Christian teachers needed!

COMMENT

Guest feature by Lizzie Harewood, CEO of the Association of Christian Teachers

When I share with other Christians that I work for the Association of Christian Teachers, I frequently encounter the same kinds of responses:

“It must be incredibly challenging to be a Christian in education these days.”

“There are so many obstacles to sharing the Christian message in schools now.”

“Teachers can’t express their views on issues like gender ideology without fearing for their jobs.”

These reactions reflect a broader concern among Christians about the pressures and challenges faced by those in the education sector. They highlight the growing tension between maintaining personal biblical convictions and navigating the increasingly complex landscape of modern schools in the UK.

With high-profile stories in the news about Christian teachers facing difficulties because of their beliefs, it can feel like an increasingly precarious profession.

However, it’s crucial to clear up misconceptions so that Christians have a full and accurate understanding of the legal frameworks teachers operate in. In reality, there’s much to be thankful for, and more freedom than we might think! Moreover, there is still plenty of noble and God-honouring work to be done in schools. Despite some genuine challenges, teaching can also be an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable career – one that I’d enthusiastically implore Christians to pursue!

Christians and education

Christians have significantly shaped the UK’s education system. In the 19th century it was the churches that established schools for the urban poor, laying the foundation for today’s state education.

This Christian influence is also evident through key values like equal access to schooling and dignity for all—principles rooted in the Bible. And there are still many Christians working in the sector today; estimates suggest there are about 160,000 teachers in the UK who describe themselves as Christians, with approximately 45,000 attending church every week.

So, should Christians remain in the Education sector, or is it just too risky? Can a Christian truly be a teacher, and can a teacher truly be a Christian?

Misconceptions

‘Secular’ schools

One misconception about education is that institutions not designated as faith schools operate as entirely ‘secular’ entities with no mention of Christianity. However, it is a legal requirement that education should contribute towards the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils. What’s more, state-funded schools in England and Wales are legally required to hold a daily act of collective worship that is “wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character”. Exemptions to this rule are possible but rare. Although compliance can be patchy, this requirement offers a unique opportunity to sensitively explain the Christian message. Non-Christian headteachers, recognising their own lack of expertise, sometimes look to their Christian staff to help them fulfil this obligation.

Of course, this doesn’t mean Christians can neglect their teaching duties or misuse their position to proselytise. They must never use their freedom to hound students or manipulate lesson content. But Government guidance is clear that, so long as it is appropriate, balanced and relevant, there is no problem with presenting a Christian perspective on topical issues in assemblies or the classroom.

Political indoctrination

There’s a growing belief that schools are indoctrinating students with progressive ideologies and that disagreeing with these ideas is simply not allowed. But, while it’s true that some pressure groups have approached schools with controversial resources and training, the law is clear: The Education Act 1996 forbids schools in England and Wales from promoting partisan political views and requires them to ensure balanced discussions of political issues. This may include issues on which Christians have clear views like marriage and LGBT rights. Independent schools have similar obligations.

Concerns about political indoctrination resurfaced in 2022 when a primary school encouraged students to write suspiciously sophisticated party-political complaints about the Prime Minister, and another education authority approved teaching Critical Race Theory as fact. In response, then-Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi issued guidance to ensure teachers present opposing political views in a balanced way, highlighting how complex these issues often are.

We must take our legal responsibilities as educators seriously. Teachers must provide a balanced and impartial account of controversial issues in their lessons and Christians are obligated to do this just as much as those with other belief systems. But if we’re anxious about competing groups pushing their agendas in schools, we should remember that the law ensures contested theories and opinions are indeed presented as such. We can have confidence that if we are carefully considering different points of view and presenting perspectives impartially, then Christian viewpoints have just as much right to be heard as other ideas.

Compelled use of pronouns

Gender identity has become one of the most sensational issues in schools, and for sure, cases involving Christian teachers have hit the media spotlight over the past year or so.

The conflicting guidance schools have given staff on responding to the growing number of transgender-identifying children has, at times, undermined both the protection of these children and the professional integrity of teachers.

One talented and compassionate Christian teacher I spent time with a number of months ago expressed fear of applying for a role as head of PSHE. Her concern was that the topic of transgender issues would be unavoidable and that if pressed, she would have to share her views that sex was binary and immutable. The headline news claiming that a Christian was “struck off for misgendering” was particularly chilling for her.

Despite being well-suited for the role, the teacher was concerned about deviating from the prevailing cultural norms in the school and the potential job loss that could follow.

But the truth is that there is no obligation for teachers to socially transition children by using preferred pronouns. A teacher – whether Christian or not – who does not believe it is possible to change sex, can protect their conscience by simply avoiding using pronouns in relation to a gender-questioning child.

Schools themselves should be careful about buying into gender ideology. The landmark Cass Review, which criticised the lack of evidence for the medical pathway, recommended a more holistic approach for children struggling with gender issues and said: “The importance of what happens in school cannot be under-estimated”. Draft Government guidance urged schools to exercise caution over social transitioning, a position also reflected in the 2024 update of the statutory safeguarding guidance, Keeping Children Safe in Education. And even if a school does have a policy encouraging the use of preferred pronouns, the law is clear that they must also have appropriate regard to freedom of expression for pupils and staff who cannot in good conscience follow it.

I’m pleased to report that the talented teacher applied for the PSHE role, was successful, and is now helping the school revise lesson content by removing age-inappropriate material and correcting legal and factual inaccuracies. Her interventions have been well-received, and she has engaged with her line manager graciously and with wisdom.

Likewise, many Christians resolve gender identity issues with grace and pragmatism, without compromising their beliefs. Building strong relationships with students and having honest conversations with colleagues are key strategies. By definition, these cases of being as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves often take place away from the public gaze and so go unnoticed. But they are happening all the time.

Don’t be afraid

And whilst it would be naïve to think that Biblical beliefs will be celebrated in every mainstream school, there is still – according to the law – a place for them at the table. There’s also worthy work to do for the teachers that hold them. There’s the chance to creatively pass on knowledge and wisdom and bring clarity to complex subjects. It’s a rewarding profession filled with opportunities to honour God and be part of his creative and restorative purposes in the world.

Schools should be places where children are safe and can trust their teachers to be clear, compassionate and focussed on their best interests. Those of us seeking to follow Jesus have the means and the opportunity to challenge harmful cultural orthodoxies and deliver the curriculum with integrity.

In these times, Christian teachers must be courageous and graciously hold fast to biblical truths. Yes, we should avoid affirming what is wrong. But we must also demonstrate the humility and gentleness of Christ in our conduct. And we must pray for our schools, knowing that our calling as teachers is noble and our pattern in the Lord Jesus is invaluable.

Lizzie joined ACT in September 2020 after twelve years working in secondary education as an English teacher. She supports her husband as he pastors an evangelical church in Yorkshire, and is a busy mum of two children.