“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 attend the funeral. Courageously, Ben has had a frontline perspective and public square conversations with people, including a recent visit to New York City. Critical Questions Addressed: What are we seeing downstream after Charlie Kirk’s murder, and what will we see in the future? How are educators teaching the virtue of courage today and instilling boldness in their students? As educators, how do we avoid getting caught in the mundane routine and stay in a place of urgency? This episode challenges teachers to consider how they’re preparing students for cultural engagement with courage rooted in biblical truth. Ben emphasizes the importance of not holding Christianity back in the public square and equipping students to be victors, not victims. Ben reminds us of two important foundational truths from Scripture:  “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” – Ephesians 6:12 KJV   “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth…” – Romans 1:16 KJV Resources Mentioned: Text ‘PREPARED’ to 33-777 to receive a free 14-day devotional, “Sharing the Truth in Love” Use Code “CHARLIE” for a $100 coupon for the set of books The Center for Truth in Love: https://www.thecenterfortruthinlove.org/ The Biblical Worldview Show Podcast: https://www.biblicalworldviewshow.com/ Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace working in you. Go do what God has called you to do! About Ben Schettler: Ben Schettler is the founder and CEO of The Center for Truth in Love. For over fifteen years, The Center for Truth in Love has been equipping churches to speak the Bible's truth in love to the difficult challenges facing culture. Ben is a frequent national conference speaker, hosts The Biblical Worldview Show Podcast and The Truth in Love Show—syndicated on Dish and Direct TV through the Christian Television Network. In addition to serving as the faith outreach advisor to Dr. Ben Carson, Ben is the author and producer of five cultural engagement curricula including Gospel Evidences, Lies Aren’t Love, and Love Chooses Life. Ben lives with his wife and son in Pensacola, Florida. Sponsored By Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. [bjupress.com]

 “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 teachers) discover their purpose and calling so they can be more of who God created them to be.     Rebecca shares some practical ways to empower students to develop realistic goals in order to walk out what they feel God has called them to do. She also shares some thought-provoking questions to spur on students’ ideas.     Knowing there may be some educators who are wondering whether they are fulfilling their God-given purpose, as well, Rebecca’s wisdom and encouragement in this episode can help.    Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace working in you. Go do what God has called you to do!   About Our Guest Rebecca Weier holds a BS in mathematics education, an MS in personnel services, and an EdD in higher education leadership. She has more than thirty years of teaching experience on the high school and university levels. She and her husband have four children and two grandchildren and serve in a variety of ministries at their local church. She is currently a national consultant for BJU Press. ​​

“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. Jenny explores where AI is headed and shares predictions from Big Tech companies, from the workforce and content creation to adapting inside the education system with academic and emotional support. Through the Gartner Hype Cycle, Jenny is hopeful that AI will reach a plateau of productivity where it will be helpful rather than a distraction.     Great teachers will never be replaced by AI, but those who refuse to learn AI may be replaced by teachers who choose to embrace this tool. Only humans can bring the connection and relationship piece.     Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace working in you.     Go do what God has called you to do!   Sponsored By  Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. [bjupress.com] Resources Mentioned: “Control -Alt- Achieve” by Eric Kurtz  “AI For School Leaders” by Vickie F. Echols “How to Teach AI” by Rachelle Dene Poth “Storytelling with Purpose” by Michael Hernandez “Learning First, Technology Second” by Liz Kolb “Learning Technology, “ by Liz Kolb “From the Garden to the City” by John Dyer  

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 whether our assessments have authenticity and connection, or if they have become busy work students want to shortcut.   Jenny also discusses some key strategies for making assessments, as well as some essential policies to help clarify what is cheating and share what is permitted or prohibited within the classroom. She also shares some red flags to look for in a student’s work and how to encourage students to develop integrity in their work.  Coming Next: The final episode—Being AI Ready. Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace working in you. Go do what God has called you to do! Sponsored By  Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. [bjupress.com]  

