A School Principal's Letter of Resignation
Posted by Scott Brown on August 6, 2010
My friend Mike Metarko recently resigned his post as principal of Hanover Elementary School in Bethlehem, PA.
His resignation letter tells the story of why he would do such a radical thing and abandon what has been his livelihood for many years.
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with strong conviction that I write this letter as my formal resignation effective Thursday, July 1, 2010 from my position as Principal of Hanover Elementary School, where I have devoted the last five of my 14 years in the Bethlehem Area School District. Though there is no job at present to which I will be going, God has clearly persuaded me through His Word and through my research into the foundations of our educational system that I must end my career in public education.
For the last fourteen years, I have worked diligently to be the “salt and light” spoken of in Matthew 5:13, but I have realized that while I am plugging up pinholes in the dike that holds back the tumultuous waters of public education, the improperly laid foundation has been eroding beneath our feet. God states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7a). This means that neither God nor moral character can be separated from true education; in fact, the glorification of God and the building of Biblical moral character must be the basis of true education. In the words of Benjamin Rush, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, “We profess to be republicans [in form of government], and yet we neglect the only means of establishing and perpetuating our republican forms of government, that is, the universal education of our youth in the principles of Christianity by the means of the Bible. For this Divine Book, above all others, favors that equality among mankind, that respect for just laws, and those sober and frugal virtues, which constitute the soul of republicanism.”
But what have we done? We have thrown God, Bibles and prayer out of our schools based upon an inaccurate interpretation of the “Separation clause”, while openly proselytizing the religion of Secular Humanism (Smith v. Board of School Commissioners of Mobile County, Ala). We have divorced morality from education and focused only on what special interest groups perceive as the “right” content knowledge. We manage the masses at the expense of the individual. As with most educators in the system, I have been sincere in my efforts to apply the doctrines of those we call the founding fathers of education, but I have realized that I have been sincerely wrong. My research into the real philosophies and beliefs behind men such as Rousseau, Dewey, Hall, etc. has opened my eyes. I am now aware that not only have I not been working for God, I have been working in complete opposition to Him. I mistakenly thought I was on neutral ground: there is no neutral territory.
That said; let me assure you that my argument is not against those I have worked with for the past 14 years. I have a love for my colleagues and friends; most are wonderful teachers of a curriculum they have been given, most truly love the children and will do anything for them, most sincerely try to improve our children, our city, our nation. But we have all taken our eye off the mark of what the chief end of man is. The nation’s statist system of public education is the real issue.
The Bible is overwhelmingly clear in that the primary responsibility in educating a child rests with the parents (Deuteronomy 6, Ephesians 6:4, etc.). We need parents to be parents once again, families to be families once again, fathers to be the father and leader, mothers to be the mother and nurturer. It does not “take a village to raise a child”; it takes a family entrusted with the Word of God. Our children are not to be wards of the State; on the contrary, they are creations of a God of love, justice, and redemption who loves us so much He sent Christ to die for us so that if we believe in Him and profess Him as Lord and Savior, He will grant us eternal life. He does not need us, but we need Him. He has given us the roadmap to life and to education: the Bible. I pray that He may manifest Himself in your life as he has clearly done so in mine.Respectfully,
Michael J. Metarko
comments to "A School Principal's Letter of Resignation "
I admire Mike for stepping out in faith in order to be the salt and light he has been called to be. As a teacher of 15 years in Catholic schools, I've been troubled and frustrated with the tendency of parochial schools to imitate their public school counterparts. In doing this, they've imported all the dysfunctions that come along with the public schools' liberal nonsense. For the schools in which I've taught, it's not been so much a liberal agenda, but a bureaucratic cancer that leads to the use of secular textbooks, seeks secular accreditation, and hires only teachers licensed by the secular state bureaucracy. More and more, we teachers are required to coddle students. When I took my first teaching job, I never thought I'd be asked to be a surrogate parent for hundreds of students. I didn't sign on to be a de facto social worker. I just wanted to share the truth with high schoolers. Now it seems that's the last thing schools want. Let's be honest. Big public and private schools have become little more than K-12 day care centers for dual income families. Few parents (I daresay few administrators) want students to be challenged academically and spiritually--they just want a place to park them all day that won't bother them with things pesky issues like moral formation and scholarship. There's a part of me that envies Mike.
Posted by J. Adams on 08/11/10
I want to thank my good friend and dear Christian brother, Mr. Metarko for your contagious stand. I pray the Lord's abundent blessing on you in this next stage of your life. It has been a great pleasure getting to know you and I pray that our friendship will last for years to come. I also want to thank Heather Teichrib for her great comment that the public school system is a battlefield that we should never have entered. The issue is not getting the Bible back in the public school system (which system is, on a most fundamental level, a violation of the very Bible people want back in the schools), but getting our children back into the home where they can be educated by their parents as the Bible commands. Deut. 6:6-7, "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." This is a case of jurisdiction, Government is to punish the wicked (Rom. 13), the Church is to equip the saints (Eph. 4:11-12), and the family is to raise up a godly seed teaching children in the way they should go (Mal. 2:14-15). The point is that it is wrong to send children to the government (or the church schools which are not authorized by God either) to be educated even if the only textbook they use is the Bible. The nice thing about God's way of dealing with the public school problem (removing your children and home educating) is that it is legal and you don't have to be in a position of power like a principal, teacher, school board member, union leader, government official, etc. to do it! So while many fight a losing battle trying to reform an ungodly system, the actual solution is far easier: obey the Bible and never give your children to the government for education in the first place. If they don't have your kids whom you are commanded to train up in the way of the Lord, they can't teach them whatever they want! God may be freely worshiped in and through every single subject (all things are for the glory of God and any curriculum that fails to be centered on the glory and worship of God in all areas of life is a worldly curriculum) as He demands. Remember, the removal of children from the home was the first step to destruction, not the removal of the Bible from schools. Stop trying so hard to fight a fruit and instead kill the root by bringing your children home.
Posted by R Glick on 08/10/10
In regards to some who protest him "leaving the battlefield", it was never a battlefield we should have entered. It is clear that we, as parents, are to raise our children, not leave them to fate in a school founded on immoral ideals. Public school was not founded by God but by man. God bless you sir in you step of faith...wow. You leave quite the testimony for us to follow:o)
Posted by Heather Teichrib on 08/10/10
God Bless You Sir, Like you, I feel we need to bring God back into our schools and allow Him to be our teacher and leader.
Posted by Larry Harwood on 08/10/10
8-9-2010
Referring to the gentlemen who 'flogged' Mr. Metarko for 'leaving the battlefield', just this note. God leads people in different paths. If Mr Metarko were leaving the battlefield, he would not have bothered to write this message at all.
Sometimes we need a rest from what we were doing before, that is also what God has us doing before. Even on a battlefield of war, such as in the Guld, etc, or in WWI or II, and others, soldiers did not stay in one position and location all the time. Their came a time when they had to move on, but they were always on the battlefield somewhere. Even those who head of the military are part of that battlefiled force, but in a different position.
And so, no doubt with Mr. Metarko, if God truly lead from the position he has been in up to now, perhaps God is saying to Him have a brief rest - resting in Him and His Word, growing closer to Him, and in preparation for what God has for him next.
God prepared Moses, really more than the 40 years away from Egypt. Even his time in egypt as an unbeliever in God, was a form of preparation. Then the next step in that preparation came when he had to flee Egypt. Then the rest of the tre story leading up to the deliverance of the children of Israel from Pharoah, and on and on from there.
And Jesus grew up as a Carpenter's son, learning as He went along. Then the time in the wilderness. Then ministry, and so forth.
And you - you were young, had training, you grew up, possibly had more training, then work. have you always been in the sme job? If so, how many battlefiield experiences have you already had? Each required a new position to take, but there were steps along the way.
God does not always keep us in the same place. Each place we are in is a stepping stone for the next and the next - sometimes in the same location and vocation, sometimes in preparation for something new - actually all of it becvomes something new every day.
None of it all means the battlefield is forsaken. Sometimes soldiers have to pull back and rest as it were, and prepare for the next event to come, whatever that may be. So dow we in other areas of life.
Mr. Metarko - will be praying for you and for God's leading in your life. Stay close to Him and in His Word. Check out Answers in Genesis and Wallbluilders.
Posted by K on 08/09/10
"Gabrieliono High" in San Gabriel in Southern Cal forced the students to do a "pro-gay" art project without letting the parents know. Pure Evil!
Posted by Pei on 08/09/10
I sit here reading this, listening to Obama in the background on TV saying that, in one generation America went from being first in the world in education to being 12th. Why?
1. We took God out of the classroom.
2. Teachers joined unions and became a "protected class" who answered only to their union Reps.
Posted by Rev. Charles Stanley, Retired on 08/09/10
The children need this kind of an educator! I understand completely why he feels he must do this. It takes courage to stand up for our convictions when others insist that their agenda is the right one. It will destroy our country. Parents need to be in charge of their children...not a village. I concur wholeheartedly!
