Teacher Edition Podcast

“These are students who are not just good students. Their brain thinks differently, and it is as simple as that. They need a space and a time where their brain doesn't just do more work. Using the brain God gave them, they are able to think differently.”  – Dr. Lauren Morrison Supporting gifted and talented students is often an overlooked area in Christian education. While many Christian schools s...

“Ask yourself the question: What am I doing? Am I copying? Am I distributing a copyrighted work to an audience that would co-opt the ability of the owner of a copyright to obtain money?” –  Jim Bagarazzi   “Educators are excellent borrowers,” but when does borrowing cross the line into stealing?    Walk through any school and you will likely see cartoon characters traced from coloring books, sport...

“When parents come onto campus and they see teachers worshiping the Lord, they see the tenderness. The way our teachers interact with their child in an organic setting ... that builds a trust with our parents.” — Cathy Polyak   A very common topic Jenny hears in her conversations with educators and with podcast listeners is around chapel services. In this episode, Jenny sits down with Cathy Polyak...

“A handbook is a tool to communicate agreed-upon expectations to create an environment that allows for disciple makers to direct students into God-glorifying relationships with their Creator.” — Paul Rebert Every Christian school has a handbook or rule book, but are we using it correctly?  In this episode of the Teacher Edition Podcast, Paul Rebert brings a refreshing biblical perspective to one o...

“I had a former principal share with me, ‘They will care how much you know when they know how much you care.’” — Randy Padgett Have you ever met an educator whose love for teaching just radiates—someone who clearly enjoys their students, their subject, and the privilege of being in the classroom? Maybe you remember a teacher like that from your own school days. Chances are, it wasn’t the academic...

“Having your student involved in a fine arts and music program is so good for their academics because it teaches them to be disciplined and to work well with others.” — Emily Nakamura We have seen a trend of fine arts programs being cut or downgraded due to budgeting issues, lack of personnel, and lack of interest. Perhaps as educators we should reevaluate this trend. Fine arts isn’t just about ta...

“It’s hard to have a Biblical worldview without Biblical knowledge.”    Bible class is a given within any Christian school, but how do we make it more than just another class to fulfill as a requirement.  In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, Nathan Deck, currently a middle school principal, shares with Jenny his wisdom on spiritual formation built from over 15 years in youth ministry, m...

“Learn as much as you can because as you’re learning, your students are learning.” — Cassidy Harwood “These parents entrusted me with their money, their time, and their children — which is the most precious thing. And I need to do my best.” — Cassidy Harwood Summer is just beginning, but before you know it, summer will be winding down, school supplies will start to fill the store shelves, and educ...

“I wish people would see them as the little people that they are.” — Courtney Wallace Middle school … it can be an awkward phase of life.    Underneath it all, middle schoolers are a great group of students.     Maybe you are a middle school educator navigating through these emotions, quirks, and awkwardness.     In this episode of the Teacher Edition Podcast, Jenny welcomes Courtney Wallace, a pa...

Have you ever wondered what your school administrators wish you really knew? Or vice versa?  Do the decisions in your school’s leadership sometimes leave you feeling frustrated or confused?  In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny sits down with Matt Ticzkus — regional director, former administrator, and long-time advocate for Christian education — to pull back the curtain on the fou...

"Math may seem like a neutral subject because people are like, well, it's just driven by numbers and facts and logic. But the very orderliness of math reveals a rational and orderly creator, a wonderful, powerful God." — Cindy Dickinson How does your worldview affect your daily life — what you do, where you go, how you respond to culture and news? At the same time, think of areas in your life that...

Did you know there are over 3,200 school fires in the U.S. every year?    Do you think about the importance of fire safety beyond the routine drills at school?    Have you ever considered the role you play as an educator in creating a safe environment for students and staff?    Fire safety isn’t just a duty; it’s a necessity for schools.    In this episode of Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny gets th...

“To take the time to rest really needs to be purposeful, because it won’t just happen.” —Tim Berlin “Inside of that purpose are defined roles that have responsibilities, and personal responsibility starts with understanding what it is that God designed.” —Tim Berlin   Working with youth for decades, Pastor Tim Berlin believes in excellence and Christlike character. More specifically, he is passion...