“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 conversation from cheating to proper learning support. Jenny discusses in further detail on this episode of Cyber Sense: Statistics of AI usage inside and beyond classrooms The mindset shift challenge -How to approach AI as a tutor Practical applications for both student and teacher Even if AI is banned at your school, students are using it. Rather than fighting reality, Christian educators have the opportunity to guide students toward appropriate, God-honoring use of these powerful tools. Coming Next: Reimagining Assessments in an AI World Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace working in you. Go do what God has called you to do! Sponsored By: Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. [bjupress.com]

“Think of these AI tools as super excited, exuberant, ready-to-help student teachers or interns. They’re right there, ready to help.” – Jenny Copeland   On this episode of Teacher Edition in our Cyber Sense series, Jenny gives us a high flyover view of various AI tools to help educators navigate the overwhelming landscape of options available today. Jenny shares three main ground rules for choosing your AI platforms:  A tool that claims to be a solution for everything is probably not the best at anything. ChatGPT does not equal AI. Don’t feel the pressure to try or use them all. Find what works for you.   Major AI Platforms Covered: ChatGPT DALL-E Sora Claude Copilot Gemini Perplexity Education-Specific Tools: Curipod Brisk School AI & Magic School AI Khanmigo NotebookLM TrekA Tools Within Existing Platforms: Canva Padlet EdPuzzle Quizlet Specialized Options: Snorkl Labster Diffit Jenny addresses the common concern about whether using AI tools is “cheating” as an educator, comparing AI to a vacuum cleaner. It’s simply a tool that helps you work more efficiently so you can focus on what only you, as the human, can do.   Coming up next in our series, Jenny talks about students’ use of AI and guidelines for classroom implementation.   Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace working in you. Go do what God has called you to do!   Resources Mentioned: https://chatgpt.com/ https://chatgpt.com/g/g-2fkFE8rbu-dall-e?locale=en-US https://sora.com https://gemini.google.com/ https://copilot.microsoft.com/ https://www.canva.com/ https://www.briskteaching.com/ https://schoolai.com/ https://www.magicschool.ai/ https://quizlet.com/ https://edpuzzle.com/ https://padlet.com/ https://www.khanmigo.ai/ https://trekai.org/ Sponsored By Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. [bjupress.com]

“The prompt is the key. That’s how you get where you’re going. That’s how you get to the endpoint that you’re looking for.” – Jenny Copeland Have you ever been around a great baker or cook? They intuitively know how to tweak a recipe so the end product comes out just right. Jenny explains how this applies to AI and reveals the most important aspect of using AI effectively: the prompt.     The prompt is the key to getting what you want and where you want to go with AI.     Jenny discusses the six essential prompting tips: Be clear and specific. Include context. Specify output format. Break down complex requests.  Provide reference materials. Follow up as needed.    The overarching golden rule is to assume that your prompt needs work, not the platform. Don’t blame AI for poor results; instead, refine your prompt. Jenny gives multiple examples with weak and strong prompts that will help you adjust your prompt engineering to produce more effective results.     Coming next: Jenny looks at specific AI tools that are currently used in education.     Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace working in you. Go do what God has called you to do!   “God has placed us right here, right now, for this. AI is not taking God by surprise. What a shame it would be to not take full advantage of the opportunity to speak into the lives of students in this area.” – Jenny Copeland Sponsored By Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. [bjupress.com]

 “You are the moral checkpoint, and that’s where we cannot hand that off to AI.” – Jenny Copeland    “Think of it like an intern. AI is here to help.” – Jenny Copeland    What can AI do for you as an educator or as an administrator? And what are some cautions around AI? In this episode, Jenny answers these important questions and shares many practical ways you can implement AI within the classroom.     Jenny shares the benefits of AI through: -Administrative tasks -Teaching applications -Subject-specific uses -Student support   Sharing some cautions, as well, Jenny discusses: -Technical concerns -Ethical issues -Overreliance on AI for creativity and critical thinking   Overall, remember that you have an incredible tool at your fingertips, and you are the one who adds heart and human touch. AI should be viewed as a starting point and partner, not a solution or endpoint.     Coming next episode: Practical, hands-on exploration of specific AI tools and platforms for educators.     Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace working in you.    Go do what God has called you to do!   Referenced Episode Mentioned: Bryan Smith’s Understanding Work Through a Biblical Worldview   Sponsored By Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. [bjupress.com]