Posted by Sallie on 08/09/10
Dear Ones,
May God bless, guard and support Mr. Metarko! We'd do well to heed his advice in all quarters of American life. As a pastor in a mainline denomination, I'm sad to say the same neglect of Bible and confessional faith, values and truth has infected the Church. Depending on votes taken in presbyteries of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. during the next year, I may have to make the same choice regarding continuing a lifelong career. I join his friends in praying that God will swiftly show Michael where he will serve next, for the Lord will not let such a faithful man go idle long.
In Him,
JIm
Posted by Dr. James G. Cramer on 08/09/10
I say, Praise The Lord // I'm with you 100%. The nation that forgets God, will fall.
Posted by Donna on 08/09/10
He should have remained on the job. I did so for 35 years in a public school district (20 years as a Principal) and fought the forces of secular mediocrity on a daily basis.
Christians are not promised an easy path or a light burden...quite the opposite. We are promised, however, that we will not tire or falter if we rely on Him who is the source of all righteousness and power.
I understand Mr. Metarko's feelings and frustrations, but I cannot condone leaving the battlefield.
Posted by Gary on 08/09/10
It is refreshing to see that someone involved in public education realizes what the real needs are and stands for God's truth. Ever since the introduction of Agenda 21 propoganda in most of our public schools in 1994, the youth of this great and sovereign nation have been shortchanged and indoctrinated with immoral "global" lies. God Bless You Mr. Metarko.
Posted by Layne on 08/09/10
This man is making it plain & clear, we, all of us must make a stand, a declaration of our principles & faith. Some will stay, others will leave. He chose to leave, but in so doing he made a profound staement of his reasons. His words are eloquent & carry a message to all of us. Stop straddling the fence, with neither leg touching and then whine that "it hurts so much". Get down off the fence and make a stand. Ask God for guidance as to what that will be!
Posted by Jim Tapscott on 08/09/10
It is way past time for parents to be parents! Teachers can not TEACH anymore, they are there to do the governments bidding! As a principal, I can see where it would be troubling to have to bend to the government to receive funding...a blackmail technique used to make schools cave. Evidently, God has another purpose in mind for Mr. Metarko. One of my Grandmother's favorite things to say when things look bleak was, God works in mysterious ways... We just have to trust Him!
Posted by Linda on 08/09/10
This is an amazing man. I wish that our government individuals would have just a taste of his respect for the bible and what it stands for. This country has gotten so GREEDY that it thinks about nothing but MONEY. The bible tells you to save for one day you will need and can help others survive. If you look at the past you can tell exactly when things started going south for this country. I hope and pray someday we will have another Ronald Reagan to run this country and bring back the respect that it deserves because right now there is NOTHING in Washington that even comes close.
Posted by GEORGE PEARCE on 08/09/10
GOD Speed. GOD bless you in JESUS name.
Posted by Ed Knight on 08/09/10
What a man of rock-solid conviction..! This is a voice "crying out of the wilderness", stirring the dormant consciences of many others. A groundswell is building, and Mr. Metarko is leading by example. God bless him for this message through his sacrifice.
Posted by Jim Robinson on 08/09/10
God granted me favor in allowing me to retire. I as many had become "totally" disillusioned. Although I was primarily what is commonly known as a vocational training instructor, I became part of the retrofitting of the total train wreck that public education has become. It frightens me when I try to comprehend the mountains of money that has been used to innovate each year's answer to "fix" the education process.
Posted by Al Clarke on 08/09/10
Praise the God of all that has given this man the courage to stand up for what is right and refuse to cave in any longer to the special interests and those who are more with political correctness than with truth and justice. The special interest groups and organizations have been working for decades at chipping away the truths that the founding fathers knew all too well. Those people with a distorted view of "right" have done tremendous harm to our children, our families, our rights and our nation. It is time more of us stood up like Mike did and put things back the way they were intended to be. May God bless Mike, his family and fellow believers!
Posted by Mike Steinbring on 08/09/10
I left a career in education after 14 years. How can we complain that students act like animals when we tell them they descended from apes. The condition of the public school is merely one of several reasons God will be able to act in righteous judgment based the depraved conditions of what we consider "our" country. God cannot bless America, until America Blesses God by keeping his commandments.
Posted by rik gaydusek on 08/09/10
I.applaud.this.brave.man.....This.is.what.the.Bible.teaches.us.
to.do......It.has.cost.him.his.job;however,GOD.will.richly.
reward.him.for.rejecting.the.educational.culture.in.this.
country.that.goes.against.GOD's.written.word.
Children.should.not.be.taught.about.sex.in.school....They.
should.not.be.taught.that.it.is.OK.to.be.homosexual...Children.
should.be.allowed.to.say.a.brief.prayer.along.with.the
Plege.of.Allegance....The.Bible.teaches.us.to.serve.GOD.first,
and.do.nothing.that.is.against.His.teachings.in.our.wordly.
life....Clearly.this.man.is.following.the.WrittenWord...He.should.be.commended.....I.pray.he.will.find.employment.elsewhere;
perhaps.in.a.Christian.school
Posted by taffy on 08/09/10
Kudos to Mr. Metarko. Our educational system is about pushing UN agendas and turning children against God and traditional values. I wish more people had the conviction and integrity of this school principal.
Posted by Fiorella Weaver on 08/09/10
I wish more would/could take the stand Michael. It takes courage and strength to follow the Lord. Thanks Michael!
Posted by Joan Ledoux on 08/09/10
I hate that a man of these principles, values and faith has had to make this difficult dicision to end a career that he obviously loves. Unfortunately it is what needs to start happening in this country instead of everyone waiting for someone else to take a stand against what has been happening for years to our schools and this nation. I wish him luck in the future.
Sincerely,
Ginger
Posted by Ginger on 08/09/10
Praise God for the conviction of this man of God. Realizing the necesity of from a system that is in truth not education. My prayer is that this letter will be read by educators who are "trying to be the salt and light." And that they will come out from among them. My prayer is also for the "Christian" school in this rural community will open its heart and eyes and realize you can't join hands with that which is opposed to truth.
Blessing upon this man of courage!
Posted by John W. Watson on 08/09/10
First, Praise the God of our Salvation. This man has taken the essence of God's Holy Word and put it into action.
He as Paul has warned us, has done. Be doers of the Word and not just hearer's only!
May we all be joy filled knowing the example Mike has shown is to be the walk we who call ourselves Christian is to be about!
Pray with me as we ask God to strengthen Mike and supply abundantly every need he and his family might have.
Thank you Mike.
Posted by Carl Daubenspeck on 08/09/10
Dear friend and defender of the Faith,
One of my g-g-g-grandfathers came to America as a United Brethren. He and his family loved the Lord. It's so disturbing that we, we the people of faith have been so lax as to allow our nations only sure defense to be so eroded.
Thank you for standing up for the truth. We need to return to the faithfulness of our fathers in the worship of the Lord, Jesus Christ.
The true life story of Hans and Sophie Scholls is a brilliant stand against godless, Nazi Germany. The movie is called "Sophie Scholl".
Please know you are serving as a beacon of truth.
May God Bless the USA
Denise Midgley
Posted by Denise Midgley on 08/09/10
I agree, we need more men and women who will stand up for what they believe and know that God is watching the teaching's that are being taught. When people continue to reject God our country is going to fail. It is already on its way to that and every day more is happening that is not God's will. Our government needs to wake up and do the right things instead of being afraid of hurting people. Just read the bible as it tells us how we are supposed to conduct our lives and raise our families.
Posted by Joyce Hefner on 08/09/10
As Christians, it is us who have disobeyed God. We have the Word of God telling us to raise our children and to believe in the Bible in its entirety. But it is us Christians who have believed in the enemy's lies again, just like Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden. We have doubted God's Word. We have put our faith in the government to save us, in political leaders to save us, in science to save us, in human intellect to save us, in religious traditions to save us, in man's "good" will to save us. We have trusted in everything and anything but God Himself. We must stop compromising in our own lives and start taking God's Word and fatherly warnings seriously. God is for us. He is not against us when he warns us against serving two gods. When will we Christians stop serving the desires of this carnal world and start serving God again?
Posted by Wendy Chang on 08/09/10
Dear Dr. Metarko My credit -- and sympathy -- to you for having to take a stand by resigning. If more people stood up to the liberals who are trying to secularize our lives, maybe our schools and country wouldn't be in such a quagmire.
I'm a Roman Catholic so you can see I would agree with 99 percent of what you say. I add only that, in addition to everything else you said, the schools also are teaching sex education --- explicitly sexual in nature -- and it includes "reproductive rights" (read that abortion). So another avenue has been opened to have babies murdered.
I hope you find another job. Maybe open your own charter school. Or, if God tells you, go in another direction entirely. Please let us know how you fare. And God bless you and your family. Sincerely, Rosemary E. Lloyd, Elberon, NJ.
Posted by Rosemary E. Lloyd on 08/09/10
Wish all teachers and principals were like you, may our Lord Jesus Christ be with you and use you for His Glory,
Coptic Orthodox Christian.
