Teacher Edition Podcast

“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 content that stuck with you, but th...

“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 talents — it’s about so much more. In...

“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, missions, and Christian education. 

...

“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 educators will begin preparing for anot...

“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 passionate middle school educator ...

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 four things almost every administrator...

"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 are neutral — not at all touched b...

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 the unique opportunity to speak with ...

“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 passionate about personal responsibility. ...

“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 podcast, join host Jenny as ...

“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 as how to handle disciplinary act...

“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. Peyton’s extensive history in couns...

“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 discussion points: 

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 powerful impact fine arts can make in t...

“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 experienced educator and parent, about t...

"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 joined by Jim Boyte again, to continu...

"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 increasing protection of students and ...

"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 our daily priority list among lesson...

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 Sm...