Commentaries

Week: March 10th - 14th, 2025

3/10/25 - Teachers Can Pray at School

Did you know that public schools teachers can pray at school? The U.S. Department of Education published new guidance on religious freedom in public schools. When it comes to prayer and teachers, the guidance says this:

“When acting in their official capacities as representatives of the State, teachers, school administrators, and other school employees are prohibited by the First Amendment from encouraging or discouraging prayer, and from actively participating in such activity with students. Teachers, however, may take part in religious activities where the overall context makes clear that they are not participating in their official capacities.”

The rule of thumb is this, if teachers are on “contract time” they can’t pray with students. But once they are on their own time, they are free to do so.

Do you know public school teachers? How about blessing them with this information. For details on the USDOE religious guidance, click here.

3/11/25 - Teachers Can Pray with Students

The U.S. Department of Education published new guidance on religious freedom in public schools. When it comes to prayer and teachers, the guidance says this:

“When acting in their official capacities as representatives of the State, teachers, school administrators, and other school employees are prohibited by the First Amendment from encouraging or discouraging prayer, and from actively participating in such activity with students. Teachers, however, may take part in religious activities where the overall context makes clear that they are not participating in their official capacities.”

The rule of thumb is this, if teachers are on “contract time” they can’t pray with students. But once they are on their own time, they are free to do so.

Do you know public school teachers? How about blessing them with this information? For details on the USDOE religious guidance, click here.

3/12/25 - Teaching about Religion

It may seem obvious that public school educators can teach about religion, but you’d be surprised how many teachers avoid the topic.

Somehow teachers think they are “establishing religion” if they teach about the positive contributions of religion – especially Christianity.

The U.S. Department of Education published new guidance on religious freedom in public schools. It clarified this regarding teaching about religion:

“[P]hilosophical questions concerning religion, the history of religion, comparative religion, the Bible (or other religious teachings) as literature, and the role of religion in the history of the United States and other countries all are permissible public school subjects. Similarly, it is permissible to consider religious influences on philosophy, art, music, literature, and social studies.”

Do you know public school teachers? How about blessing them with this information. For details on the new guidance, click here.

3/13/25 - Be an Encourager

In Colossians 4:6 the Apostle Paul tells us to let our speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt. In the ancient world, sharing salt was a symbol of hospitality. Today, we could say the way we talk to others should friendly and uplifting.

If you need to talk to your child’s teacher about something you are concerned about that is happening at school, make sure your words are friendly and uplifting.

Ask God to open doors this school year for you to bless your child’s teachers with winsome and uplifting words -- especially if you need to challenge something going on at school. Our “salt” should make people better, not bitter.

You can be a gateway to better education for your children and students. For help, visit our HOME PAGE.

3/14/25 - School Accountability

The U.S. Department of Education has published updated guidance on religious expression in public schools. One of the things it added was accountability for schools.

In 2002, Congress amended the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to require that public schools certify they have no policy against students praying at school. That is a rather low bar. A school might not have an official policy against prayer, but in practice they might repress it. The Department of Education has now made clear that states must have a process for students, parents and teachers to report violations of their right to participate in protected religious expression. It requires each state to notify the Department of any complaint against schools alleging violations even if the state thinks they are without merit.

For details on the religious guidance from the Department of Education, click here.