John the Baptist said, What counts is your life!

It's your life that must change, not your skin. 

That was the warning we were given in Mathew 3:7-10 by John the Baptist. Granted, he was warning the Pharisees who were showing up for a baptismal experience because it was the popular thing to do. He goes on to say, Being a descendent of Abraham is neither here nor there. Descendants of Abraham are a dime a dozen. What counts is your life. Is it green and flourishing? Because if it's deadwood, it goes on the fire. 

This is an important invitation to check our sincerity in the things that we commit to, in what we do, and why we do them.

John the Baptist’s warning wasn’t about appearances, heritage, or outward conformity—it was about the authenticity of one’s transformation. In education, especially with difficult students, success isn’t found in tactics alone. It starts with the inner life of the teacher—your patience, perspective, humility, and willingness to be changed by the work.

When you're in the trenches—managing defiance, trauma, apathy, or chaos—your core motivations are tested. That’s where the metaphor of “deadwood” comes in.

• Are we showing up just because it’s expected? Are we going through the motions, or are we cultivating a “green and flourishing” life that can genuinely impact those who need us most?

Difficult students don’t just need better rules—they need educators who embody emotional maturity, integrity, and grace under pressure. That kind of presence can’t be faked.

One Way Teachers Can Begin to Become More

Invest in one hour per week for intentional development—beyond curriculum.

Not grading. Not lesson planning. One hour dedicated to growing as a leader, not just a teacher.

Use that hour to:

• Watch a training on emotional resilience or classroom leadership

• Read part of a book that stretches your mindset

• Connect with a mentor or colleague for intentional conversation

It’s a small commitment with lasting impact. When teachers consistently step into their own growth, they create the capacity to lead students through theirs.