I am especially drawn to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton by our connection as fellow educators, even though our experiences are in very different contexts. She began her life as an educator at the beginning of the 19th century, and I was a few years into my career at the beginning of the 21st century. A couple hundred years is quite a difference!
Also, after a brief time at a secular school, Elizabeth became devoted to establishing Catholic schools. I have been teaching mathematics in a public school for 23 years. With the combination of the laws and societal beliefs in my lifetime and my position in a public school, we certainly have big differences in our impacts on the faith lives of young people in our care. It is doubtful that our careers really have anything in common at all…
…or is it?
If we could look into the hearts of kids in her time, would their deepest desires really be all that different than kids today? I’m sure students in the 17th century struggled to fit in with their peers, spent a lot of time trying to impress the latest crush, occasionally misplaced or failed to complete an assignment, worried about an upcoming test, and fought to establish their independence from parental and teacher authority. The tools and strategies that my students use might be different, but nature of childhood and adolescence is probably more constant than we realize.
Similarly, I don’t think Elizabeth’s goals as an educator were really all that different than mine. I’m sure she wanted her students to live successful and happy lives and to possess strong moral character. Again, our tools and strategies must be very different, but the intent is still the same.
Of course, I can’t teach my students about any specific faith or religion, but I can talk to them about the importance of welcoming new students to our building, or standing up for a student who is being bullied, or trying to understand the difficulties that might be causing another kid to act out. I can try to set an example by demonstrating genuine concern and understanding and doing my best to be friendly. Aren’t all of those lessons ultimately an extension of God’s love in the world?
I found out last year that one of my colleagues left public education for a couple of years and worked as a minister at a Christian church. I wondered what made him come back to teaching. He said that he has more interaction with kids who need a positive influence in their lives at a school. Again, although we can’t preach or teach faith, I do believe we do God’s work when we encourage students to care for others.
Lord Jesus, please guide all educators to follow the example of St. Elizabeth Seton and become positive role models for their students. Help us to find the patience and persistence to set an example of living in Your love.