10 Inspiring Bible Verses for Teacher Appreciation

Teacher Appreciation Week always takes place during the first full week of May with Teacher Appreciation Day falling on the Tuesday of that week. As a current educator, I understand the unwavering dedication, hard work, and personal sacrifice we make to enable students to grow both academically and personally. Teacher Appreciation Week isn’t the only time educators should be celebrated. I don’t mean with physical gifts. I mean being told thank you for their work and dedication to someone’s child. To recognize their dedication, I’ve put together a list of 10 bible verses for teacher appreciation that reflect the important role teachers play in guiding and inspiring the next generation.

Bible Verses for Teacher Appreciation

1. Hebrews 13:17 – Teachers are Leaders

Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith. – Hebrews 13:7 NLT

Have you ever heard that saying, “The influence of a good teacher can never be erased?” That is exactly what this scripture reminds me of. Teachers are such influential leaders in the lives of children. 

2. Exodus 18:20 – Teachers are Influential

Teach them God’s decrees, and give them His instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives. – Exodus 18:20

This verse is a powerful reminder of the power and influence behind a Godly teacher. We do more than just teach them math, reading, science, and social studies. We also teach them how to behave and handle certain types of situations. We model kindness and how to treat others. Our job is so much more than pencil and paper. It can be truly life changing. 

3. Titus 2:7-8 – Jesus Is Our Example

And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. – Titus‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭

Jesus was the ultimate example of a teacher. A teacher can be some of the most important role models in a child’s life. Strive to promote the kind of actions that reflect God’s teachings. If you want to know God and help others grow closer to Him, it’s important to have a heart that demonstrates Jesus’ teachings. Our words and actions can either build up a child or tear them down. They can speak life or death, and can be a witness to Christ or to culture. Are you representing Christ in the way you teach each day?

4. Deuteronomy 32:2 – Let My Teaching Fall Like Rain

Let my teaching fall on you like rain; let my speech setting like dew. Let my words fall like rain on tender grass, like gentle showers on young plants. – Deuteronomy 32:2

This is one of my favorite verses. Just as rain nourishes and brings new life, teachers provide the nourishment of knowledge and wisdom that supports students on many levels.

5. Proverbs 11:25 – Teachers Are Generous

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. – Proverbs 11:25

Educators of all kinds are the most generous people I know. They give so much of their time and energy to their students. I firmly believe that you can wholeheartedly trust what whatever you pour out will be given back to you. He has the ability to replenish you when you are tired, exhausted, stressed, or overwhelmed. 

6. 1 Corinthians 15:58 – Teachers Have Purpose

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. – 1 Corinthians 15:58

One of my biggest pet peeves is not being told thank you. I was raised on good manners, and saying thank you is one of them. However, sometimes teaching can be a thankless profession. We are often torn down for asking for help with school supplies, if you assign homework, if you don’t assign homework, if we punish a child for acting out. I could go on and on, but in this verse in 1 Corinthians, Paul is encouraging when we get discouraged. He shares that the secret to a meaningful life is to be enthusiastic in the work of the Lord. The work that you are called to do is never in vain. It is for a greater purpose. 

7. Psalms 32:8 – Teachers Are A Light

The LORD says, “I will guided you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” – Psalms 32:8

In the classroom, teachers are like guiding lights, helping students find their way, providing support and advice, and watching over their academic journey. God is our ultimate source of light.

8. Romans 12:6-7 – Teaching Is A Spiritual Gift

In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for show kindness to others, do it gladly. – Romans 12:6-8

In these verses, we are defined by God’s grace and spiritual gifts such as leadership, teaching, encouragement, and showing kindess. I cannot think of better words to describe our profession. 

At the end of a hard day, prayerfully consider your role in a child’s life and remember your why because teaching is a spiritual gift. 

9. Colossians 3:23 – Teachers Are Stewards

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. – Colossians 3:23

You can’t please everyone in life no matter how hard you try. Teachers often learn this quickly but remember that you are working to please God, and not people. Sometimes our profession is not fun. It’s not just glitter and coloring all day. It’s the job that God has given you and each day we should walk into our classrooms from the perspective that what we are doing is for God and not to please other people. 

10. 1 Timothy 4:11-12 – Teachers Are Examples

Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. – 1 Timothy 4:11-12

I chose this verse because my mom sent it to me my very first year of teaching. I’ll keep this story short, but I was fresh out of college at 22 years old. I had only been teaching a few weeks when my principal called me into her office to tell me that a child in my classroom was being moved to another class. When I asked why, she told me that the child lived with his grandparents and the grandmother thought I was too young to be a teacher of any kind. There is so much more to the story, but that was the first time in my educational career that I felt like I had no value. 

If you are a young teacher or new to the profession, do not let anyone look down on you or think less of you because of your age or years of experience. You are planting seeds in children. You are leading as an influence in Christ. No matter your age, you set an example for future generations as a Christian when you demonstrate your faith.

Bible Verses for Teacher Appreciation Prayer Cards

Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the future by helping students learn and grow. They dedicate themselves to their work and often go above and beyond to ensure their students succeed. Take a moment to thank an educator in your life for all they have with these bible verses for teacher appreciation scripture cards. You can have these bible verses for teacher appreciation cards sent straight to your inbox, print them out, and keep for yourself, share with a colleague, or give to a teacher in your child’s life. Just fill out the form and the bible verses for teacher appreciation cards will be sent to your inbox shortly.

I’d love for you to share this blog post filled with bible verses for teacher appreciation with your teacher friends so we can spread God’s word and encouragement to more educators.

For more inspiration and faith-filled conversations, follow Teachers Who Pray on Instagram and Facebook. I’d love to have you be a part of this faithful teacher community!

You can find more bible verses for teacher appreciation in these blog posts.

• 18 Powerful and Encouraging Bible Verses for Teachers
• 7 Bible Verses Teachers Need About Patience