Posted by Marcella on 08/08/10
Thank you, Michael Metarko - You are one strong man among all the people. If all of us would be so brave to speak up and take a stand like you, the Lord would be knocking on our doors night and day with all the answers we need. And that is when we take a stand - AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!!!!! You are so far ahead of all our politicians and Mr. Obama, they will never catch up. May the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord make his face shine upon you, may the Lord be gracious unto you and give you peace!Amen.
Now and Forever, Linda
Posted by Linda on 08/08/10
It really thrilled my heart to read this letter by Mr. Metarko. Most true Americans would follow a person, any person, who would make a stand for God and not back down. I think that this is the reason that most would follow Sarah Palin, because she is not ashamed of her faith, and would defend her belief and faith in God.
Posted by Ronnie Spradley on 08/08/10
WOW!!!! Michael hit the nail on the head!!!! Christian Parents and Churches need to more involved!!!! The problem with the Church is they believe there is such a thing as separation of Church and State. Those words are not used in the constitution!!!! This notion is the interpretation of the Liberal Courts!!!! we Christians and Churches scared to death of these words!!!! We must become more involved in politics!!!!
Posted by Walter N. Meloon on 08/08/10
Perhaps this wise man has discovered that man is only changed for the better and for eternity from the inside and not by legislating morality. What a loss for a school system and yet those corrupt perveyors of legislation in DC think another victory for them----alas what an awakening is due them.
Posted by Dave Brown on 08/08/10
That is awesome and I whole heartedly believe everything you have said. Keep up the good work because we as followers of Christ are to go out and talk about the Good News, to be fishermen of God.
Thanks for sharing your story.
Posted by Julie on 08/08/10
Michael,
This same problem is going on right here in Michigan. My children attended private schools at a tremendous cost to me, however, like you - I have to answer to God for each of my decisions. I never looked back on this decision...
May God bless you and your family.
Posted by Martin Klemet on 08/08/10
Indeed, an enlightened man, a Christian by action, and a hero in my mind.
May God bless Mr. Metarko and lead him to a new purpose.
Posted by Jack on 08/08/10
I applaud your reasoning and your expression of faith! What a well written letter which voices the concern many of us have over the current state of our educational system. My hat's off to you, Mike. God bless you as you follow His lead and call on your life!
Posted by Ann Van De Water on 08/08/10
Michael, sometimes the truth hurts. If the Lord has truly shown you that you've been mistakenly working against Him, He will bring emotional healing and forgiveness. When you're ready, He will lead you into the type of work and situation that's designed for your God-designed abilities and gifts. May you heal quickly and be ready for your new assignment.
Posted by Jane Mohline on 08/08/10
A M E N !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by chuck glenn on 08/08/10
GOD Bless Michael Metarko!
Posted by James Taylor on 08/08/10
AMEN
Posted by james knox on 08/08/10
God bless him for his stand through the years. I know from personal experience as a father of a rotten school system that helped turn our daughter rebellious. When I confronted them about the filth they were teaching our daughter, specifically homosexuality and atheism (humanism, paganism and more) they put me and my wife through hell on earth. I feel for all teachers, leaders and parents whom stand against the wickedness of public education.
Posted by Robert Wood on 08/08/10
I think a lot of Christians have been living on so called neutral ground shame on us, and amen to you.
Posted by AJ on 08/08/10
I have been where Mr. Metarko has been. I have fought to have the principles I believe in...even at a christian school,be upheld by the administration when these principles are being devalued and disrespected because of the ways of the world.
I have lost my own daughter to the opinions of a court system that believes that money is more important than a mother's love and didn't admonish a child for abusing her mother.
I am a teacher too. I have helped to start a Charter School where the superintendent believed that there would be christian values reinforced only to watch him bow down to the worldly attitude for more money.
We are no longer teaching our children to be civilians in a society that is respectful....especially having respect for GOD. There is no God according to academia and that lack of belief has eroded a society into broken families, drug addict mother's, babies raising babies...and no end in sight to the crime that is being perpetrated by young minds that do not have the knowledge or respect for GOD.
As a substitute teacher, I was admonished for bringing a book called The Four Agreements (Don Miguel Ruiz)into my classroom with me and based my teaching attitudes on. I was told that I should not be teaching Religion in school....this was a Christian, Moravian Academy.
The Four Agreements are:
1. Be impeccable with your word. (Tell the truth and speak with integrity)
2. Do not take things personally. (be immune to the opinions of others)
3.Do not make assumptions.(Have the courage to ask questions and express what you really want)
4. Always do your best.
It is being a good human being that is not welcomed in the classroom. We are teaching our children not to think for themselves but to conform to all expectation. We are taken their God given intelligence away because we are taking God away.
I am sorry to hear that a man of God, and superior character has radically abandoned his dream of leading an elementary school. It now opens that position to lesser individuals that do not live by the Commandments....but we no longer govern our country by the Commandments either.
What do our children have to believe in???
Posted by Wendy on 08/08/10
My first reaction was to decide whether I agreed or disagreed with this man's decision. BUT.... I needed to realize that what HE decided is not necessarily "right" or "wrong," at least that what it seemed at first thought.
We like to say our Country was founded on Christian principles, a Judeo-Christian ethic, Bible principles - because this is so obviously true. How did this happen. HOW was our Country founded on Christian/Biblical principles?
A very simple answer. The men who agreed to the Declaration of Independence, the appropriateness of the "Revolutionary War" and the Constitution were men who believed the Bible and the Principles we learn from it.
Today, we have an alarming % of those in leadership who do NOT believe the Bible and God's inerrant Truth; e.g., the confirmation just this week of Ms Kagan to the Supreme Court. Now we have ONE MORE person "in a position of leadership/decision making" that has very long-reaching consequences on our society.
The solution today is the same "solution" as in 1776. Men in leadership with strong Biblical knowledge, intergrity and beliefs.
So, is the answer to "resign" and turn our backs on "this world" and the political machinery involved? NO - at least not from my perspective. I don't think this is the BEST resolution for the US. We need men and women of Christian belief, Bible foundations, and Biblical integrity to GET INVOLVED and BE INVOLVED in leadership positions as well as politics. We need School Principals, Mayors, Town Council, State Senators and Representatives, and US Congress Senators and Representatives, as well as Presidential candidates who believe the Bible, and are unafraid to say so and make decisions in personal life and public life and in the "normal" daily routine "on the job" and off, in agreement with those beliefs.
Posted by T R Miller on 08/08/10
I have long worked for political changes, and for changes in our educational system because I SEE what is happening to our beloved country. But more and more I realize that while we NEED to be active in those arenas, the ONLY thing that will allow those kinds of changes in our society to happen is a major revival. Changes in policy in any arena, will NOT turn our nation around. That will only happen when and AFTER our HEARTS are turned inside out by the Holy Spirit.
I highly commend Mr. Metarko for taking a stand and for stating truth in a way that may make many of his coworkers rethink what THEY are contributing to. The "salt and light" idea of staying sounds good, but just as Jesus commanded His disciples to leave a village that refuses to hear the Gospel, at some point you have to "shake the dust off your feet" and move to where the harvest is.
Mr. Metarko, Thank you for being an example of living with integrity and obeying what God is laying on your heart! May He give you much wisdom and favor as you continue to live for HIS Kingdom!!
Posted by Jodee McCabe on 08/08/10
God Bless You for your stand. You are one in a million to trust God with leading you. I know if you keep your eyes on Him he won't fail you. I never thought I would live to see my country throw out God and the morals and values I grew up with. It truly hurts my heart to know my grandchildren, and great grands will never know what a Great country America once was. We used to be looked up to and revered. Now I fear we are a joke.
We are truly "One Nation Under God", because only God can help us now. 2 Chron. 7:14
Posted by Carolyn Larmay on 08/08/10
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Here we have a man of intergerty GOD BLESS HIM
Posted by Jaime Ricardo on 08/08/10
It has to be a sad day when we have good men feel the need to resign because of our unfit political hold on the very foundation that our country was founded upon. May God have mercy on us.
Posted by Jim Moores on 08/08/10
Elohim Shalome
God bless you in Yahushua our Lord for your standing up for the truth, will pray that more people will acknowledge the bible as the only true way and start living it.
I bless you and your family. The Lord will not abandon you in this hard time coming up, but he him self, will give you everything your in need of.
Posted by Helle Tidemann on 08/08/10
God Bless You for having the courage to stand up for your moral convictions!
I wish there had been principals, teachers, ministers, most of all parents who would have stood their ground in the 60's when prayer was removed from school; when abortion was legalized; when homosexuals came "out of the closet"...etc.
Our prayers are that God puts you in the right place where you will be able to give the kind of guidance our young people desperately need.
Posted by Sharon S on 08/08/10
Dear Michael,
Congratulations for your stand for Yahweh and the Bible, the only source of truth that will nurture our children. Jesus is the answer in every area of our lives. Humanism, communism, Socialism, Islam, Scientology, Satanism do not have any answers that will bring righteousness to our world. They are all man made attempts to play God and play right into the hands of Satan. They are also negative and without love and compassion and grace.
Christianity is the only hope for the world. May the Lord continue to bless and encourage you. Whilst you stand for righteousness you will be a strong leader and bring hope to many people. Praise Yahweh.
