As the school year draws to a close, student progress, connections with families, established relationships with our fellow teachers, and our own successes can leave us with a sense of accomplishment and send us off into the summer feeling as if we’ve done our jobs well.

On the other hand, the end of the year can also evoke bittersweet emotions as some of our students move on to the next grade (or graduate) and our colleagues retire or move on to other professions. Or, maybe you are taking a new position, moving to a different grade level, or transitioning into a leadership or administrative role that removes you from the classroom.

But regardless of how you feel about this past school year or the one to come, you can end the school year full of Christ’s love in the following ways:

1. Personal Farewells: Take the time to personally say goodbye to students, colleagues, and staff members who are moving on to new places, expressing your heartfelt appreciation for their contributions and the impact they’ve had. 
2. Prayer and Blessings: Gather together as a school community or pray individually for God’s guidance, protection, and blessings for those who are moving on to new opportunities. 
3. Written Notes of Encouragement: Write personalized notes of encouragement and appreciation to students, colleagues, and staff members, sharing specific memories, words of affirmation, and blessings for their future endeavors.

By incorporating personal farewells, prayer and blessings, and written notes of encouragement into the end-of-year transition process, you can share Christ’s love with those you serve and those you serve with, fostering a sense of unity, support, and care within the school community.

Need a start? The following Bible verses can help teachers focus on gratitude and share Christ-centered love amidst the many end-of-the-school-year emotions:

1. Philippians 1:3: I thank my God every time I remember you.
2. Jeremiah 29:11: “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.”
3. 2 Corinthians 13:11: Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
4. Romans 12:10: Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
5. Proverbs 16:24: Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
6. Ephesians 3:20-21: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.
7. 1 Thessalonians 5:11: Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
8. Colossians 3:17: And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
9. Psalm 121:8: The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
10. Hebrews 13:16: And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.