Although in many places the summer heat is still in full force, for many teachers and students, the start of a new school year is just around the corner. For students this may mean the excitement of new school supplies, new teachers, and stimulating classwork and for others, it may bring trepidation, anxiety, and dismay. For some, probably a mixture. For teachers, along with excitement and love for new students, a new school year signifies a significant amount of work—before students even cross the threshold. 

I spent many more years as a student than I did as a teacher and, as a student, my preparations for the school year primarily consisted of material preparations. I have always found a great deal of joy in brand new school supplies—after all, what is more exciting than a new textbook? But it wasn’t until the years that I worked as a teacher that I more seriously undertook spiritual preparations. Of course, gathering the proper materials, whether you’re a student or a teacher this year, is vitally important. But teaching and learning can be challenging endeavors and we should not overlook the importance of preparing our hearts and souls, as well as our backpacks. 

Seeking after truth and wisdom, which is the goal and purpose of education, is a noble pursuit. It is a pursuit that is frequently mentioned and encouraged in the Scriptures; in verses that can stand as encouragement during hard times in the school year and can serve as the basis of prayer for ourselves and our students or teachers. 

Proverbs 9:10 reminds us of the end point and starting point of education, for times when we have gotten lost in the weeds or piles of administrative paperwork: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” If we begin our studies in awe and wonder at the world that God has given us, then our studies of it (whether that be natural science, math, or the use of the language we have been given) will lead us to a deeper insight into God, which is, of course, the summit of a true education. 

For the many times when a teacher doesn’t have an answer to a difficult question or for students who are struggling to grasp a specific concept (or a whole class!), Scripture reminds us to turn to our generous Father, who will not begrudge us: “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you” (James 1:5).

There will, inevitably, come many days over the next school year when both teachers and students feel like throwing in the towel. When the pursuit of wisdom no longer seems feasible or worthwhile and you no longer want to give your best to your work, be strengthened by Proverbs 8:10-11: “Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold;  for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.” Do not give up when all seems lost!

For the days when you need a reminder of why we seek after wisdom or attempt to lead others to an understanding that will lead to wisdom: “My child, if you accept my words and treasure up my commandments within you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; if you indeed cry out for insight, and raise your voice for understanding; if you seek it like silver, and search for it as for hidden treasures—then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk blamelessly, guarding the paths of justice and preserving the way of his faithful ones” (Proverbs 2 1-8).

Finally, Jesus clearly explicates that only He is the source of all truth: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). This verse doesn’t require much more discussion, but its brevity lends itself to serving as a motto and exhortation to commit to memory for the school year. 

Another practice that I have found fruitful is the making of personal litanies. One of my years teaching I had a particularly difficult class and I undertook to find a saint for each student that had some relation to the issue I had with that student. I compiled these saints into a litany and wrote short, specific petitions to each one, for each student. It was shortly after this that I had a very powerful experience in class with that class and things really turned around. Teachers preparing for the school year won’t have the kind of specific knowledge of their students yet that I employed in writing that litany, but they could both invoke the intercession of teacher-saints, such as St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and St. John Bosco, and perhaps include the name saints (or saints that have similar names) of each of their students. For students, they could likewise include saints such as St. Joseph Cupertino and St. Thomas Aquinas, known for their intercession on behalf of students, but they could also include the patron saint of their school, if applicable, any name saints of their teachers, and saints who excelled or struggled in the same areas. Saints are always happy to pray for us, so you can stretch this quite a bit; for example, if your school is near the mountains or you often find yourself wishing you were outdoors instead of sitting in the classroom, you could invoke the intercession of Sts. Pier Giorgio Frassati and Pope St. John Paul II, both of whom loved hiking in the mountains and being out of doors. You don’t need to be too concerned with matching saints and intentions perfectly since no saint will begrudge us their prayers!

May these few tips be fruitful for you as you prepare to enter another school year, whichever side of the classroom you fall on.