--- title: "Bible Verses for Teachers: For Sunday Night Marking, the Last Week of Term, and the Card" description: "Exodus 18 for a teacher carrying too much alone, the teachers Scripture names for the end of term, and words for a thank-you card." url: "https://biblenudge.com/blog/bible-verses-for-teachers" lang: "en" published: "2026-08-11" modified: "2026-08-11" author: "Cal Hewitt" tags: ["teachers","burnout","exodus 18","teacher appreciation"] image: "https://biblenudge.com/og/blog-bible-verses-for-teachers.jpg" alternates: es: "https://biblenudge.com/es/blog/versiculos-para-maestros.md" --- # Bible Verses for Teachers: For Sunday Night Marking, the Last Week of Term, and the Card [Cal Hewitt](https://biblenudge.com/about/cal-hewitt)Published August 11, 2026 - teachers - burnout - exodus 18 - teacher appreciation ![Bible Verses for Teachers: For Sunday Night Marking, the Last Week of Term, and the Card](https://biblenudge.com/blog/bible-verses-for-teachers/featured.jpg) A trainee teacher wrote on Reddit's r/TeachingUK: ["I really do love teaching my class but the mental drain and stress have been immense."](https://www.reddit.com/r/TeachingUK/comments/1dbzpxq/) Both halves can be true in the same week. Start with whichever of these is yours. ## Where to start ### A hard week Moses and his father-in-law in [Exodus 18](https://biblenudge.com/context/exodus-18-17-18), and one question for the car. ### The end of term The teachers Scripture names. ### A card or a thank-you Words the traditions keep, near the end. ## Exodus 18, for a hard week Moses is settling every matter for the people himself, from morning to evening, and his father-in-law, Jethro, watches a full day of it: > 14 When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he did to the people, he said, “What is this thing that you do for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning to evening?” 15 Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. 16 When they have a matter, they come to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor, and I make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.” Then the passage Bible Nudge offers for burnout: > Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you do is not good. You will surely wear away, both you, and this people that is with you; for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to perform it yourself alone. Part of what Moses carried was teaching. Jethro names the load as too heavy before Moses does, and his counsel in verse 20 is "You shall teach them the statutes and the laws," then to appoint capable, honest people over groups of thousands down to tens, so that "they shall share the load with you" (verse 22). It gives a teacher another voice naming the weight, and a chapter where the work is shared; [Bible verses for work burnout](https://biblenudge.com/blog/bible-verses-for-work-burnout) reads these verses closely. In the car before the gates open, read verse 18 once and answer this in a line: "What are you carrying alone that was never meant to be one person’s job?" One item is a full answer, and later in the week it could go to a colleague, a head of department or a union rep. ![An empty school parking lot at first light, frost on the painted lines](https://biblenudge.com/blog/bible-verses-for-teachers/before-the-gates.jpg) ## How many teachers say the same Education Support's [Teacher Wellbeing Index 2024](https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/media/ftwl04cs/twix-2024.pdf), surveying more than 3,000 UK education staff, found 78% described themselves as stressed. [RAND's 2024 survey](https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA1108-12.html) found US public-school teachers about twice as likely as comparable working adults to report frequent job-related stress. England's Department for Education says, ["Teacher workload is the reason most often cited for teachers leaving the profession."](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/teacher-recruitment-and-retention-strategy/teacher-recruitment-and-retention-strategy) In the OECD's [TALIS 2018](https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/talis-2018-results-volume-ii_19cf08df-en.html), 18% of lower-secondary teachers experienced stress "a lot," and 90% were satisfied with their job. Both figures come from the same teachers. ## A calling, and a job One teacher wrote on Reddit's r/Teachers, ["Teaching is my calling and my passion - I love it. But it's also a job, and I deserve a fair wage, the respect of my supervisors, a work-life balance, and a safe and sane work environment."](https://www.reddit.com/r/Teachers/comments/l63ugi/) Another, on Reddit's r/TeachersInTransition, wrote ["I am Christian, so I do believe teaching is/was a calling of mine."](https://www.reddit.com/r/TeachersInTransition/comments/17gz0e5/) and later in the same comment, "Callings are great, but people also need to afford a place to live and be able to put food on the table." The Catholic Congregation for Catholic Education, in [Lay Catholics in Schools](https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccatheduc/documents/rc_con_ccatheduc_doc_19821015_lay-catholics_en.html) (1982), says