Blessings,
Trevor D'Enyar
Posted by Trevor D'Enyar on 08/08/10
This truly is a Man of God, This is A man I could call a Friend, This is a Man I could Call A Brother,I wish there was More just like him, God is smiling upon this Mans Life, He like Jesus understands how important our children are.....
Posted by Wayne Morton on 08/08/10
Wow! Mike that is awesome. I pray God will lead you to the right job for your future. Maybe preaching! I am excited that someone has taken a stand against the way we have kicked God out of the schools. I work for a school and feel so alienated to most around me. I feel my rights to freedom of expression are supressed most of the time, that is, if I want to keep my job. I admire your commitment and faith.
Posted by Kathi Taylor on 08/08/10
THREE CHEERS for this man and his courage. May his tribe increase.
Posted by Jon Sullivan on 08/08/10
Now THAT is a Godly man and I wish our country (and the world) would all see the wisdom in his words.
Posted by Linda on 08/08/10
I pray you will find a new honored position in the private education system where your Christian values are seriously needed. The public system is so degraded that I fear the upcoming generation will no longer know the love our Lord God has for those that believe in Him and His Word. His peace which He gives freely can only be installed in our youthful years before the hardness of heart of our sinful world dominates their fragile lives. Keep educating our youth, you are severely needed in education.
Posted by Len Kizina on 08/08/10
Praise God. For shame our government types that destroy our schooling and eventually our nation's strength. I am with this fellow totally in belief and dedication towards our Lord Jesus, Ahmen.
Posted by Bill Gieseke on 08/08/10
Gives me hope. I resigned as a teacher for the same reasons years ago but not nearly as eloquently as Mr. Metarko. His principles are inspiring and we can only pray that others will follow. He helps us to understand that if we live our convictions we will not be alone.
Posted by Cindy Schumacher on 08/08/10
How awesome to stand up for God's principles!!!
There is no doubt that we now live in a completely broken system...not just in America, but everywhere.
The rubbish we are forced to swallow through our public education systems is appalling.
God bless.
Posted by Chloe McGovern on 08/08/10
Mr. Metarko has done something so extreme but yet so correct!! I admire the man & I PRAY TO GOD he finds employment soon, wherever he chooses. The establishment that does hire him will receive a PRODUCTIVE, DEDICATED ASSET.
This GREAT COUNTRY has lost it's way & the only way we will get 'back on the interstate" is by having more Michael Metarko's speak out about the REAL TRUTH!!
Posted by Dale Siler on 08/08/10
He is absolutely right. Americans must stand up, and fight for God to be brought back into our education of children. It should be obvious to all exactly what is happening to our morals because of it. It is exactly what some of these people intended, and it is a sad state of affairs. It has gone on way to long already. The evil has taken over in this country.
Posted by Carol on 08/08/10
GOD BLESS YOU. WELL SAID. I HOPE WE GO BACK TO THE PRINCIPLES WE BELIEVED IN, IN OUR PAST, AND GIVE UP THIS SECULAR SOCIETY.
Posted by Devil Dog on 08/08/10
AMEN-AMEN-AMEN
Posted by John Schwambach on 08/08/10
You are a great inspiration and encouragement, i am emailing this to friends and thanks for your courage...i am also showing my 17 and 22 year olds... thank you. I will be praying for you. Marilyn New York
Posted by marilyn on 08/08/10
Amen. Please share where God leads Michael next.
Posted by Larry Juhl on 08/08/10
Mike,
God has(of course) a perfect sense of timing!
Briefly, I began working for the NYC Bd. of Ed. in 1985 and became a follower of Christ in 1996. He called me out of that demonically controlled system, putting on me many of the reasons you left. Currently, He has allowed me to found a small Christian school for at-risk teens. If concacting me would help you,please feel free.
Paul Palmisano Prinicipal Life Academy Monument CO
www.ourlifeacademy.com
Posted by Paul Palmisano on 08/08/10
Boldly and Biblically stated. I left education after only one year teaching, not that I wasn't qualified, went back into the US Navy where I was gloriously saved. I'll keep you in my prayers.
Posted by Chaplain Jim on 08/08/10
I commend this man for his stance for what is truly right. God must be first in all things; including education. My prayers are with him as he searches for his role in this life. God Bless.
Posted by Bob Wise on 08/08/10
Mike - yours is the Victory! You are on the front line of restoring this nation to its founding doctrines and God given Freedoms. I,too, have been a public school principal, and worked on the "Nation at Risk" project in the early 80's. I studied the "Humanist Manifesto" and discovered the purpose to be the destruction of the nation, schools, family, and faith of the United States - by the leaders of public education. Sadly, my research, though lauded, was not admitted into the final publication at that time. And, the powerful NEA has prevailed and plunged public education into a rich, meaningless profession.
I will pray that the Lord Jesus will be your grace, strength and comfort in your future, and until He comes with judgement upon our nation's leaders, will keep you and your family right in the palm of His holy hands.
I send you this blessing: Not to the strong is the battle, not to the swift is the race. But, to the true and the faithful, VICTORY is promised through Grace.
Let me know if you want to stay in touch.......
Your brother in Jesus,
Bob Azkoul
Posted by Bob Azkoul on 08/08/10
We need more teachers who are willing to stand up for God and the Bible.
Posted by Ruth Fitzpatrick on 08/08/10
Mr. Metarko,
Thank you for being a Christian man of conviction and honor. May others follow your courageous act and turn back to God and our founding principles.
I'm an Army chaplain and I've often thought it is such a shame that we can have men of God minister to our military but there is no such care given to our children in our public school system.
God bless you sir as you continue to "put first the kingdom of God and His righteousness."
Posted by Matthew Hall on 08/08/10
This man has got it right. Keep up the good work.
Posted by Billy Russell on 08/08/10
Amen, and Thank You, Mr. Metarko.
Posted by Pam in Colorado on 08/08/10
Now here's a man with a backbone. I salute you,sir.May God richly bless you and your family!
Posted by Luke Forehand on 08/08/10
Amen.
Posted by Norman Cozad on 08/08/10
This educator's stand is a true statement of the disappointing state of our education system. I pray that Jehovah God will find him a suitable place soon where he again can utilize his God-given talents as an educator.
Posted by Greg Findlay on 08/08/10
Praise God for this man that he is not connected to this world to go along with what comes down the pipeline, so to speak.
He is correct in everything he says. We must all pray and seek repentance and stand for Christ, Boldly speaking for Him and His ways that we should live and believe in what He stands for.
Who else would lay down their life for us, the only one I know is
my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I call myself a saved sinner, for none is perfect, but I have repented my sins and cannot wait to see my Jesus face to face.
I was raised in the church,Baptist, raised my children and am now teaching my grandchildren. My two smallest ones live in Ms. and came for a visit a few weeks back. I'v made a habit of before going to bed, I go to my bedroom, kneel by the bed and pray. They missed their Nannie and came in looking for me and asked what I was doing? I said praying, each one came and knelt beside me and we three prayed, each in our own way.
I will never forget that experience and sharing Jesus' love for us and Gods' love to send His only begotten Son to shed His precious, sinless blood to cover alll our sins. Thank you Jesus. and I pray more will listen to the Holy Spirit than to a man or woman following Satan's life's rules. That we don't want our children to follow. Thank you for this time to air my convictions.
May God continue to bless you and keep you from harm and evil. This is a new world we are living in. I pray for all to come to know the ONE TRUE GOD and be saved from Hell.
Posted by Elaine Thomas on 08/08/10
It is sad when good educators like Mr Metarko are forced between trying to make our education system better and see students actually trying to learn and applying themselves to getting a good education and instead being forced by a godless judicial system that requires teachers to teach pre-k and kindergardners what being homosexual is and how to apply a condom to a banana or cucumber yet the Ten Commandments cannot be displayed in a school hallway lest a child read them and be influenced by "thou shalt not kill or steal." It is hard for me to understand why anyone would object to a child being taught that it is wrong to kill or steal from someone.
Most students even in high school are there only because they are forced by law to go but have no inclination to put forth any effort to learn.They have no respect for themselves or anyone else because their parents are not teaching it to them at home.It is a society of ,if it feels good do it! and ..have it your way.
The few parents that do try to teach their children right from wrong behavior are undercut at school by teachers having to teach anti parental authority because only the government knows what a child needs to learn and it is against every Godly principal the parents try to teach.
Until the United States gets back to being a nation of laws of the people, by the people, and for the people instead of a nation forced to live by godless activist judges who are bought off by a minority of godless people who want to wipe every mention of GOD out of the public arena , our nation will continue to fall into a welfare state fed by the hand of an out of control government that only wants to totally control every aspect of life.
