The Cross & The Classroom: Educating with Eternal Values

In this special roundtable episode, host Beth Hutchison is joined by guests Jeff Culver, Dr. Courtney Short, and Sarah Edson — all passionate history educators — to explore 250 years of American history, with reflections on law, military, economics, and education. They share personal stories about what drew them to history, discuss the unfinished business and timeless impact of the Founding Father...

In this episode, host Natalie sits down with special guest Zelana Davis, Director of Arts and Media at Valor, to discuss her artistic journey from practicing artist to arts educator and the impact of the arts on students’ lives. Together, they explore how storytelling connects every art form, the unique opportunities within Valor’s Arts and Media Department, and the ways faith and creativity inter...

In this episode, alumni coordinator Bailey Williams sits down with guest Micah Priest, a Valor alumnus (class of 2018) and current student pastor at Journey Church in Castle Rock, Colorado. Micah Priest shares about his journey from being a high school football player whose career ended unexpectedly due to a spinal condition, to finding new purpose in coaching, ministry, and family life. They disc...

Welcome to The Cross and The Classroom. In today’s episode, we hear from Bryan Ritz, Head of School at Valor Christian High School, as he shares how Valor was founded with a bold vision—that faith-based education should never compromise on excellence. Since opening its doors in 2007, Valor has been intentional about blending academic rigor, artistic expression, and athletic achievement with deep s...

Welcome to "The Cross and The Classroom"! In this episode, host Toby Coffman sits down with Dr. Kristine Wolberg, a seasoned educator with an impressive academic background. Together, they dive deep into the landscape of Christian higher education—exploring how the collegiate experience has changed over the years, the importance of choosing the right college environment, and the impact t...

In this episode of The Cross and The Classroom , host Natalie Tysdal sits down with Laura Dykstra, Dean of Curriculum and Academic Development at Valor, to unpack the differences between Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Credit (DC) courses. Together, they explore how these programs help students get a head start on college credits, save money, and experience more flexibility and faith integration...

In this insightful episode of The Cross and The Classroom , host Ashley Loaiza sits down with David Milton, a seasoned counselor and former Spanish teacher at Valor Christian. Together, they dive deep into the evolving landscape of mental health for today’s teenagers, discussing not only the unique pressures students face navigating both real and virtual worlds, but also the vital role of faith, f...

Welcome to The Cross and The Classroom podcast! In this episode, host Mike Sanford, head football coach at Valor Christian High School, leads a roundtable discussion with fellow champion coaches: Sam Geiersbach (women’s lacrosse), Justen Byler (men's and women's golf and assistant athletic director), and Jeremy Noble (men’s lacrosse). Together, they share insights on the journey of becom...

In this episode of The Cross and The Classroom , host Toby Coffman welcomes back Ike Shepardson, Chief of Christian Integration and Discovery, to dive into the release of his new book, The Reconstruction Project . Together, they explore the vital role of apologetics in the Christian faith, address common misconceptions, and discuss how apologetics can lovingly remove obstacles to belief. Dr. Shepa...

In this episode, host Natalie Tysdal sits down with Ashley Loaiza, Dean at Valor and former missionary, for an inspiring conversation about helping teenagers walk with Jesus—both in everyday life and through the challenges they face. Ashley shares her journey from the mission field in Costa Rica to her current role at Valor and opens up about her passion for student discipleship and mentorship. On...

On this episode of The Cross and The Classroom , host Toby Coffman talks with Ike Shepardson (Dr. Shep), Valor Christian’s Chief of Christian Integration and Discovery, about practical ways students can grow in faith and keep Christ at the center of their lives. Dr. Shep offers valuable advice for students facing today’s challenges of distraction, busyness, and the pressure for perfection. He emph...

In this episode of "The Cross and The Classroom," host Toby Coffman shares a special conversation with Asa Thurstone, Valor's 2025 valedictorian, now several months into his first year at Wheaton College. The episode offers a reflective look at his journey through Valor, including his commitment to tennis, his leadership as team chaplain, and his impactful experiences on medical mis...

