My first thought on this way your church can bless your community through literacy: “It takes one to know one.” And not a playground retort. Rather, it takes a retired educator (teacher) to know how to honor, celebrate and support teachers at a local school.
Case in point – Caroline Bell – retired three years ago after teaching for 36 years in Fort Worth and Crowley–mostly Kindergarten. As you might guess, Books for the Border and Beyond is a special passion for Caroline. But this week we’re taking a look at how your church can make a difference in the lives of teachers at a local school: Put a smile on their faces. Help them know that they are not alone. Assure them that their work is appreciated.
In the past two years Caroline has led her church, Western Hills Baptist of Fort Worth, to celebrate the teachers of their adopted public school on special occasions like Valentine’s Day. She has made sure that teachers have special food items on teacher workdays, and has brightened their faces with encouraging notes. Next week, New Year’s resolutions will be severely tested by the arrival of cinnamon rolls from a famous local bakery.
Caroline has also lightened the load for teachers by encouraging her church to devote funds to special projects chosen by the principal. She has been reading to first graders on a weekly basis through the Fort Worth ISD’s Read 2 Win program. Working with a local food pantry, Caroline helps prepare “snack packs” for children who lack food at home. Her compassion for the children is evidenced by what she does—and leads others to do—as well as how she blesses the teachers and administration in this adopted school.
The principal put it like this, “The amount of support that Western Hills Baptist provides to our campus is so meaningful and makes such a huge impact.”
Literacy Connexus seeks to be a catalyst for change in communities. As a board member, Caroline Bell sets a great example by leading her church to honor, celebrate, and support teachers.