Posted by Memes4 on 08/08/10
Mr. Metarko;
How sad that the children will lose a Godly teacher and principal. Maybe, just maybe if more Christians teachers like you would resign in large numbers the public school systems would have to make some kind of changes back to how teachers were able to teach children morality. Our schools need to get back to the basics and be able to discipline students. I was a substitute in the public schools for a few years, but I taught Sunday School for over 35 years to middle school children. There has been a drastic change in what a teacher can and cannot do in the public schools that was actually for the betterment of the students that had a desire to excel. I am deeply concerned for our grandchildren these days. God VBless you for taking a stand for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Dolly M. Woodell.BA
Posted by Dolly M. Woodell on 08/08/10
He is a hero and a role model. He is unafraid to stand up for what he believes. Congratulations Mike.
Posted by Stefan on 08/08/10
God bless you. I took my children out of the public schools 17 years ago to homeschool. I only wish I had done it sooner. The system is satanic and pollutes children with immorality and perversion of Truth. May the Lord sustain you in whatever direction you choose.
Posted by Carol Shute on 08/08/10
Dear Mike, I address as one Christian brother to another...praise the Lord for you & the stand you've taken. You are to be commended for your position & the statement on the condition of public education. I only wish that other fellow believers that are Christians would follow your lead. I'm from York, PA & am one who sent both of his children to Christian school (Christian School of York).
I pray that the Lord will bless you & your family & provide you w/ a job suitable for your gifts & talents.
God's very best to you!
Bill Stockwell
Posted by William Stockwell on 08/08/10
I totally agree with Michael. We need more men and women like this. We need a nation like this. Unfortunately this great nation is getting worse. Look at who is running the country and the path they are going down.
Posted by Al Cates on 08/08/10
AMEN!!!! We need more true patriots like Mr. Metarko to stand up against the status quo.
Posted by J.T. Bain on 08/08/10
The problem begins with the teaching of evolution. If we believe we came from animals, we will act as animals. If we believe we came from an explosion of matter, we have no reason to believe we are any better than the dirt we stand on. Our children here the Word of God just on Sundays now. They no longer see the Ten Commandments posted at schools. They no longer celebrate the holidays as we did. They are discouraged from prayer in school, and are threatened with legal action if they say prayers before sports events or at graduation. They only hear about Darwin and his "Theory." We have to change the direction we are headed, we may have only a short time to do this! Think about it, the Barna Group has stated that nearly 70% of our children will leave the church by the time they turn 21, and may never return to a belief that the Christian religion is just a bunch of made up stories.
Posted by Gary Carver on 08/08/10
Mr. M. J. Metarko:
This has truly been a pet-peeve of mine for over a decade now. I, a 22.5 year veteran, stand tall and salute you sir. You are now a hero amongst many. Our Heavenly Father, God Almighty, will not allow your every need to go unmet. He rewards greatness greatly. Remain before Him, and He shall continue to meet your every need. I'm a Cross Country Trucker by trade. I was given a book by another Trucker. I don't know how, but find this book. "The Bible and Government," by Dr. Phil Stinger. Your subject, sir, is in there, and of course a lot more concerning the founding of our great God given nation. You could, without a doubt, be starting something here. It started with the staffers in the White House now with brave men like you the message get's across even more. Yet, remember. The enemy dosen't care. Therefore, never underestimate the enemy. He is capable of much dirt, and blood shed. God bless all in your house Michael Metarko.
Posted by Michael E. Gradney, Jr. on 08/08/10
That took a lot of courage to walk away from a job like that! May God bless him for his courage and his stand for true Biblical education.
Posted by Christy DeLany on 08/08/10
Thank You Michael, I pray the school board got the message and I hope other parents in the area are following you.
Posted by Gene Snow on 08/08/10
I'm born again,baptized in water and the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking in tongues, but I get incensed when I hear things like this. Don't get me wrong people, I don't use language, these are just examples for sake of reference. It's just facinating to me that "atheists" and "agnostics" don't have any trouble saying "God damn it", or Holy Jesus, or "Oh, my God". I mean who are they to talk? Hypocrits is what they are. So when decent people resign from positions like this it's time to call such people as those who "have a right not to hear about God" exactly what they are. Hypocrits, with no room to talk. Maybe we need to call out these atheistic airheads and remind them not to talk about God. Michael Metarko, God bless you richly for 14 years of faithful service. I for one am very sad to see you go.
Posted by Charles Stottlemeyer on 08/08/10
What a great testimony. May the Lord richly bless you and supply all your need.
Posted by Howard Barker on 08/08/10
I strongly agree with the letter by Mr. Metarko. I, too, was a principal four years ago of a school of 435 students. I had worked long and hard to achieve my goal of being a principal and found myself in a system that did not support its school leaders and instead aligned itself with a staff largely sympathetic to gay rights. My staff conspired to malign my character and reputation and wanted to drive me out via an improvement plan. I had been evaluated as a good principal prior to that. I chose to transfer to a teaching position instead of take their misguided "improvement" plan and have been used by the Lord with amazing freedom to mention God in my 5th grade classes. I am better off than before and thank the Lord Jesus Christ. Hang in there Mr. Metarko. The Lord is not done with you yet.
Posted by Robert Sadler on 08/08/10
Thank God for men who still know or have found the spiritual, family, and moral compass that God has established so all could be free, fulfilled, and complete with a peace that passes all understanding. You are giving honor to the one and only that really matters eternally - God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. It is your love and obedience for Him that makes all the difference now and forever. As a teacher, we must lead; but as a Christian we must follow the master. Your journey has just begun. May your humble choice of obedience become contagious in reviving others to stand where the love and faith in God will lead.
Posted by Phyllis on 08/08/10
Some time ago the aim of the "education" system shifted from true education to indoctrination. Our children have been force fed evolution, secular humanism, feminisim, and the rest of the godless liberal agenda. I know that there are good, Christian teachers out there, they just need the courage to stand up against the NEA and the AFT and the educational establishment and, when they o, we need to stand with them. God bless you Mr. Metarko for taking a stand.
Posted by Bob Coffey on 08/08/10
Well said and who could fault the guy. America has indeed become a den of slovenliness infested with pigs; morally and otherwise!
Posted by Larry on 08/08/10
I echo Blaine's words!! "We need more men who are willing to take this kind of stand in a broken down system that rejects God."
Posted by Vance E. on 08/08/10
God bless you. We have been brain washed-when did they take over our schools? was it during WWII when all the good men were fighting and so many women were in the factories and no one was checking on "the hand rocking the cradle".
Posted by kay kingsbury on 08/08/10
I just posted about a book and booklets I've written. The book is titled Not Ten Suggestions, and the chapter on the Fifth Commandment (honor parents) discussed the educational issue. Also, I've written a booklet title Keeping Covenant and Educating Our Children. The later one I could send as pdf file. Please let me know as we need all the Christians standing together on issues today.
Curtis Crenshaw
832-492-7497
Posted by Curtis Crenshaw on 08/08/10
Superb declaration of reality. My prayer is that God will restore to him a hundredfold for whatever temporary loss he encounters for his unmitigated stand.
Posted by Mrs. Gloria Spurlock on 08/08/10
I know that you don't know me, but I'm the dean of a conservative seminary, Cranmer Theological House (www.cranmerhouse.org). I've written a book and a booklet that discuss the educational issue. Would love to send you complimentary copies of them. Perhaps you could tell others. I admit greatly your stance. If you would like copies, send me an address.
Rev. Dr. Curtis I. Crenshaw
832-492-7497
Posted by Curtis Crenshaw on 08/08/10
I admire Mr. Metarko's stance and courage to resign with such a letter of impact. The Truth must be told; will be told. However, I am torn about Christians leaving their place in society, particularly in the secular world, with that of remaining in place to fight the good fight. When we leave our places of secular employment because of our beliefs to seek employment elsewhere that agrees with our beliefs I am afraid it leaves a void for a more ungodly individual to fill. Take the latest Supreme Court appointment for example. As Christians, should we always elect to depart because a system, better, a society, is against us? Has this not always been the scenario. I can fully understand Mr. Metarko's position in that he can not continue to support and lead with the ungoldy material demanded by the higher educational community. Perhaps there is not a choice in this matter regarding turning things around and leading the charge by organizing a group to demand that Christian material be brought back into the classroom. However, do we just give up? There is obviously much more to be said, such as the power of prayer, and that our God is more powerful than the public education system etc., but the point has been made. I suppose the pertinent question is when true Christians are going to cease to remain content on the sidelines silently watching the enemy take ground in this country, and finally speak up, take a stand and refuse to back down. The second question immediately follows: is it too late? Regards.
Posted by Tim Simmons on 08/08/10
Wow! What a letter! If we had more people like him in education, school could actually be a real learning experience. God Bless Him!!!
Posted by Darrell Swanger on 08/07/10
Wouldn't taking a stand mean, not quitting? Isn't plugging the pin holes better than the alternative, no holes filled? Isn't reaching one youngster at a time still an accomplishment. I know a minister that is about 30 years of age. His parents were massacred along with everyone else in his African village by a marauding Muslim tribes whose goal was the eradication of his people. The boys who survived were spared only because they were away in the fields with the cows when the pillaging and killings took place. These boys lost everything. Those that could - made the 100 mile trek to Kenya, barefoot, without food and water and in the company of the beasts of the African veldt. This particular young man, Gabriel Bong Deng was only 10 at the time. He made it to Kenya where he scrounged for a living for 9 years till Catholic Charities found him and brought him to Syracuse NY for a college education. Deng could be forgiven to have given up. He could also have resorted to hating in turn the people who took his parents from the earth. Deng chose not to. Instead has spent the last several years going back and forth to the place of his old village, Ariang, in the Sudan and gathering his people. He is using his education to build a school for the children one hand made brick at a time. He has teams digging wells for fresh water, and striving to bring education and a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ to a lost people.