the lay educator's work "cannot be reduced to professionalism alone," and in the same paragraph, "In a lay vocation, detachment and generosity are joined to legitimate defence of personal rights." The [Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod](https://www.lcms.org/about/beliefs/faqs/lutheran-teachings#vocation) describes vocation as God's calling through ordinary roles, with no work spiritually above another. In these sources, a calling sits alongside a fair wage and a life outside school. ## Jesus, called Teacher The Gospels often call Jesus Teacher (the Greek didaskalos and Aramaic rabbi are both rendered "teacher"). In John 13, after washing his disciples' feet, he says: > 13 You call me, ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord.’ You say so correctly, for so I am. 14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. In Mark 6 the apostles report back, and he says, "You come apart into a deserted place, and rest awhile." The crowd gets there first, and "he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things." The text keeps both; [what the Bible says about burnout](https://biblenudge.com/blog/what-does-the-bible-say-about-burnout) reads verse 31. ## The teachers Scripture names, for the end of term In Nehemiah 8, Ezra reads the Law to the assembly and the Levites go among the people: "They read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading." When the people weep, they are told the day is holy. If your day is spent giving the sense, Nehemiah names that as the work, done beside the one reading aloud. Ezra himself "had set his heart to seek Yahweh’s law, and to do it, and to teach" (Ezra 7:10). For Sunday school and homeschooling, Deuteronomy 6:7 says "you shall teach them diligently to your children." Ecclesiastes speaks in the voice of a teacher; its Hebrew title, Qoheleth, is translated Teacher or Preacher. He "taught the people knowledge" and "sought to find out acceptable words," and then wrote, "of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh." With the marking still on the table, a teacher in Scripture noticed the weariness of words and wrote it down. Priscilla and Aquila took Apollos aside and "explained to him the way of God more accurately" (Acts 18:26), for the teacher who corrects gently. 2 Timothy 1:5 names Timothy's grandmother Lois and mother Eunice, and 2:24 asks for someone "gentle towards all, able to teach, patient." Paul was taught "at the feet of Gamaliel" (Acts 22:3). For the last week of the school year, when you will not see what grows, Paul wrote to Corinth about those who had taught there: "I planted. Apollos watered. But God gave the increase" (1 Corinthians 3:6). For a pupil you are worried about: at his farewell to the people he had led, Samuel says, "far be it from me that I should sin against Yahweh in ceasing to pray for you: but I will instruct you in the good and the right way" (1 Samuel 12:23). They are words to pray for one child by name tonight. ![A stack of closed exercise books with plain covers and a red pen on a living room coffee table at night](https://biblenudge.com/blog/bible-verses-for-teachers/the-marking.jpg) ## Three verses that often reach teachers Colossians 3:23, "And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men," is addressed in the verse before to "Servants," in a passage about household relationships, as the Catholic [NABRE notes](https://bible.usccb.org/) place it. James 3:1, "Let not many of you be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment," opens a passage about the tongue in a letter to scattered churches; [Matthew Henry](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/James.3.1) reads it of those who set up as teachers in the church, and the [NABRE notes on James 3](https://bible.usccb.org/bible/james/3) of Christian teachers and the care their words need. Galatians 6:9 and Isaiah 40:31 are on many teacher cards; the [work burnout page](https://biblenudge.com/blog/bible-verses-for-work-burnout) says why Exodus 18 was chosen instead. Proverbs 22:6, a saying about training a child, is read on [Bible verses for an empty nest](https://biblenudge.com/blog/bible-verses-for-empty-nest). ## Prayer and faith at school For US public schools, the Department of Education's [2023 guidance](https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/laws-preschool-grade-12-education/birth-grade-12-policy-documents/prayer-and-religious-expression-public-schools-faq) says the First Amendment "prohibits the government from establishing religion and protects religious exercise and religious expression," and separates a teacher's private religious expression from school-sponsored religious exercise. In England, the [Teachers' Standards](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/teachers-standards) ask that "personal beliefs are not expressed in ways which exploit pupils’ vulnerability or might lead them to break the law." Lay Catholics in Schools treats religious formation as part of a Catholic school's own life. For a particular case, ask your school's leadership, a union or a diocesan education office. ## Words for a card or a thank-you National PTA dates [Teacher Appreciation Week](https://www.pta.org/home/About-National-Parent-Teacher-Association/PTA-Newsroom/news-list/news-detail-page/2025/05/06/pta-shines-a-light-on-the-critical-work-of-educators-during-teacher-appreciation-week) to the first full week of May, and [UNESCO](https://www.unesco.org/en/days/teachers) keeps World Teachers' Day on 5 October. The Catholic [Lasallian prayer](https://www.lasalle.