My wife, Debbie, was a fifth-grade teacher at the same public school in the Denver area for almost 30 years. She loved the children she taught, the teachers she worked with, and the administrators she served under. Through all those years, she never compromised her faith. Everyone knew her as a woman who followed Jesus—an unashamed, conservative, evangelical Christian who loved her students deeply.
Teaching wasn’t just a job for Debbie; it was her mission field. She didn’t preach from behind her desk, but she lived her faith in every lesson, every lunchroom conversation, and every quiet prayer for a struggling child. Her classroom became a place where kindness ruled, excellence mattered, and every student felt valued.
When she retired almost five years ago, I thought her teaching days were over, but I was wrong. To this day, my wife is a living legend in our town. Everywhere we go, young adults and parents approach her with bright smiles and warm memories. “Mrs. Stier,” they say, “I was in your fifth-grade class back in (fill in the year)!” Then they share how much she impacted their lives, and how she believed in them, encouraged them, and taught them lessons that reached far beyond math or history.
Faith that speaks without words
What amazes me most is how my wife remembers almost every student by name. Not only that, but she often recalls their parents’ names, too! Her memory is more than remarkable—it’s relational. For Debbie, every student mattered because each one reflected the image of God.
Over the years, she quietly pointed countless children, parents, and fellow teachers to Jesus. Some came to faith directly because of her influence; others simply caught a glimpse of what genuine love and integrity look like in action. Debbie never needed a pulpit. Her classroom was her platform, and her faith spoke louder than any sermon.
Being a strong Christian witness in what many consider a spiritually dark place—the public school system—is not easy. Yet it’s vital. Every day, teachers have the opportunity to shape hearts, model truth, and bring light into spaces where hope can sometimes feel in short supply.
Called to be light in dark places
We are all called to be light in dark places, and that’s why we need Christian teachers. If Christians retreat from public schools, those schools will become increasingly and irrevocably dark. The next generation desperately needs teachers who not only educate minds but also reflect Christ’s character in the way they live and love.
If you’re a Christian considering a teaching career, don’t overlook public education as your mission field. Consider Daniel. He lived in a godless realm, yet his unwavering faith illuminated the darkness around him. God used Daniel to influence an entire empire, not because he escaped the darkness, but because he entered it with faith and courage.
You can do the same. You can bring the light of Christ into the classrooms, hallways, and teacher lounges that need it most.
If you don’t believe me, just ask my wife.
