Original Research

Living out a calling to teach: A practical theological engagement

Carolina Botha, Jan-Albert van den Berg
Verbum et Ecclesia | Vol 34, No 1 | a790 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/ve.v34i1.790 | © 2013 Carolina Botha, Jan-Albert van den Berg | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 11 September 2012 | Published: 07 August 2013

About the author(s)

Carolina Botha, Department of Practical Theology, University of the Free State, South Africa
Jan-Albert van den Berg, Department of Practical Theology, University of the Free State, South Africa

Abstract

South African teachers are confronted with a plethora of stressors on a daily basis. Often their experience of having a calling to teach is silenced by the realities they have to face. Becoming more aware of the presence of God in their classrooms might turn them into practical theologians. This in itself does not eliminate the factors that cause stress, but it becomes the driving force that keeps them coping in times of duress. Through a constant migration between theory and praxis within the habitus of practical theology, the academic discourses about teachers and about calling are explored. This specific context creates a moment of praxis where they can explore their identity as Christian teachers and their endeavours to create schools driven by their calling. The realisation that they are practical theologians has a profound effect on the different relationship-spheres in which teachers function. Thus they become empowered to be the hands and feet of God in their classrooms and, in turn, serve as agents of hope for their learners and for one another.


Keywords

Teachers; Agents of Hope; Calling; Practical theological engagement

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Crossref Citations

1. Because I Am called: How a calling to teach emerges and develops in teachers working in catholic high schools
Cristóbal Madero
Teaching and Teacher Education  vol: 101  first page: 103319  year: 2021  
doi: 10.1016/j.tate.2021.103319