“AI is an assistant. It’s not the final product. See AI as a partner, not a solution. It’s a starting point. It’s not the end point.” – Jenny Copeland   Generative AI is here to stay, so what do we do as educators? How do we take advantage of this tool and switch our mindset around it?  In this episode, Jenny debunks some common AI myths and misconceptions that may be holding educators back from embracing this new technology.    AI myths Jenny debunks: AI equals robots  More data equals smarter AI AI can teach itself anything AI understands like humans do Machines are neutral AI will leave humans unemployed AI has no place in our world   Jenny encourages us to adjust our mindsets in four key areas as we approach AI to learn more and champion the benefits of it. It’s about moving beyond defensive reactions and recognizing the potential AI can bring to Christian educators and students.     Coming up next in our Cyber Sense series, Jenny will share some practical applications within the classroom.     Every day in the classroom is your day to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace working in you.     Go do what God has called you to do!    Sponsored By Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit your website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. [bjupress.com] 

“Someone once said, ‘We fear things in proportion to our ignorance of them…. People fear what they don't understand and hate what they can't conquer.’” – Jenny Copeland Have you been curious about generative AI? This month, Jenny sits down to clear the fog around this hot topic in the world and more specifically within education. We as educators know AI can feel overwhelming. You are not alone. This series aims to transform fear into understanding and confusion into confidence.  On this episode Jenny covers: -The official definition: machines performing tasks typically requiring human intelligence -Three types of AI: reactive, predictive, and generative -Why AI isn’t new -How generative AI works -Essential AI vocabulary    She also explains the necessary framework to get started with AI: Select your platform. Enter your prompt. Refine the results through conversation. Utilize (not just copy and paste) the output.    Jenny emphasizes that AI should be viewed as a starting point and tool for assistance, not just a replacement for human thinking and creativity. The goal isn’t to ban AI or fear AI but to understand it well enough to lead students biblically and teach confidently.   This episode sets the stage for the remaining seven episodes in the series, where we will dive into more practical applications, ethical considerations, and specific strategies for Christian educators.     Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God's power and grace working in you.    Go do what God has called you to do!   Sponsored By Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. [bjupress.com]