Often it seems that the only thing left to do is to give up the fight. Every saint in the Bible was tempted to do so, at one time or one struggle or another. Elijah was encouraged by God who told him that he had yet many people who had NOT given up, and who had NOT bowed their knees to Baal.
I know I'm not in Mr. Metarko's shoes, though I'm not at all a stranger to the spiritual contest and the depth of depravity to which this nation has fallen. Though the struggle is not one that can be won until, all enemies at last are under his feet. I think of David Wilkerson who went to one of the most difficult and carnal places, New York City, and built a church there that is a light on a hill today, though this has been in the face of struggles that have lasted the full 50 years of his ministry and which he knows will last until either he falls asleep or the Lord returns. So what do we say to these things. We have to have endurance for the race. It is not to the swift nor the strong, but to those of us who finish our course. Jesus is coming, carrying his reward with him.
Posted by Victoria Bingham on 08/07/10
WELL I CAN'T BELIEVE SOMEBODY HAS FINALLY STOOD UP AND SPOKE THE TRUTH ABOUT OUR EVER ERODING MORAL CHARACTER AND SELF ESTEEM..I APPLAUD YOU AND YOU BELIEFS.WHEN I WENT TO SCHOOL IN THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL THERE WAS CHRISTIAN UPBRINGING AND ALSO IT WAS IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. MY SISTER AND BROTHER WENT TO PUBLIC SCHOOL AFTER 8TH GRADE.THEY AT THAT TIME HAD SOME CHRISTIAN THOUGHT AND MORALIZATION OF SCHOOL AND CHRISTIANITY.AND IT IS THE PARENTS WHO ARE DROPPING THE BUCKET ON THIS ONE.THEY EXPECT EVERYONE ELSE TO DO THEIR JOB WHETHER IT BE SCHOOLING OR CORRECTION AND GUIDANCE AND MOST IMPORTANTLY THEIR MORAL AND CHRISTIAN DEVELOPMENT.. A PERSON CANNOT STAY AND KEEP BUTTING HIS HEAD AGAINST THE WALL IF THERE IS NO FUTURE IN IT.I CAN REMEMBER WHEN MY BOYS GOT INTO SOME TROUBLE IN SCHOOL ,SMALL BUT STILL THE TEACHERS COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT I TOOK THEIR SIDES.MY CHILDREN WERE WRONG AND I MADE THE TEACHERS GIVE THEM THE PUNISHMENT THAT THEY DESERVED..THE PRINCIPAL TOLD ALL OF THE TEACHERS THAT I WAS ONE OF ABOUT 10 WHO CARED WHAT THERE KIDS DID IN SCHOOL AND CAME TO CORRECT THEM..PARENTS WAKE UP WE ARE RAISING MORALESS CHILDREN WITH TV,COMPUTERS,VIDEO GAMES NO MORE PERSONAL HOMELIFE..DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE..LOOK AT OUR CURRENT GOVERNMENT TOOK NATL.PRAYER DAY OUT AND DIDN'T THINK TWICE ABOUT IT..PARENTS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY NOT THE SCHOOLS AND ANYONE ELSE..JUS YOURS.........
Posted by Jack Shaw on 08/07/10
I agree. Why does the minority dictate policy and why do we allow it? May the Lord be with you Mr. Metarko.
Posted by W. Skinner on 08/07/10
this is the kind of man we need in our school but we need to stand up for our schools
Posted by mccall--denver nc on 08/07/10
WOW!
We need more people like this in America.
Posted by David in MA on 08/07/10
I commend Principal Metarko for his belief in God, his courage, his decency, his wisdom, and his upholding the foundations on which our country was founded. May God grant him the best job of his life and always bless him and his family for his service to the Lord.
Posted by Nida G Cline on 08/07/10
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Deborah on 08/07/10
Sir: I find this letter very moving and have a great amount of respect for this educator who would give up his vocation to stand in opposition to the things which are contrary to his religious belief. He should be honored by all and supported by every person who has similar religious belief. We who know that what he say is true but did not know how we should go about doing something about it should rally around Mr. Metarko and do what should have been done many years ago. I have been aware of the problems in our schools for years but didn't know how to attack the problem. All those who have similar beliefs should join together. We have everything to gain and nothing to lose, we are already behind and losing more every day. We are the majority and we need to stand up before the few who are causing this problem win.
God Bless You All
Posted by Bobby D. Jones on 08/07/10
Dear Michael,
I completely agree with your decision. I have taught in public schools as a music teacher in K-12. After I finished my doctrate, I went to teach at the University level. I had a little more freedom, but even though this University was founded on Christian principles, I had to be very careful about promoting Christian principles. I did as much as I could by giving students a choice of taking my handouts that explained true Christianity. Further, most of my colleagues at the public school level are against subsidies for private school, but I feel the public schools and universities are so tainted, the Christian private schools and universities are our only option.
Dr. M.J. Montague
Posted by Dr. M.J. Montague on 08/07/10
I pray the Lord will bless you abundantly for your faithfulness.
You are so right about the Public School System. Thank you for having the strength to follow His leading, and I hope you are able to find a position in a private school or Bible School where you can continue to use your God given teaching talents to His honor and glory; however, He may have other great plans for you, and that you will heed His call in that direction.
Posted by Winona Fleming on 08/07/10
God will bless you greatly for standing up for His Word. You, sir, are living by the Word and are being a terriffic example that others can follow. Now you can start your own school with like minded teachers.
Posted by Tempie Roberts on 08/07/10
I have a great deal of respect for this man. We need more educators like him. I pray for our country all the time. We as Christians know for a fact that they cannot get rid of God. They keep trying. It is so sad. Thank you Mr. Metarko
Posted by Patricia Wilkes on 08/07/10
Well said.
Posted by Kim Larson on 08/07/10
Finally, in America the line is drawn and those who are one side must fight against the other; good cannot "co-exist" with evil.
For generations the offspring of our Founding Fathers have systematically compromised every principle the Founding Fathers built our nation on. The hierarchy is clear: God/Creator first (!); individuals, families, cities, counties, states, and then ultimately -- a last resort for special unique circumstances -- a federal central government.
They created "public education" to teach bible and reading. They setup memorials to the Divine Providential Intervention of God and Jesus Christ in creating our country and we have allowed corrupt, evil, immoral, godless, people to devastate our country all the while breaking every rule set in our Constitution to prevent their tyranny.
Judgment has come! If we do not have a serious revival where Christians will fight with all their resources to regain the blessing of God on the USA we will not need to quit: we will be fired!
Posted by Kurt Grossman on 08/07/10
Until WE start electing people to office that hold the values of God above the values of man, we will continue to see the decline in our nation. We cannot continue to vote for people who will serve themselves and not God. God blessed this nation with a Christian foundation which is evident in the writings of the founders. NO nation in history has had the blessings that God bestowed on us, other than Israel, yet decade after decade the people of this nation become more dependent on government than God. Vote Biblical not Political.
Posted by Stan Bennett on 08/07/10
Sounds like Principal Metarka's heart and mind are in the right
place. Too bad there aren't more teachers and administrative
officials within the school systems throughout the country who
follow the same principles. Our Federal government is broken
and needs to be fixed by the citizen's of the United States.
As the principal said, the family should be teaching/raising
the children in this country and the school's just assisting
as needed not acting as the villagers doing the parent's job.
Judy Wolz
Bellevue, NE
Posted by Judy Wolz on 08/07/10
Very impressive, Mike. God bless you for the stand you have taken. Because of your faithfulnmess to His Word, I know He will guide you every step of the way.
Robert
Daniel 10:19a
Posted by Robert Bowman on 08/07/10
I, too, am a former high school educator, and I strongly agree with and have respect for this gentleman. Social promotions; a watered down curriculum; lack of values education; stifling of any view not consistent with the PC left and pandering to views and cultures that are uniquely unAmerican have left many bitter. What is worse, our Country is, and will continue to, pay the price. It takes a great deal of faith and dedication to give up on one's chosen profession, and future generations will be adversely affected. If we don't take our Country back from the secular progressives, liberals and village idiots who have legislated and ruled us into our current situation, we are doomed to fall as a civilization. Thank you, Mr Metarko for your contributions; your stand and your Christian walk. For those of us who stand by the insight and the spirit of intent of our founding fathers and the Christian values upon which America was founded, we salute you. May God continue to bless you and yours, and may Christ return quickly.
