I miss the university classroom. I am retired now, but I spent 35 years preparing teachers in K-6 early childhood and K-12 special education.
I loved interacting with university students and watching them blossom into superb educators with a passion for teaching those who learn differently.
I also miss networking with my colleagues in the “iron sharpens iron” environment in the teaching and learning community we shared in our department. But God filled the teacher void in my heart to overflowing when He brought me to Albania.
Using My Expertise
Faculty Commons has opportunities for professors to use their academic expertise in other countries as an outreach and ministry. A few months ago I joined one of these trips to Albania. This turned out to be a very special gift from God.
Our group of eight professors had opportunities to share our faith through presentations in our own disciplines. We partnered with the faithful Albanian Cru staff and met with delightful professors from several universities.
They Welcomed the Training
I volunteered to go, having no idea what God would invite me to do. Two of us, both professors in teacher education, were pleased to share in a Cru ministry, the “International Schools Project,” in three cities. This ministry offers specialized training for public school teachers, the majority of whom are culturally Muslim.
Recently special education had been added to the responsibilities of these Albanian K-12 general education teachers. I knew I could help them; this is my specialty! I interacted with teachers who came to our training to obtain a few new methods for accommodating student behaviors. They welcomed our training.
Back In My Element
We arrived early before each presentation, anxious to greet the teachers who gave up their precious after-school time to come hear the seminar. In the minutes before the meetings began, I moved around the room personally introducing myself and welcoming every teacher. I asked each one about their schools and students to acquaint myself with their specific instructional needs and asked God to use me to bring these beloved ones into His family. I felt like I was back in my element!
I loved meeting the teachers and sharing practices they could add to their behavioral toolboxes. God’s amazing gift to me was the opportunity to share my faith with over 200 teachers while presenting a few robust behavior strategies. Hearing the teachers’ positive reflections sparked a song in my heart by Phillips, Craig and Dean:
“How great You are, how small I am…
How awesome is Your mighty hand,
and I am captured by the wonder of it all.”
The short hours we spent with the teachers were a boon to my spirit. My heart sang with joy; my teacher cup overflowed!
Cheryl Irish
School of Education, Retired
Shawnee State University