Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NIV

I have heard so many teachers say they have the hardest time connecting with their students. They often feel like it’s them against their students and vice versa. And if you have spent any amount of time in a classroom, you know it can truly be a challenge.

As a classroom teacher, I take great pride in the positive relationships I have with my students and the effective classroom management plan I have developed over the years. When other teachers ask me what’s my secret, I simply say, “My students know that I love them.”

Some don’t believe it can be that simple, but I promise it’s true.

I make it a point to avoid yelling at, accusing, or making assumptions about students. Instead, I intentionally take time to listen to them, see them, and love them. Basically, I take the emotion out of teaching.

Now, I bet you are wondering how I suggest taking the emotion out of teaching while also loving them, right? The key is understanding that love is a decision, not an emotion. Once I learned to view love this way, my entire teaching experience changed…

• “Love is patient, love is kind.” I take time to learn about my students and truly understand them.
• “It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking” I don’t strive to prove my own merit. Instead, I help my students discover their gifts and talents.
• “it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” I don’t take things personally or hold grudges. I forgive and offer every student a fresh start every day.
• “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” I keep in mind that difficult students aren’t born difficult—the difficulty was birthed from something. I help them discover the truth about themselves.
• “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” I’m always there for them and I always choose to see the best in them.

Today, I encourage you to take the emotion out of teaching and choose to love your students.

Lord, please help us to see our students. Help us to meet them where they are. Help us to love them according to Your definition and not ours. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Copyright Leslie Rob.

Leslie is a member and a teacher in Virginia. She is also the creator of Leslie Rob Comedy, a ministry offering clean comedic entertainment and encouragement to teachers through daily social media videos, teacher comedy shows, and speaking engagements.