes. Fortunately, we have been given the gift of God’s word to bring us peace, give us strength and hope, and remind us of our calling. Teaching can be a work of ministry. Here is a huge collection of Bible verses for teachers; perhaps the Holy Spirit will lead you to share one today. 

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Ideas for Using these Bible Verses for Teachers

Consider bringing your child’s teacher their favorite Sonic drink at pick-up one afternoon (that one is popular in my region). You could also deliver Starbucks when you drop your child off one morning! Older kids can bring the drink to their teacher by themselves. Tape a sweet note to the drink with a favorite scripture.

You can also just deliver a handwritten card or an email with some words of encouragement, using a favorite scripture from the list below.

I recommend you spend a bit of time praying for your teacher and seeing if God is directing you toward any of these passages.

Note: not all of these scriptures are necessarily appropriate for parents to send to a teacher, but if there are teachers reading this, you may find them encouraging for those moments when you need a lift!

What does the Bible say about educators?

The Bible talks a lot about serving others, and teaching is absolutely one of those not-so-glamourous, service-based professions. There is so much negativity in the profession today, especially from the outside world. What we all need is a word of truth to set us on the right path each day. 

In fact, the very first line of the Beatitudes reads: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Our teachers are definitely poor in spirit during this time in American life, and rightfully so.

Teachers wipe noses, encourage kids of all ages, create welcoming environments, send kids to the nurse, hug them when they’re hurt, and provide a listening ear to older students who need the support of a caring adult.

The visual of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet reminds me of people who work in service-based professions, like teachers and nurses. He was blameless in every way, yet he lowered himself to love others well.

Jesus also welcomed little children, when it was culturally unheard of for an adult to spend time with children. He valued their innocence. In fact, Jesus often showed kindness and even preference for the least “important” people in society. Over and over again, He demonstrated love to foreigners, widows, sexual minorities, and even a tax collector, promising that they’d receive their glorious riches in heaven. 

It’s interesting to me that Jesus is often called “Teacher” by his disciples. That was His way of being; He was always teaching. Of course, modern-day school teachers have an entirely different subject matter, but they still have the perfect model of good works in Jesus.

Teachers are called to love, serve, and teach. The word of God reminds us that Jesus was the expert at all three of these. If we want to make disciples of all nations, we can start by loving the next generation well right here at home.

Printable PDF – Bible Verses for Teachers

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Bible Verses for Teacher Appreciation

Teacher Appreciation Week happens every year in May. Consider including a Bible verse with your gift if your child’s great teacher is a practicing Christian who might appreciate it! 

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 

I like this verse because so much of teaching is about “the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” We often have no idea whether the hard work we are doing now will be meaningful later on, or whether we play an important role in a child’s future at all. Faith in God gets us through the challenging times in life, but it’s also important to have faith in God that your work will be valuable at some point in the child’s life.

“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

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;” – Romans 12:6-7  

Teachers sometimes need to be reminded that they were given a gift by God, and it is meant to be used, even on days when we’re feeling defeated. This simple verse can remind Christian teachers of their calling as part of the body of Christ.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

“I never cease to give thanks to God for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1:16

If this is true for you, by all means, include it in a note to your teacher. These words were spoken by the Apostle Paul to Timothy. Remember to pray for your child’s teacher; after all, children are spending so much of their life with educators.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35

Teaching is service.

I like this reminder that the work matters and we can all be a servant of God, no matter how little glory there might be in it. 

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

“Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me.” Mark 9:37

When I have a particularly challenging student, sometimes the relationship can be difficult to maintain. When I find myself getting frustrated with a child, I’ll often arrive a few extra minutes early to work so I can sit in their desk. I pray for the child before school, and I pray that I’ll be extra patient that day. I always remember that when we love children, we are loving God.

“Blessed are those who find wisdom,
    those who gain understanding,
for she is more profitable than silver
    and yields better returns than gold.” Proverbs 3:13-14

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

This verse is great encouragement to me as a teacher. It reminds me to keep working hard, and to keep my eyes trained on Jesus. I don’t need to do the work for the praise of my administrators or parents. I just need to do the job in a way that allows me to stand before God with confidence that I’ve tried my best.

Back to School Bible Verses for Teachers

Back to School is such an important time for teachers. Every new school year offers fresh hope, but it can also be incredibly stressful.

Each new year brings a fresh round of changes with it, and not all of them are easy to stomach, especially if you’ve spent your whole summer imagining something different. Often, during Back to School professional development, teachers will begin to feel excited, nervous, and even panicky. The new school year seems somehow both hopeful and completely overwhelming to imagine.

