Prayers for School Administrators and Support Staff

As the new school year unfolds, many of us can feel the big emotions that come with it. We may feel nervous about sending our kids off to the school bus. We might also feel some relief at the reestablishment of a regular schedule and routine for our kids. The first days and weeks of school are a big transition for students, teachers, and families, but also for the many people who hold the schools together behind the scenes.

The school community is much larger than the students and teachers. Administrators, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, custodians, food servers, and even grandparents and caregivers all play essential roles in shaping the environment where learning happens. Their work keeps the school moving forward every day.

I am married to a teacher, and I have kids in school. I am so grateful for the faithful prayers and support of grandparents. It is a special blessing when grandparents and special friends can come to games, band concerts, or volunteer in other ways. At the end of this blog, I have included a beautiful prayer from a grandparent, a reminder of the important role family members play in our school communities. 

May these prayers inspire you to lift up the support staff in your local school.   

Prayers for the Support Staff: School Nurses, Custodians, Food Service, Paraprofessionals, and others, written by Emily

I am so grateful for the support staff in schools, the people who work behind the scenes to make our schools places of learning, care, and safety. Their work is often unseen but so essential. I give thanks for every way they serve students and the community. Thank you for the ways they reflect your servant heart when they take on the messy and mundane tasks that others would avoid. 

Bless them when they mop up spills, clean bathrooms, and make sure the lights work so that students have a safe and welcoming place to learn. 

Bless them when they cook lunches and serve food. 

Bless them when they hand out Band-Aids and offer hugs and comfort to kids who are hurting. 

Bless them when they make copies, repair broken things, unlock doors, and take care of all the little details that keep the school running. 

Lord, their work may be quiet, but it is holy. We pray that you would bless them with strength for the long days, wisdom for the unexpected, and joy that runs deeper than weariness. Remind them that every act of service reflects your own love, because you came not to be served, but to serve. 

May they know how valued, appreciated, and loved they are. 

A Prayer for School Staff, written by Sarah, a reading specialist at an elementary school

Dear God, thank you for calling me to serve in this school. Whether I clean, cook, teach, or support, remind me that my work matters and that every small act of care reflects your love. Give me strength when the tasks feel heavy, patience when the days are long, and joy in knowing I help create a place where children feel safe, nourished, and seen.

A Prayer for the School Bus Drivers, written by Leanne, a parent and a bus driver

As the school year begins, we thank you, Lord, for the school bus drivers. They are unendingly consistent in driving our children to and from school every day, doing dependable work, and keeping our children safe.

For the coming year, Lord, grant bus drivers safety before school when the fog is thick, the snow piles high, and darkness covers everything. Protect them after school when surrounding drivers are tired or raging, when the sun shines below the sunshade, and when the students are too excited or loud. Shield them from engine trouble and accidents. 

Give bus drivers wisdom to know which students are hurting and need grace and which students are careening and need boundaries. Give them the support of their communities and nudge others to become bus drivers, because substitutes are sorely needed. Favor them with good health, emotional strength, and mental fortitude for the year to come. Bless the bus drivers, Lord, for we need them.

A Prayer for School Administrators, written by Justin, high school dean of students

Father, thank you for today and for this season. We pray that school administrators find honor and joy in serving you, loving you, and loving others. Father God, please give them your wisdom as they take the time to be patient and listen to you. You are mighty and in control of all. Help administrators keep what you are doing in perspective. Help them love and serve one another as they help young people and adults serve you. 

We come into agreement with your Word, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding" (Proverbs 2:6), and "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:43-45). Amen. 

A Prayer for School Leadership, written by Emily

As the school year begins, we thank you for those you have called to lead: principals, deans, superintendents, department leads, and school boards. Give them wisdom, grace, and courage. Bless them as they guide teachers and staff through challenges. Bless them when they encourage and support struggling families. And give them great wisdom and integrity as they manage budgets, policies, and plans. Remind them that their leadership is sacred, and let their service reflect the heart of Christ.

Prayers from a Grandparent, written by John, a grandparent

My prayers for the school year are that administrators would truly love their work, their students, and their teachers. May they seek God’s will earnestly, striving for what is best in every decision and action. I pray that God will do exceedingly more than all that is hoped for or imagined in their efforts to lead and serve. 

I pray the students will be eager to learn, cooperative in spirit, and quick to understand. May their minds be curious and their hearts open to growth.

I pray the teachers will love deeply the subjects they teach, continually digging deeper to discover exciting new methods and meaningful illustrations that bring their lessons to life. Grant these teachers compassion and love for each student, and bless them with a good sense of humor to sustain them through the challenges and joys of their work.

Finally, Lord, I ask for your covering of health and safety over every school, every classroom, and every hallway throughout this year. May this season be one of growth, peace, and purpose for all who enter.

Thank you for your faithful prayers for support staff, teachers, and students. May God, who delights in our prayers, give wisdom, strength, joy, and protection over the school year. Thank you for your faithful prayers for the students, teachers, support staff, and school administrators in your life. 

What are the prayer concerns that you may have for the learners and leaders you know? How can we pray for you and for them? Leave a prayer request here: Prayer Request. And thank you for praying in faith and obedience.