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/15-May-Saint-JOHN-BAPTIST-de-LA-SALLE.pdf) asks God to "inspire teachers for your Church who are dedicated to serve the new generation, in school and throughout life," and Pope Pius XII named St John Baptist de La Salle [patron of Christian educators](https://www.lasalle.org/en/75th-anniversary-of-the-proclamation-of-st-john-baptist-de-la-salle-as-universal-patron-of-educators/) in 1950. The Orthodox [Monastery of Vatopedi](https://www.vatopedi.gr/en/geron-efrem-vatopedinos/kimena-geron-efrem-vatopedinos/i-tris-ierarches-os-niptiki-pateres-ke-prostates-tis-pedias-2/) prays through the Three Holy Hierarchs to "bless all teachers and educators." The Jewish [Pirkei Avot](https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_Avot.1.1) says "Provide yourself with a teacher and free yourself from doubt" (1:6) and ["Let the honor of your student be as dear to you as your own"](https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_Avot.4.12) (4:12). The Episcopal [Book of Common Prayer](https://www.episcopalchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/01/book_of_common_prayer.pdf) (1979) prays that "those who teach and those who learn may find you to be the source of all truth." For a card from a student or parent, one suggestion is Philippians 1:3, "I thank my God whenever I remember you," Paul's thanks for a church he loved, with one line about something the teacher did. ![A small potted succulent tied with a ribbon on an empty classroom desk](https://biblenudge.com/blog/bible-verses-for-teachers/the-plant.jpg) ## When the tiredness stays The [NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/clinical-depression/overview/) says to see a GP, a family doctor, if low mood lasts more than two weeks, affects daily life or causes distress. In the UK, [Education Support](https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/get-help/help-for-your-staff/) runs a helpline for "all teachers, lecturers and education staff in the UK" on 08000 562 561. Elsewhere, many schools and districts offer an employee assistance program, and you can see your own doctor. ## Where to go next If you are having thoughts of ending your life, please reach a person tonight. In the United States, call or text the [988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline](https://988lifeline.org/). In Canada, call or text [9-8-8](https://988.ca/). In the United Kingdom and Ireland, [Samaritans](https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/talk-us-phone/) is on 116 123. In Australia, [Lifeline](https://www.lifeline.org.au/) is on 13 11 14. Anywhere else, [Find A Helpline](https://findahelpline.com/) lists lines by country. On Monday, in the car before the gates open, read [Exodus 18:17-18 with the verses around it](https://biblenudge.com/context/exodus-18-17-18) once. [Bible Nudge](https://biblenudge.com/) takes a line in your own words and offers one passage and what surrounds it. [Find a passage](https://biblenudge.com/nudge). ## Words that come up here Tap a term to see what it means. **Qoheleth.** The Hebrew title of the speaker in Ecclesiastes, translated Teacher or Preacher. ## Share this page If somebody you know is carrying this, the link goes straight to the passage and what surrounds it. Nothing here asks them to sign up for anything. [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbiblenudge.com%2Fblog%2Fbible-verses-for-teachers)[Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbiblenudge.com%2Fblog%2Fbible-verses-for-teachers&media=https%3A%2F%2Fbiblenudge.com%2Fblog%2Fbible-verses-for-teachers%2Ffeatured.jpg&description=Bible%20Verses%20for%20Teachers%3A%20For%20Sunday%20Night%20Marking%2C%20the%20Last%20Week%20of%20Term%2C%20and%20the%20Card) ## Related Articles - [Bible Verses for First Responders: Between Calls, After the One That Stays With You, and for the Family at Home](https://biblenudge.com/blog/bible-verses-for-first-responders): A prayer for between calls, Exodus 18 for the long years, Scripture after a hard call, and help by country, for police, fire, ambulance and call handlers. - [Bible Verses for Overwhelmed Moms: When It Is Too Much for One Person](https://biblenudge.com/blog/bible-verses-for-overwhelmed-moms): Exodus 18:17-18 for a load too heavy for one person, Isaiah 40:11 for those with young, short passages for a quiet minute, and help for the weeks after a birth. - [What Does the Bible Say About Burnout? Moses, Elijah and a Day of Rest](https://biblenudge.com/blog/what-does-the-bible-say-about-burnout): What the Bible says about burnout: Moses told the load is too heavy, Elijah fed and left to sleep, the Sabbath, and what Christian traditions teach about rest.