Teacher Admits She 'Prayed Out Loud' During Violent Tornado: 'I Did the Teacher Thing that We're Probably Not Supposed to Do

Math teacher Rhonda Crosswhite (Photo Credit: MSNBC)

On Tuesday, we told you about Rhonda Crosswhite, a brave, sixth-grade teacher at Plaza Tower Elementary School in Moore, Oklahoma. While she has spoken openly with media about her experience comforting students during the tornado, one of her admissions is particularly interesting.

"I did the teacher thing that we're probably not supposed to do. I prayed -- and I prayed out loud," she said in an interview with NBC News following the violent storm.

Considering her situation at the time of the invocation, it's understandable why Crosswhite risked facing criticism and potential claims that she violated the separation of church and state. Her life -- and the lives of the children she was protecting -- hung in the balance.

As the violent storm raged, the teacher found herself in a bathroom stall with six children. With the kids crying and appealing to her for protection, she openly addressed the Lord, saying, "God please don't take these kids today."

Previously, TheBlaze reported that Crosswhite had draped her body over the students inside of the stall, comforting them during their time of need. In addition to assuring the children that they would be fine, she also exhibited courage and bravery, telling reporters that, throughout the experience, she never thought she was going to die.

Watch Crosswhite discuss her prayer, below:

Previously, the teacher said that she had asked God to "take care of" her kids. But Crosswhite's admission that she did something that she's "probably not supposed to do" as a teacher opens up some fascinating discussion and debate about prayer in public schools.

Last year, TheBlaze explored this issue in-deph. The results of a poll we conducted among readers were fascinating. When asked whether it is appropriate for public school teachers to lead prayer in the classroom, the majority of readers who participated in the poll answered affirmatively. While 54 percent contend that it is appropriate, 46 percent claim that it is not (1,658 individuals answered this question).

Read more about the poll here and let us know your views on Crosswhite's invocation. Was it appropriate? Should prayer be more welcomed in public schools? Let us know in the comments section, below.

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