Voices of Influence: How Christian Teachers Shape Teens' Lives

The teenage years are a time of massive cognitive development. Independence, abstract reasoning, and moral and ethical frameworks are just some of the many areas in which teens' brains are rapidly developing. Many parents of teens will also attest that the influence of friends, coaches, and teachers becomes much more weighty to the child during this season, shifting their primary influences from the home to “outside” sources such as school, athletic fields, clubs, and friend groups. As teens utilize their new cognitive abilities to reason, debate, and exercise independence, they will begin to seek out other voices and opinions beyond their home. This is why parents must exercise discernment in selecting the environments where their children will spend the majority of their time during the adolescent years.

At Grace Junior/Senior High School, our teachers are deeply aware of the important role they play in shaping the worldview of their students. A biblical worldview, grounded in the unchanging truth of God’s Word, shapes the curriculum in every class at Grace, from art and English to math and engineering. But beyond the official curriculum, our teachers are also personally invested in discipling their students. When your child is going through a difficult time and asks a teacher for advice, you can trust that they will receive sound, biblical wisdom from a mature adult who genuinely loves and cares for them. Recent graduate, Morgan, says, “My favorite thing about Grace is how the teachers have a relationship with Christ. We are encouraged to have conversations about our faith and to grow toward Christlikeness before we go to college and out on our own.” Another Grace alumnus, Joseph, agrees, “Grace has been a big part of my life. The teachers are always helping and care for each and every student. They strive to share the gospel in every opportunity, whether it’s in athletics or in the classroom.”

We believe these relationships between teacher and student are not just a nice addition to an education but are an essential part of it. This is one of the advantages of smaller class sizes; our teachers know each student and understand their unique personalities. Beyond the classroom, we’ve also built in natural opportunities for our staff to be available for students who are seeking support, encouragement, or a listening ear. Every teacher at Grace Jr/Sr High is available for an hour after school each day. Many students utilize this time to seek out tutoring and academic support, but many others take advantage of this opportunity to share their personal struggles or ask spiritual questions. Our staff members also host “advisory blocks” each Friday after chapel, meeting with smaller groups of students in order to build relationships, address concerns and questions, and make sure no one is slipping through the cracks. 

As your student navigates the enormous transition from childhood to adulthood, who are the primary influences in his or her life? It’s an important question to consider. At Grace, you can trust that your child’s teachers and coaches will be reinforcing the values you are instilling at home. We are committed to partnering with parents in this endeavor, providing a safe, Christ-centered environment for teens to develop their independence while being continually discipled in a biblical worldview. If you are interested in exploring a Grace education for your student, schedule a tour today!

“The teachers are just as socially and biblically valuable as the academic excellence for which they provide. The idea that one's instructors care about him as a person makes the entire middle/high school experience not only bearable, but fruitful.” John Grauch, Class of 2026 Valedictorian