Teacher Edition Podcast

“AI can help with efficiency, but it cannot replace the teacher.” - Doug Lay

Technology isn’t slowing down… and neither is the pressure educators feel to “keep up.” In this episode, Jenny Copeland sits down with Doug Lay, administrator at Victory Christian School (Sylva, NC) and a former software architect/systems engineer with decades in IT. Doug brings a steady, Scripture-shaped perspective to a fast-moving world, reminding us th...

“We cannot teach our children how to think without helping them know what the standard of truth is.” - Lauren Wiggs

Have you ever heard someone say, “What were you thinking?” Or maybe a student has looked at you and said, “I just wasn’t thinking.” In a world where AI and endless tools are eager to do our thinking for us, the skill of thinking, real, biblical, critical thinking, can feel like a dying art.

In this episode, Jenny Cope...

“God often works in those small, unnoticed times.” - Amanda Cecil

“It’s not our job to produce the results. It’s our job to be faithful with the opportunities He gives us.” - Amanda Cecil

Some of the most powerful moments in education don’t happen during the perfectly planned lesson—they happen in the “ordinary” spaces: snack time, recess, transitions, a hallway conversation, a quiet prayer whispered at a student’s desk. Jenny Cope...

“I want schools and school associations to be vigilant… We need to do whatever it takes to maintain our ability to teach biblical truth at all costs.” - Jeff Keaton

Christian education is growing, but growth brings new pressures.

In this episode of Teacher Edition, Jenny welcomes back Jeff Keaton, founder and CEO of RenewaNation, for an honest, wide-angle conversation about where Christian schools are today and where they’re headed...

“Math only works because it describes consistencies that God holds in place.” - Katie Vance

“What type of class would you want to sit in? And then create it.” - Katie Vance

Math doesn’t have to be the “necessary evil.” In this episode, Jenny Copeland sits down with Katie Vance—an experienced Christian educator who once struggled with math but learned to see God’s fingerprints all over it.

Together, they explore why so many students...

“Pray for your students — that they are doing well, that they know they matter, and that God is working in their lives.” – Curtis Tomlin

What separates good teaching from transformative teaching? In this episode, Jenny sits down with Curtis Tomlin to explore what it truly means to teach beyond the classroom walls.

Curtis shares his passion for Christian education that extends far past lesson plans and academic standards. He empha...

“Resilient teachers practice gratitude and know how to reframe situations.” – Dana Davis

“Happiness is contagious – when teachers prioritize their health, students benefit, too.” – Dana Davis

This episode is for EVERY educator, especially as we head into the new year. Jenny’s guest, Dana Davis, brings a diverse education experience and a passion to encourage educators as whole people, with a focus on building genuine resilience...

“We have to stay true to our core mission, which is creating transformational materials for students’ lives. We can’t forget the trust that teacher is going to put in BJU Press to be able to create a product that can actually mean success in that classroom.” — Steve Dickinson

“The content is so important, and the delivery is going to flex. We can’t get hung up on the delivery mechanisms, because it's going to change and change an...

“Get your arsenal ready, because when parents ask, ‘Oh, what would you like? Is there anything I can get you for your classroom?’ I always say I can’t think of anything right now. And then I regret it later because I wish I would have thought of something, because they’re so generous and sweet about wanting to get things that help the class, their child, their child’s teacher.” – Katie Klipp

Welcome back to Part Two of this fun ser...

“One tool can make such a difference in your classroom. This one little thing that I added to my classroom or that somebody suggested to me has made such a huge difference.” — Katie Klipp

As the Christmas season approaches, many educators receive thoughtful gifts from students and families—mugs, candy, gift cards, and fuzzy blankets. But what if you could create a wish list of items that would actually transform your classroom? T...

“We have feelings and perspectives, and therefore, we need to be Spirit led.” – Travis Moots

Whether you are struggling with burnout at the moment or know someone who is, this episode is for you. If you are currently thinking and feeling, “I just can’t do this anymore,” Jenny has an encouraging guest for you — Travis Moots. Travis has served in Christian education for many years and is currently serving as a pastor, as well.  

“Culture is everything. If your culture is not right, nothing else is going to be right. You can have the best curriculum; you can have the best facilities, but if your culture is toxic, people are not going to want to be there.” — Delana Carter

Culture is a huge component of every school. There can be a huge variety of climates — from a disorganized or less-than-welcoming school to a very connected and vibrant community. So how ...

“We are a quick-fix society, and perseverance is suffering.” – Jonathan Williams 

“Grief is a process. Some days there are small grief moments, and some days are big grief moments.” – Jonathan Williams

Gratitude is a common theme this time of year in classrooms, families, and churches. While it is wonderful to have a dedicated month focusing on gratitude, it is something we need to focus on all year long, no matter the circumstan...

“God has given us built-in senses to help us learn the world around us.” — Jamie Meachum

“You have all different types of learners, and it might just be the thing for one of those learners that makes something click for them.” — Jamie Meachum

Master teachers do a great job of cross-subject connections. In this episode, we explore the world of science — but not just limited to science class. Jenny welcomes fellow BJU Press consult...

“We have held Christianity back in the public square for too long.” — Ben Schettler

Recently there have been a number of impacting events—events that have hit close to home and bear on the work educators do every day. The tragic killing of Charlie Kirk is one which particularly hits hard. Jenny sits down with former guest and host of The Biblical Worldview Podcast, Ben Schettler, who had a connection with Charlie and was able to at...

 “You can’t be anything you want to be; you can be anything God wants you to be. You can be more of who God created you to be.” – Rebecca Weier

Many teachers have heard the question from students, “What’s the point?” Rebecca Weier, a teacher with more than thirty years of experience, joins Jenny on the podcast to help connect the dots between daily school work and their futures. Rebecca has a passion for helping students (and tea...

“Don’t replace tasks that make you think or make your students think. Thinking is a good thing, and we don't want to replace that. Don’t replace the human connection. This is how God made us.” –Jenny Copeland 

The thing about AI is that it may just highlight what we as human teachers CAN do. AI needs teachers. Only educators can bring certain elements to the table. We can use it to be transformational inside our classrooms. Jenn...

How do you assess when answers are readily available for students via AI? How can you detect whether a student has used AI on their assignments? Jenny challenges educators to stop chasing AI detection tools and instead redesign assessments that naturally resist misuse.

In this episode, Jenny reminds educators to remember the why behind assessments. Are we grading for growth or just filling gradebooks? AI forces us to examine whet...

“In 2024, 66 percent of students reported using AI in some form for their studies. In 2025, 92 percent of students are reporting that they use AI in their studies. A 26 percent jump in usage in one year!” — Jenny Copeland

Are students using AI? How are students using AI? What tools are most popular? Jenny answers these questions with some eye-opening statistics about student AI usage and reveals how educators can shift the conver...