Wisdom from a One-Room Schoolhouse Teacher—November 2026

Written by MSTA President Lana Moore

David chose five smooth stones. Only five. Not four. Not six. Five.

Some Biblical scholars have various theories of why the number five is significant, and they mostly sound plausible to me.

Five may have signified a readiness on his part in case he missed his first mark, or it may have been that there were five giants with the Philistines. Either way, this experienced young shepherd boy was prepared for any scenario. He knew how to use his sling with precision because he had practiced extensively. He had never been to war, yet according to 1 Samuel, he had fought wild animals when protecting his flock. David defeated lions and bears, and at times chased after them to retrieve his sheep. That means he had to be in close proximity to the threat to “grab it by its mane or fur and strike it down.” AND he had to have a faith in God bigger than his adversaries. He wasn’t a passive caretaker; he was a practiced warrior.

I remember our one-room schoolhouse teacher mother leading the primary class at Sunday School, and her rendition of the story of David and Goliath came alive. Her retelling shaped our vision of the scene: we could see, feel, and hear.

We could see a stream separating the two armies, hear a giant calling out insults, envision a vast army too afraid of the one calling the insults to take any steps to quell the ferocity being hurled their way. And then, in walks a young boy with food for his brothers, who began asking questions about why. Why the slurs, why the inaction, why there was none to take up the sword and call in the bluff.

David was not cowed by the taunts of Goliath and wondered why everyone else was. After all, he was a younger brother and was most likely used to being goaded into action by his older siblings. The insults may not have meant anything personally, but David was loyal both to God and to his king, and he acted on it.

Although his brothers told him to go home, he didn’t listen. When King Saul offered his heavy armor, David said, “No thanks.” When Goliath saw a scrawny kid coming his way, he laughed.

David chose five smooth stones, not because he lacked faith, but because faith and preparation are partners. Many of us miss that.

He most likely looked the laughing Goliath in the eye with precise focus as he twirled his sling, then watched with confidence as the stunned giant fell.

Through our mother’s words, we could see the astonished army behind their fallen warrior. We witnessed the panic that ensued after David completed his quest and felt the resolve David must have displayed in knowing God was in control.

One. He only needed one stone.

Our mother demonstrated the power of one through her recounting of David and Goliath. One boy, one stone, one giant, one God. She taught that no matter our age, size, or experience, God can use anyone. We can face any Goliath that comes our way with faith, courage, and preparation.

Today, Missouri’s public-school educators face a Goliath of their own. It isn't a single warrior standing on a battlefield, but a mounting crisis handed down from decisions made in Jefferson City. Year after year, Missouri’s public education system is forced to stand its ground against systemic underfunding and legislative hostility.

Across the state, public schools are bracing for severe budget shortfalls. The Missouri State Board of Education recently projected a $270 million funding gap needed just to maintain foundational state aid for local districts, while state leaders continue to freeze funding and veto crucial grants for teacher recruitment and school safety. At the same time, policies set by our legislators redirect tens of millions of taxpayer dollars away from traditional public classrooms to subsidize private and homeschool education, which is against the Missouri Constitution.

The consequences are staggering. School districts are leaving teaching positions vacant, class sizes are swelling, and extracurricular programs are being stripped away just to keep school doors open. In rural Missouri, hundreds of districts have been forced to adopt four-day school weeks simply to retain staff and cut operational costs. Teachers—already receiving some of the lowest starting salaries in the nation—are being asked to do far more with far less, all while public institutions are criticized by the very policymakers holding the purse strings.

Yet, just like that one-room schoolhouse teacher who raised us, Missouri’s public school educators return to their classrooms every morning. They are not passive caretakers waiting for the storm to pass; they are practiced, dedicated advocates entering the fray. They face overwhelming administrative strain, dwindling resources, and state-level austerity with the same quiet resolve David brought to the valley of Elah.

“Everyone has faced a Goliath, even if they didn’t name it as such. Some Goliaths roar like giants. Some whisper like doubt. Some stand in front of us. Some live inside us.”

In our communities, in our halls of government, and in our public school classrooms, the giants of neglect and underfunding may seem insurmountable. But true preparation paired with unyielding purpose remains a formidable force. By attending MSTA Convention, we are facing those giants together and making our voices heard.

What Goliath have you defeated?