These verses offer a picture of strength, courage and hope.

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

Teachers sometimes feel like the world expects everything from them. The pressures mount from administrators, parents, and from within. Drawing on the strength of our faith makes a huge difference.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Decision fatigue is real! Every new year marks a fresh load of new decisions. Which curriculum to use, how to structure classroom blocks, and more. We must be reminded to turn to God for big decisions and small ones, too.

“And so I am sure confident that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished on the Day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 52:5-6

I love this imagery of God as a fortress or a rock. Even when the world (or even just your school district) is in chaos, there is predictability in a relationship with God. He is always there.

“You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.” Psalm 128:2

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3

We all work for some purpose, and hopefully it’s not just for a paycheck. It’s for a sense of duty, or the feeling of a job well done. I like the idea of “committing [my] work to the Lord.”

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

No matter what profession a person chooses, there are times when nothing seems to be going well. If we turn to God, we can rest assured that our future is in His hands.

“For with God, nothing shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37

Sometimes, when we’re looking at terrible student data, the fear of failure can be overwhelming. I know the feeling all too well of looking at benchmark data in February, fairly confident that half of my students will fail the standardized test in May. It serves us well to remember that nothing is impossible with God.

“In everything set them an example by doing what is good.  In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” – Titus 2:7-8

The best way to avoid condemnation is to say or do nothing that will give the naysayers standing to complain. Teachers, more so than almost any other professionals, must master control over their tongues.

“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” Daniel 12:3

“Let my teaching fall like rain
    and my words descend like dew,
like showers on new grass,
    like abundant rain on tender plants.” Deuteronomy 32:2

What a beautiful prayer to say at the start of the school year!

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

Oh my goodness! This scripture just says everything we need to hear at the beginning of a new school year. No matter what happened last year, the Lord’s compassions are new every morning. He is always faithful!

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. Let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

If there’s one thing every teacher needs, it’s steadfastness to confront the trials of every new day.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 32:6

This one is particularly relevant during the pandemic, because teachers are confronted with so many changes. These don’t just happen at the start of a new school year; changes can happen that disrupt a teacher’s plans at any time. Some of us don’t handle change particularly well and can even feel afraid of failure. It helps to remember we are not alone.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

When a kid is being particularly challenging, I love the visual of knowing that God knew them from before they were born. Every child is a child of God.

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139: 13-14

Bible Verses to Encourage Teachers Who Are Tired

If a teacher is struggling with fatigue or frustration, these verses can help! We all need a pick-me-up. That said, most of these aren’t appropriate as part of a gift. I’ve put them here for any teachers who are searching for their own encouragement.

For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me,
    speaking against me with lying tongues.
They encircle me with words of hate,
    and attack me without cause.
 In return for my love they accuse me,
    but I give myself to prayer.
So they reward me evil for good,
    and hatred for my love. Psalm 109:2-5

I like the verse above because it reminds me that the answer for being confronted by enemies is to turn to prayer.

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

When life gets to be too much, and the expectations are overwhelming, we need to find rest!

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, no anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39

It doesn’t matter how far behind we are on grading, or how out of control we feel with classroom management, or if our test scores are bad. We know that God loves us, and nothing can change that.

“God is within her, she will not fall.” Psalm 46:5

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” Galatians 1:6

This is the message every teacher needs to hear in late February and early March! Sometimes it feels like the next break will NEVER come!

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22

“The Lord will fight for you. You only need to be still.” Exodus 14:14

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27

I think teachers often feel like the world is out to get them, and to be honest, it feels like a profession where NOTHING is ever good enough. We need to remember to turn the other cheek, pray for our enemies, and continue the work we are called to do.

“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15

“Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” Philippians 2:14-15

This can be hard. If you’re feeling like just a cog in a wheel, without much authority to make decisions on behalf of your kids, it can feel defeating down to your inner being. That’s natural. Some teachers become prone to grumbling and complaining, but we are called to shine God’s light.

“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35

“But those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Recite this verse to yourself and imagine yourself soaring like an eagle – above the fray, energetic, and unstoppable! If you need it, the fullness of God will come upon you.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:6-7

I hope these verses give teachers hope on their most challenging days.

Concluding Thoughts

You can make a teacher’s day with the slightest bit of encouragement. Older women especially can be comforting to young women when they share the love of Christ. Teaching is a whole body experience, but we have to each take care of our spirit first. And yet, it seems to be the first part to be neglected in times of stress.

So take care of yourself, and take care of your fellow believers. Never forget that the message of Christ never fails to be the right message. 

Looking for more? Here’s a list of Bible verses for teachers from Bible Study Tools.