Host Shandra Pankoski sits down with three passionate educators from Valor: Debbie Skene , Jeff Culver , and Brent Glossinger . Together, they delve into the heart of teaching—exploring why they chose this calling, what sustains them through challenges, and the kind of legacy they hope to leave for their students. From stories of unexpected career changes (did you know Jeff Culver originally plann...

In this episode of The Cross and The Classroom , host Toby Coffman sits down with Thomas Hill, Valor’s World Language Department Chair, to dive into the philosophy and practice of language teaching at Valor. The conversation uncovers Valor’s unique approach to language instruction, focusing on “comprehensible input” and immersive communication, rather than memorizing grammar rules. Thomas explains...

In this episode, Natalie Tysdal sits down with Beth Hutchison, affectionately known by her students as "Hutch," to explore how faith, empathy, and critical thinking come alive in the history classroom at a Christian school. Beth shares what inspires her to teach history, her unique approach to engaging students, and the power of connecting historical events to God's sovereignty. One...

In this engaging episode, Toby Coffman sits down with Tige Watson to discuss one of the most pressing topics in education today: the use of cell phones in schools. With cell phone policies making headlines nationwide—and Jonathan Haidt's book The Anxious Generation stirring new debates—Toby and Tige dive deep into the cultural, developmental, and mental health impacts of smartphones on studen...

In this episode, host Natalie Tysdal sits down with Keith Wahl to talk about what truly sets Valor's athletic program apart from the rest. They discuss how being an athlete at Valor isn't just about chasing championships, but about holistic development—spiritually, athletically, and socially. Keith shares how worship and faith are intentionally woven into every sport, mentioning impactfu...

Host Natalie Tysdal sits down with Shandra Pankoski, Director of STEM at Valor Christian, to dive into the state of academics at the school and what makes Valor’s approach unique. Shandra discusses how the school integrates rigorous academics with a Christ-centered mission, highlighting everything from foundational classes to advanced offerings like AP and dual credit courses. Listeners will learn...

In this episode of The Cross and The Classroom , host Toby Coffman welcomes Tige Watson, Valor Christian’s Chief of Parent and Student Affairs. Tige shares insights from his extensive experience at Valor and explains his new role in fostering stronger partnerships between parents and the school. They explore what meaningful parent partnership looks like in a Christian high school, both practically...

In this episode, Media Department Chair and host, Natalie Tysdal, sits down with Valor’s Director of Humanities and College Counseling, Toby Coffman, to explore what it truly means to live with a Biblical Christian Worldview, especially within the context of high school education at Valor Christian. Toby shares practical insights on how this perspective shapes every aspect of life—from academics a...

In this episode of the podcast, Natalie sits down with Terry Adams, the Director of Discovery and Outreach at Valor Christian High School. They dive into Terry's 18-year journey with the Discovery program at Valor, exploring how it has transformed from its inception to a movement that impacts students and communities worldwide. Terry shares heartfelt stories of transformation, not only among...

 In today's conversation, we welcome Valor Christian High School's new head football coach, Mike Sanford, a seasoned coach with profound family ties to the sport and a passion for mentorship. Mike brings with him a wealth of experience from leading teams at prestigious college programs, including Boise State and Notre Dame. Now, transitioning to high school, he's eager to invest in...

Dive into an enlightening conversation with Coach Jess as she joins Natalie Tysdal in the second part of their discussion on Valor sports. This episode highlights the distinctive focus of Valor's athletics program on faith and character over mere victories. Jessika Caldwell shares her insights on balancing the competitive spirit with spiritual growth, guiding student-athletes through disappoi...

In this episode of The Cross and The Classroom, host Natalie Tysdal sits down with Jessika Caldwell, Valor Christian High School's assistant athletic director of spiritual formation and head girls basketball coach. Jessica shares her innovative "Sport as Worship" program, which bridges the gap between faith and athletics. As an accomplished coach with multiple state championships an...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Marty, the visionary behind Valor Christian High School's groundbreaking songwriting and recording program. With 14 years of building this unique program from the ground up, Marty shares his journey from touring musician to educator, and how he created one of America's most distinctive high school music programs. Learn about Loftside Studios, t...