“The most priceless thing we have ever been given is a child.” –David Gibbs, Jr. “The first priority of every Christian school and every Christian educator is to be sure that you lead every child to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.” –David Gibbs, Jr.  “Listen, long after you're with the Lord in eternity, you will live on in those kids.” –David Gibbs, Jr.   In this episode of the Teacher Edition...

“It’s not a pleasant topic and one you would hope you wouldn’t or won’t need in Christian schools, but unfortunately, it is the world we live in.” – Peyton Snyder Welcome back for Part Two of Teacher Edition’s conversation about the prevalence of alcohol and drug use in our society and, yes, inside our Christian schools. Peyton Snyder joins Jenny Copeland to answer more practical questions, such a...

“Even precious believers can be wrecked by substances. It’s critical to equip our kids with the right knowledge and support.” — Peyton Snyder   Are Christian schools immune from substance abuse challenges?    Pressures are increasingly rising for our students, their families, and even among those working in Christian schools.   Jenny sits down with Peyton Snyder to discuss this eye-opening topic....

“Dip your toe into the pool; jump into the deep end. Over time, you will be surprised at how God will bless (the school’s fine arts program) and bring honor and glory to Him.” — Darren Lawson In part two of our conversation around developing a successful fine arts program, Jenny Copeland and Dr. Darren Lawson have a more in-depth discussion around the impact of such a creative program.    More key...

Quotes: “God chose storytelling to give us the Gospel.” — Darren Lawson “The very act of creating is emulating an attribute of our God. So when we create, we are in essence worshiping our God with our gifts.” — Darren Lawson Part One: How do fine arts fit into a Christian school’s mission? In this episode, Dr. Darren Lawson, a seasoned fine arts educator and former university dean, shares the powe...

“Where your feet are, be all there.” — Jenny Copeland Do you find yourself juggling multiple roles as a teacher and a parent?  Do you feel torn between the classroom and home?  Maybe you are wondering if it’s possible to excel in both areas or worried that your family and spouse feel second place.  In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny Copeland sits down with Becky Teruel, an exper...

"But any school that unashamedly says, ‘Hey, I want to not only give these kids a good education, but a Christ-centered worldview,’ we think it is so valuable to at least have a digital panic button that we offer every school in America, every church in America, completely free of charge, zero charge — a digital panic button." –Jim Boyte In this second part of our school safety series, Jenny is jo...

"For 50 years, teachers do fire drills and they don't ever know if they're going towards the fire or away from it." — Jim Boyte   Part One:   In this two-part series of the Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny sits down with Jim Boyte, CEO of Active Defender and bi-vocational pastor with a fervent dedication to school safety. With over a decade of experience, Jim shares his dynamic initiative toward inc...

"If you're a teacher, you're inside of your classroom, or if you're out on a playground, you're technically that first responder, right? You're the first person that is there and can help render aid to this person." — Sandy Gaddy   The Teacher Edition podcast, hosted by Jenny Copeland, welcomes Sandy Gaddy, account executive at Active Defender. As educators, life-saving preparedness rarely makes o...

In part one, Jenny and Michael talked about the importance of vocational education (VO Tech) in Christian schools and how hands-on learning opportunities can equip students for real-world skills while integrating faith into their work. In this continuation, Michael shares more practical steps needed to launch a VO Tech program, even in schools with limited resources.     Key Takeaways:  Starting S...

Teachers, have you ever had a student who thrives when working with their hands — fixing things, building, or solving practical problems? Maybe you wished there was a way to provide students with hands-on training while they’re still in high school. In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny explores the world of vocational education in Christian schools with Michael Mabe. Michael is a...

"One of the things I like to say is that the only thing stopping you is you." –Susie Sherwin   In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, host Jenny Copeland enjoys a conversation with longtime friend and Bible Quiz expert Susie Sherwin. With Bible Quizzing being a treasured memory from her own schooling, Jenny invites Susie to share this unique discipline which can positively impact students...