“Learning is a social experience and it always will be. Educators in Christian education know this better than anyone. They understand that education is not about knowledge transfer. Education is about student formation.” – Josh Thomason The arrival of generative AI has sent education into chaos. While schools scramble to ban ChatGPT or train teachers to become prompt engineers, two Christian educators saw an opportunity to bring order back to the classroom. Dr. Josh Thomason and Dr. Derek Wilson join us to share their journey from online education pioneers to AI innovators. Starting with the challenge of offering specialized courses to small Christian schools, they discovered that the real need wasn’t just access to education; it was personalization at scale. Their solution, TrekAI, represents a fundamentally different approach to AI in education.  You’ll hear: The Problems with Generic AI: Why ChatGPT and similar tools can actually harm student learning The dangers of “sycophancy” in large language models How unguided AI use creates rabbit holes instead of learning TrekAI’s Educational Approach: Socratic training that asks questions instead of giving answers Built-in guardrails that protect students while promoting growth Integration with curriculum content, including BJU Press materials Practical Implementation: Teacher tools that reduce administrative burden without requiring prompt engineering expertise Student tutoring that’s available 24/7 with educational safeguards Data insights that help teachers understand what students actually struggle with Whether you’re skeptical about AI in education or overwhelmed by the rapid changes, this episode provides a thoughtful framework for understanding how technology can serve Christian education’s core mission of student formation. “What generative AI did to education was it sent the whole ecosystem into chaos. And what we’ve been trying to do through this is bring order back to chaos.” – Josh Thomason Resources Mentioned: TrekAI’s partnership with BJU Press: https://trekai.org/bjupress About Our Guests Dr. Josh Thomason serves as the vice president of finance and operations at Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC), one of the nation’s largest K-12 Christian schools. He is the founder and executive director of Ethos, GAC’s global online school. Josh is also the visionary behind TrekAI. Josh’s work reflects a deep belief that when technology is aligned with purpose, it doesn’t dehumanize education—it makes it more personal, more meaningful, and more Christ-centered. Dr. Derek Wilson is a seasoned educational leader with a passion for harnessing the power of emerging technologies to improve student learning and teacher support. As a senior leader at TrekAI, he plays a pivotal role in shaping how artificial intelligence can be thoughtfully integrated into K-12 education. With more than two decades of experience as a teacher and academic leader in Christian schools, Derek brings deep insight into the daily realities of schools—insight that makes him uniquely equipped to translate the rapidly evolving tech landscape into practical, meaningful solutions for students and educators. TrekAI is an AI-based tutor and suite of teacher tools designed to reduce administrative burden and restore what matters most: human connection in the classroom. TrekAI supports Christian schools by offloading time-consuming, repetitive tasks like grading, lesson planning, and administrative logistics. In doing so, it redeems teachers’ time, allowing them to re-engage with their core calling: mentoring, motivating, and deeply knowing their students. Since its launch in 2023, TrekAI has expanded to serve over 150 schools and more than 100,000 students worldwide. Sponsored By Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically

“We need to be teaching every subject in reading as well as teaching reading in every subject.” – Rachel Santopietro Reading affects everything. When students struggle academically, the issue often traces back to reading comprehension. But what if everything you thought you knew about teaching reading was only half the picture? Rachel Santopietro returns to the Teacher Edition Podcast to unpack the science of reading and reveal why traditional approaches to reading instruction may be missing a crucial component. Through an example involving rock-climbing terminology, Rachel demonstrates that decoding words isn’t enough. True comprehension requires something much deeper. This episode explores the two strands of reading comprehension: word recognition and language comprehension. While most educators focus heavily on phonics and decoding skills, Rachel reveals research showing that background knowledge is actually a stronger predictor of reading success than reading ability itself. You’ll discover: What the “science of reading” really means and how Scarborough’s Reading Rope illustrates the complete picture The critical difference between teaching skills and teaching content Why the famous “baseball experiment” revolutionized understanding of reading comprehension How to build background knowledge across all subject areas The three tiers of vocabulary instruction and which tier has the biggest impact Practical strategies for teaching reading in every subject, not just language arts Rachel provides concrete methods for building background knowledge, from reading aloud above grade level to using graphic organizers that help students organize information both on paper and in their minds. She also breaks down vocabulary instruction into actionable tiers, showing how strategic focus on cross-curricular vocabulary can transform comprehension. The conversation concludes with the powerful reminder that Christian education began with the goal of teaching children to read the Bible – making reading comprehension not just an academic skill, but a spiritual foundation for knowing Christ more deeply. Whether you teach kindergarten or high school, math or history, this episode will change how you think about your role in developing student literacy and comprehension. Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace working in you. Go do what God has called you to do! Resources Mentioned: Scarborough’s Reading Rope: https://www.learninga-z.com/site/resources/breakroom-blog/reading-rope-resources The Knowledge Gap by Natalie Wexler Bringing Words to Life (vocabulary instruction resource) About Our Guest Rachel Santopietro is passionate about helping students find joy in learning as they engage, learn, and create. And she wants this enthusiasm to be contagious. The same sense of wonder that sparked her curiosity in childhood spurred her to pursue a degree in chemistry, a master’s degree in education, and a doctorate in learning design and technology. She wants to share her passion as she draws from her teaching and writing experience to oversee instructional design for writing teams at BJU Press. Sponsored By Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. [bjupress.com]

