For the teacher on your shopping list
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Sharon Harris-Ewing

Many of the entries in the recently released book "Prayers for School Teachers - Contemporary Conversations with God," come from the personal experience of author and Williamsville resident Sharon Harris-Ewing.

The daughter of a kindergarten teacher and guidance counselor, Harris-Ewing found herself pursuing the same career. She currently is an associate professor of education in the Teacher Education Division at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester. She also served on the Williamsville School Board from 1994 to 2003.

Through her years of studying and teaching, Harris-Ewing said she has experience in various levels of education. Her prayers address issues that teachers, school boards, superintendents, students, parents and the community deal with in a school setting.

Included are prayers of thanksgiving, prayers for forgiveness and guidance, prayers for others - including students of all ages and needs, colleagues and school leaders, parents and communities, and prayers for the seasons of teaching.

"In these times, when teachers face so many challenges, including increased demands for accountability, more student diversity and even school violence, the practice for prayer is essential," she said.

Harris-Ewing added that she fully supports the separation of church and state, and her book allows an appropriate line between the two. It is a way for a Christian teacher to integrate his or her beliefs into a school day.

"These are prayers intended for teachers' private use, to assist them as they strive to live their faith in the classrooms where they teach," she said.

Colleagues have picked up on themes in the book that have come from conversations or situations that involved them, she said.

"Teachers who have read it really appreciate the way (the book) was done and what it offers them," she said, adding that although she doesn't have immediate plan for a second book, she definitely has enough material.

Harris-Ewing said she spent a year making notes for ideas and writing the prayers. The book was released the beginning of September.

"I'm hopeful that these prayers can help teachers relate directly to many of the most current issues facing teachers," she said.

Copies are available at the Barnes & Noble on Niagara Falls Boulevard and Life Resources LLC, a Christian bookstore, at 151 Niagara Falls Blvd. It can also be purchased through www.ama zon.com.

Harris-Ewing will be holding a book signing from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at Barnes & Noble, 1565 Niagara Falls Blvd.