Grace for Educators

What does it mean to lead with humility? Are we willing to make room for others to grow, even when doing so requires us to step aside?

In this special episode of Grace for Educators, Iris Peterson Bryant honors National Principals Month and acknowledges the leaders who encourage, guide, and create opportunities for others.

Drawing from a childhood playground experience involving her son, the lasting influence of a former teacher, and the generous legacy of her late husband, David, Iris explores the heart of servant leadership.

This episode invites educators, administrators, ministry leaders, and anyone in a position of influence to consider three questions:

1. Who helped you reach something that was once beyond your grasp?

2. Who around you needs encouragement, support, or an opportunity?

3. Are you willing to lower yourself so someone else can rise?

Leadership isn't simply about what we accomplish. It's also about what others can accomplish because we were willing to help.

Remember to give yourself grace, extend grace to others, and never underestimate what God can do through one educator who is willing to serve.

What happens when you feel called to stand, but no one stands with you?

During a recent convocation, I found myself standing alone in a room full of people. What began as a simple act of conviction became a powerful reminder about faith, courage, and the grace required to stand when others remain seated.

In this episode of Grace for Educators, I reflect on that experience, a timely reminder from my sister, and a treasured memory involving my daughter and a neon green blanket.

Together, these moments remind us that standing isn't about being noticed, proving a point, or believing we're better than anyone else. Sometimes, standing is simply about being faithful to what God has called us to do.

Whether you're an educator facing difficult decisions, navigating discouragement, or choosing to extend grace when others won't, this message is an invitation to stand with humility, integrity, and compassion.

Scripture: Matthew 5:14

A question to consider: Am I standing where God has called me to stand?

Remember, you may never know who needs to see you standing.

Continue the Journey

Looking for more encouragement as you navigate the calling of education? Explore my Grace for Educators devotional plan on the YouVersion Bible App, where we reflect on God's grace and its power to sustain and equip us for the work we've been called to do.

Read Grace for Educators on YouVersion

Let's Stay Connected

I'd love to hear from you! Has an episode encouraged you, challenged your thinking, or reminded you of God's grace in your own journey? Share your reflections, questions, or stories with me.

Email: [email protected]

Remember to give yourself grace, extend grace to others, and never underestimate what God can do through you.

There are real problems in education. There are challenges that deserve to be questioned, addressed, and sometimes changed. But what happens when our response to those problems begins to make them worse?

In this return episode of Grace for Educators, Iris P. Bryant invites educators to turn the mirror inward and consider what we bring into our classrooms, meetings, conversations, and difficult situations.

Grace doesn't require us to ignore problems, avoid accountability, or remain silent. Instead, God's grace empowers us to respond differently—with wisdom, integrity, courage, and compassion.

This week, consider three questions:

• What am I contributing?• Who am I becoming?• What would grace look like here?

We may not be able to fix every problem in education, but we can choose not to become part of the problem.

What happens when we allow others to define us? In today's culture, it seems educational morale is at an all-time low. Knowing who we are and and knowing our value is critically important as we continue to make a positive impact on the lives of our students.

Teachers have a great impact on those around them, but that impact is not limited to the students assigned to their classes. In this episode, Iris P. Bryant challenges us to be a beautiful, fragrant flower in the garden in which we have been planted. If you desire to be an example for others and to exemplify the qualities found in Titus 2:7-8, "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."

Previously published as Motivational Moments for Teachers on August 20, 2018

Welcome to the 21-22 season of Grace for Educators. This month's theme is optimism. Let's hold each other accountable for embracing change with optimistic hope!

This episode reminds the listener that although we may find ourselves in a "hard place," we have the strength to do the impossible!

Poster by Jo Higgins

Mentioned in this episode:

“Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” St. Francis of Assisi

"Those who bring joy into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves."

Learn how this quote by James M. Barrie has caused me to examine my motives in the past few weeks. What steps can we take to bring joy to others?

What do you do when someone speaks negatively around you? Are you quick to join in or do you resist the urge and choose to look for the brighter side of things? Join me as I share a recent encounter with negativity. 

Sometimes we need to pause and take a trip down memory lane. I am sure you will think about teachers and not tools who made a positive impact on your life. Join me in this episode as I share a valuable lesson I learned in a high school media center.