Posted by cowboygary on 08/07/10
I fully understand this gentleman's situation. I spent 42+/- years in public education in Texas, and it was not always as it is now. Texas is a right to work state and our teachers join NEA if they want to, as with other groups such a Texas State Teachers' Association. When it began to follow the downward path to the current status can be marked by the year in which the federal government gave the very first money to the Texas public school state government. The year was 1967 or thereabout, and many of us protested this intrusion into one of the finest school systems in the United States at the time. As soon as our state government took the first dollar, it was forever impossible to escape. It took a long time to get here, but the statists, marxists, socialists, progressives are winning as long as federal money goes to education. The education "czar" now in virtuall control is a gay man and needs to be incarcerated for endangering children all over America. There should not be a national federal grip on our schools. When God gets allowed to come in again, there will be a return to the main purpose of public schools.
Thank you, Mr.Metarko. You are a man of honor.
Posted by Lou Ellen Brown on 08/07/10
If you truly beleive what you have stated in your letter of resignation, then as you go forward in your life on whatever course that may be, you must do all you can to change the system for the betterment of those you have abandoned. To just walk away without trying to change it for the better seems to me to make all of what you have said - Rather Meaningless = or more to the point of self servitude.
"Semper-Fi"
Posted by Dean on 08/07/10
This is obviously a man who loves God and children with a desire to educate them from a Biblical Worldview. Unfortunately this is impossible in a godless evolutionary,humanistic,atheistic system which is a valid description of our Postmodern schoool systems. Mike, may God raise you up and give you a platform to spread this message and also bring other Christian educators to follow in your step of faith
Posted by R. Bruce Vandiver on 08/07/10
Dear Mr. Metarko,
I also put in my resignation this year for the same reasons. I've taught 33 years, 31 years of music, 2 years in a Christian School. Two years ago, a new Principal was hired and we had the best State Test scores, but at a tremendous cost to the teachers and students. I always worked to build a strong program, having every child in at least one program a year. Four years ago, I started a middle school orchestra and choir, while also teaching K-7 music, HS Choir and HS Jazz Band. Two years ago, when the new Principal was hired, she stated in a staff meeting that she would cover her butt and do everything she could to get the highest State test scores. She told me she wanted a band because there'd be no interest in orchestra. I told her I was told, when hired, that I could do orchestra, since my background was violin and 36 years of Symphonies. Within one month, middle school orchestra was cut, leaving 25 5th graders still playing. I was not talked to before, I was never given an evaluation with her in the music room, but was told I was basic and unprofessional in 2 categories. I lived by God's moral and decency path and was told (yelled at) that I was NOT AN INDEPENDENT AGENT AND I WOULD DO NOTHING UNLESS SHE TOLD ME I COULD! I went to the Superintendent about the issues and told him that I felt she would completely cut orchestra. She did! I found out the first day of school in the Fall when given the schedule. The students were in tears begging me to do something.
I did do something. I retired (resigned) so I could teach the students choir and orchestra away from school.
I was stunned and for the first time saw the evil of what our education system has become. The unprofessional, rude, uncaring attitude of people hired who care only for themselves is the common thread today in Administration of public schools. I pray daily for teachers who sincerely care and desire to help students because they are criticized and demoralized.
I too am now unemployed along with my teacher husband. We are seeking Gods will for our lives.
Mary Koch
Posted by Mary Koch on 08/07/10
Amen Michael, I couldn't have said it any better. It took a lot of thinking and prayer to write this, I hope and pray everyone will wake up before it's too late. Your reward will be in Heaven. I know that is where we will meet someday. Parenting starts at home not in the school. Blessings to wherever you decide to go next.
God be with you.
Posted by Marge waskiewicz on 08/07/10
Mr. Metarko, I salute your convictions and your actions that express your convictions. I think you have pretty much nailed it on the head in reference to the demise of the educational system in the United States of America. I concur with your comment "The nation’s statist system of public education is the real issue." I personally despise the statist nature of our public education and I very much want to see a return to godly education. God bless you as you lean on the Lord to provide for your next career. Thank you for boldly stating "It does not “take a village to raise a child”; it takes a family entrusted with the Word of God." I couldn't agree more and that idiotic It Take a Village to Raise a Child mentality just irks me. God save America from liberal statists.
Posted by William Hill on 08/07/10
While I can't fault Mr, Metarko for his frustration at the "system" and, while he is 100% correct in his moral arguments for his decision, I think it is a shame that anyone of such character and experience should run from the evil that is at the core of the degradation of our education system. We just closed a camp season and all the while that camp was in session I saw things that I think could be done better and even cringe at some methods and tactics used here, but I also know that by just staying here I have made small differences and that by leaving I would make no difference. I do sympathize with him, I just hope the he ends up somewhere where he can make a difference. Read the Prayer of Oscar Romaro, a Catholic Bishop martyered because of his work in suppport of an oppressed people. It is a prayer of hope and faith, beautifully illiterated it speaks of our role as those who sow in the fields of the Lord and of how we may never see the fruit of our labor but that just by sowing or tilling or watering or weeding, we do make a difference.
Posted by Joseph Gerardo on 08/07/10
God bless you for your letter of "NOTICE" to all people and especially Christians. We NEED GOD, not government to raise and educate our children. Thank you for your service of educating our youth.
Posted by Chad on 08/07/10
God bless you and the courageous stand you have taken.
I wish you many blessings in your future .
Posted by RITA SMITH on 08/07/10
May God Bless you and keep you during your hour of need.
When history is written it will show our society degenerated because we had no values and knew not Right from Wrong
Posted by niki on 08/07/10
You should stay in the school to change whatever is coming against you.
Posted by Eugene Orlowski on 08/07/10
I say AMEN to all that this principal has written and aplaud his taking this stand. God bless this man!
Posted by Carol on 08/07/10
A watchman on the wall has spoken with a strong voice and a determined stand! Has anyone heard the warning? Thanks Mike Metarko!
Let the real believers, in our country, humble themselves, pray and seek our God and turn from all wicked ways. He promises to hear from heaven and will forgive our sin and heal our land. (II Coronicles 7:14)
It's the only way out! America is under divine judgement! If we don't listen, it will only get worse!
There is hope and God is our go to person.
Posted by William on 08/07/10
If only there were more like him in the world to day we might have a chance of turning back to God. We need to only read the old testament to see what happens to people when they turn their backs on him. They lose and fall away to be never again in power and leaders in world today.
Posted by Lewis on 08/07/10
The School Boards still has no clue on how to educate children to be thinkers, clean, moral responsible adults. They are trying to change them into zombies to follow the yellow brick road into hell.
Posted by Judy Mahaffey on 08/07/10
If we don't go back we don't get are country back.
Posted by william on 08/07/10
God bless you sir. Wish there were more like you. We have lost so much . We need people in education like you desperately. I wish you well in whatever you may choose to do.Sincerely. Karen
Posted by Karen on 08/07/10
Mr. Metarko outlines the precise reasons why I left the "education" community. I was repulsed by the clearly leftist/communist leanings and enabling I encountered while I was a teacher. Once I have my situation settled, I'm going to be homeschooling my son, a very popular option here in Texas........
Posted by Brent B on 08/07/10
amen , that is why I homeschool my children and don't entrust my children to anyone such person. MIKE IS GOD FEARING MAN AND WHAT A STORY. MARIE
Posted by marie scherbaum on 08/07/10
The Atheist, through the ACLU, (American Civil Liberties Union), now seem to have control of our education system as well as other aspects of our lives. What a shame!!
Posted by John W. Stevens on 08/07/10
Amen and Amen. Sir, you have my utmost respect for the stand you have taken. I pray that you will find a post (possibly in a church school) where you can be the Principal you desire to be. May God go with you.
Posted by Peggy on 08/07/10
I respect Mr. Metarko, for his decision; but, it would have been better in my view to stick with it and influence the system for good rather than leave a vacuum to be filled with wrong teaching and administration. Better to be fired over correct teaching and good science rather than quit in protest and let his position be filled with humanist professor who has no knowledge of good science; unless, there are plans to be an influence on a higher level of education or politics. May God bless Mr. Metarko's and his search for new employment!
Posted by A. Dudley Tipton, ME, EE, Retired PE on 08/07/10
Amen GOD BLESS YOU
Posted by Bernadine Johnson on 08/07/10
While reading this letter of resignation, I could only think, "Given the people he is writing this to, this is doomed to fall on deaf ears." The overwhelming fact is that the "world' as we Christians call it, has so completely dominated our culture, that they hold the authority to do what they want with education and so many other parts of society. Frankly, we handed it over to them, as we did movies, television etc.etc. For a while we participated with them thinking that the direction they were heading wasn't so bad. We even joined in the "fun" of living their lifestyles. Now the dragon has unmasked it self and we are all "shocked" at their appetite to devour anything resembling God or His laws. We must take the blame.
In the same way that laws cannot make a wrong right by legislating it to be legal, neither can we sanctify a system based on evil because Christians are part of it. We can only dirty ourselves by touching it.
The great hope we, as Christians have, is that God will only tolerate this nonsense for so long, and America will become a story of history book much in the same way we read about other empires that shook their fists in the face of God.
Posted by Ron DiCianni on 08/07/10
Congratulations Mr. Metarko: I was sent to private Christian Schools from first grade through College, and I sent my four children to private Christian Schools from first grade through high school. Now my children are sending my grandchildren to Christian Schools and I thank God for that. Thank God that he has shown you the Light and he will provide a place for you to be the Light and Salt of the earth. God Bless you!
Posted by Russell De Jong on 08/07/10
Amen!
Posted by Robert Castelhano on 08/07/10
You have truly stated in your letter, what needs to be broadcast to all of America. Our children have long been held hostage to the progressive agenda. It has infected all of our schools and universities for far to long. The fertile minds of our most precious and valuable, the youth have been indoctrinated in diversity and tolerance for too long.
I salute you and your valuable service, may God direct you to a continuing and successful career in education. We need men like you by the hundreds.
Posted by Russ Meek, LTC USA Ret on 08/07/10
God bless you as you go forward and not sit on pause anymore. I wish all Christian teachers had your heart. It's not easy to take such a brave step of faith.
Posted by ja on 08/07/10
I applaud this man for stepping out in faith. Our nation is failing our children with packaged censored education. The hope of any nation lies within how we rise our childern. Any education that lacks the Godly principles needed to raise a child. The school can not , the vilage can not rise up a child.
Rising up achild comes from a Godly home,where the father is the spiritual leader.
Posted by Bradley A Harris on 08/07/10
AMEN!!! I really appreciate this man's heart and desire to work and live for the Lord God.
Posted by Jenifer on 08/07/10
Well said, Michael. What man has ever been "given courage"? answer: none. A man must "take courage", which implies that it is what it is "having the guts to step up and risk it all" for righteousness "doing what's right". You have clearly shown courage in this courageous act. The ignorant of this country need to get properly educated before it's too late, or worse troubles will occur for them than they already are experiencing. Unemployment & financial woe.
Posted by Mark Gustafson on 08/07/10
Michael,
Thank you for sharing your letter of resignation with us. You are right on the mark. I wish, however, you would have been been able to stay for the sake of "saving some" of those precious kids. I do understand your frustration and wish you there very best in whatever area the Lord would lead you in. Hopefully, it would be in an area that could make a difference in the public school system in the future, maybe the school board?
God bless,
Gill Belec
Posted by Gill Belec on 08/07/10
I've known this kind of conviction all of my life. Needless to say the "world" has done it's best to keep me down. I will not give up until Jesus comes and says "Well done my good and faithful servant".
DJ Fisher
Posted by DJ Fisher on 08/07/10
DON'T LET HIM GO MAKE HIM THE PRESIDENT OF THE SCHOOL BOARD I BET HE IS NATURAL BORN
Posted by THOMAS F SHAW III on 08/07/10
This is exactly why I homeschooled my kids. This man will get his reward in heaven.
I commend his stance against the 'public education system'...it is corrupt, and only helps a certain few.
God bless him. Only God knows this mans future.
And, yes, we DO need more people like this to stand up for what is TRULY right.
Posted by Tracie on 08/07/10
BRAVO FOR THE PRINCIPAL, WE NEED MORE LIKE HIM TO TAKE A STAND AGAINST THE GOV'T EDUCATION SYSTEM AND REBEGIN TO TEACH WHAT THIS GREAT COUNTRY WAS FOUNDED UPON. REMEMBER THIS WHEN NOVEMBER COMES AND WE THE PEOPLE CAN MAKE A REAL CHANGE.
Posted by R. K, SMITH on 08/07/10
ALL I CAN SAY IS AMEN
Posted by BILLIE on 08/07/10
The corruption of our educational system as envisioned by the founders and those God fearing faithful citizens who shared their vision, has be denigrated to the dungeons of humanism and godless tyrants who do not believe in God, nor are willing to permit the unalienable rights that God has given men who will seek him; objective education.
Mister Metarko has stepped up and taken a stand for Truth in education. May God bless him in his godly convictions.
Posted by Niles on 08/07/10
It has all happened so very gradually that we didn't realize it. Since I have no had children in the school system for many years I only realized what has happened by reading items on the internet. So, I talked to my great grand children and they are so lost. Some had a father that drank himself to death at 31. His brother who also has children killed himself after his second tour in Iraq. It makes me want to resign from the human race but I must continue to be a mother to my grown children who don't realize how far astray they have gone.
Posted by Maryann on 08/07/10
I agree with Mike Metarko. What the secular humanists say leads to bloodshed and possibly dictatorship. Look at Napoleon.
Posted by George McNeill on 08/07/10
Michael,
Thank you for your courage and testimony for the Lord. During this time in our nation we need more teachers, politicians and ordinary Americans to show the courage you have shown.
I wonder why we have schools anymore. Everyone who shows up is said to be trying so they need to be rewarded and passed on to the next grade, and maybe even be rewarded with an outstanding student award.
Since educators(not all just the very liberal vocal ones) appear to believe this is the solution to our poor education I believe I have a solution for all of our budget problems around the country. We just will terminate all of the school systems and award all present and future students with a diploma. No need to go to school since we are just going to reward them anyway.
Next we will not need to have our children show up for baseball or softball or whatever sport anymore. Just have them go on line and sign up. When the season is over all who signed up will be sent a certificate of achievement for having done such a wonder job during the season.
Think how much you can save, no driving to practice and games anymore, no uniforms to purchase, no stopping by to eat before or after the game and you won't have to be involoved in anymore fund raisers or donations.
Won't this all be great, no more winners or losers. Everybody is a loser. Didn't you always want to be one anyway. Isn't it wonderflul the road we are going down?
I am 69 so I can say these things.
Posted by Gary Tunbull on 08/07/10
Wow! What an honorable man after God's heart. I believe that if more would stand up in the face of secular education and do as he did (not resign but state the Truth) then our children and our Nation would have a better chance of revival and survival then with any other avenue picked. My husband is a teacher in the public arena and never fails to share his faith and convictions with his students and coworkers.
Posted by April Bartlett on 08/07/10
This puts more uneasiness in my heart. The people of God have left many arena's to Satan before(politics, music, movies, etc) and we have reaped the reward for not being in the world but not of it. However, there will be a time when even the church will fall into the one world church and the real Christians will be called out of them also. With letters like this, I wonder if the tribulation is closer than ever before with the church leaving the education arena. Personally, I home schooled my kids and when I felt they could be salt and not be swallowed up by peer pressure they went into the school system. They were the salt to their generation and are still strong Christian men at 26 and 23. I have watched one of my kids teachers in Mt. Vernon OH get fired because of his Christian standing, so the calling away has started.
Posted by Nancy on 08/07/10
God, Church and the Bible must and will prevail in the struggle against secular humanism and its "prophets".
Posted by Radomysl Twardowski on 08/07/10
It takes conviction to do something like this. That kind of conviction comes from God Himself and His Word. It's too bad a Christian has to suppress his faith in order to teach in our godless schools. God cannot bless an America that rebels against Him.
Posted by Tom Francis on 08/07/10
Yes, we need these kind of men to indeed take such a stand. Yet why is he vacating the post to which God may have called him "for such a time as this?"
Some Christian parents choose to keep their committed mature Christian kids in the public school rather than a Christian school -- so as to be the "salt and light" to which he refers.
God has perhaps called him to leave his post, but he has not called him yet to a different place to serve. No doubt he will, but the question remains, why leave the place where you have previously been planted?
May His will be made clear soon.
Posted by Richard DeVries on 08/07/10
WOW!!! We need many many more with the courage of their convictions. WOW!! He has my respect! I pray that God will bless him many times over for taking a stand!
Posted by R. Harden on 08/07/10
Amen !! We can no longer be silent. God Bless this man and help us ALL to know and to do God's will on earth as it is in heaven.
God have mercy on America and our children and protect us from our corrupt government in Washington,D.C. Amen
Posted by jane g. MEntee on 08/07/10
God bless this man, and put him into a position where he will be able to have an influence on more young people. And God forgive us for allowing America to become what it has become. We are a very blessed nation, but we have not lived up to that blessing but have thrown it to the wind, and cursed it. It is time for us to fall down and beg God's forgiveness for what we have failed to do and wake up and retake our country for God and future generations.
Posted by Debbie Mangone on 08/07/10
Amen, Amen, and Amen! Praise the Lord for your courageous stand Mr. Metarko! There can be no true character and no true morality apart from the gospel of free and sovereign grace found in Jesus Christ alone. Our bill of rights asserts our freedom of religion, that that government cannot impose a state religion upon us, nor deprive us of the right to freely exercise our religion. Tragically, for many years, the first amendment has been interpreted in practice as freedom FROM religion instead of freedom OF religion. We need more men like Michael Metarko to stand up for God's truth in this relativistic, postmodern era!
Posted by Pastor Jerry on 08/07/10
May God bless this man with a new source of income swiftly! Semper Reformanda!
Posted by Deborah Lee on 08/07/10
May God richly bless him for acting on what he feels is God's will for him.
I will pray that God will supply all his needs and give him another good job.
Posted by Lois Mills on 08/07/10
Wow,
We need more men who are willing to take this kind of stand in a broken down system that rejects God.
Posted by Blane Fowler on 08/06/10
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