“We declare the glory of God by being made in His own image and by living out the commands of the creation mandate. And the creation mandate is a call to work.” – Bryan Smith   What if the key to transforming both your teaching and your students’ attitudes toward learning was hidden in plain sight?  Bryan Smith, longtime Christian educator and biblical worldview expert, challenges educators to rediscover one of the most fundamental aspects of education: work itself. But this isn’t about motivating lazy students or managing workloads. This conversation goes much deeper, connecting the very purpose of education to a biblical understanding of what it means to be human.   Bryan reveals how the creation mandate in Genesis 1:28 serves as the educational mandate that explains why math, science, language arts, and social studies matter beyond college preparation. Work predates the fall and serves as a primary way humans declare God’s glory. For students, school isn’t preparation for their future work – it IS their work as children called to exercise dominion. This perspective addresses both lack of motivation and overachieving as spiritual issues in students. Bryan tackles the tension between engaging learning and constant entertainment, arguing that productive struggle prepares students for real-world work. He also helps overachieving students find identity in Christ rather than performance. The conversation includes practical wisdom for both ends of the spectrum while maintaining the biblical balance between work and rest that God modeled in creation. Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace working in you. Go do what God has called you to do! About Our Guest Bryan Smith has worked in Christian education for over thirty years, having been a classroom teacher as well as a textbook author. Currently, Bryan serves as the director for Biblical Worldview Formation at BJU Press. He is responsible for ensuring that all educational materials produced by BJU Press support the development of a biblical worldview in students. He has led BJU Press in becoming the worldview leader in Christian education publishing. Recently, he authored Biblical Worldview Beyond the Basics (a high-school level survey of biblical worldview thinking and living). Bryan speaks at conferences, schools, and churches around the country. He and his wife, Becky, have six children. Sponsored By Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. [bjupress.com]   “When you are a child in the third grade or the fourth grade, school is your work. School is what God has called you to as a child when it comes to Genesis 1:28.” – Bryan Smith

“The best way to teach someone how to have helpful cell phone use is by first learning how to function without it .... They really will struggle to know how to be apart from it in a way that’s meaningful in any environment that they’re in.” – Cody Lehman   Most educators have experienced the struggle to keep students’ attention due to personal devices. But what happens when a school moves beyond managing the problem to actually solving it? Cody Lehman, assistant principal at Hampton Park Christian School, shares their three-year journey implementing Yondr pouches – a phone-locking system that has transformed their school culture. This isn’t just another device management strategy; it’s a comprehensive approach to addressing what Cody calls “school loneliness” and the constant social pressures students face. In this episode, you’ll discover: Rolling out the Yondr method in the classroom: How Yondr pouches work, and why they chose this solution over traditional collection methods The practical logistics of implementation and daily management Why the rollout gets easier each year as the culture shifts How to get families’ and students’ buy-in: Strategies for communicating with resistant parents and students Why the initial two to four weeks of resistance quickly transforms into support How to address safety concerns and maintain parent-school communication Changing the culture of the school: The dramatic increase in lunchroom noise levels (in a positive way) Improved classroom engagement and sustained discussion abilities Stronger teacher-student relationships without constant phone conflicts Students learning to be present with their peers Cody addresses common concerns about liability, logistics, and enforcement while sharing real stories of student transformation. From the senior who initially said it would “ruin her year” to later calling it “the best decision,” the results speak for themselves. Whether you’re considering a phone-free policy or looking for practical implementation strategies, this episode provides honest insights from a school that took the leap and found remarkable success in helping students be truly present. Resources Mentioned: Yondr Pouches: https://www.overyondr.com/phone-locking-pouch Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with Yondr; this is just one solution to this growing problem. Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace working in you. Go do what God has called you to do! About Our Guest Cody Lehman has faithfully served at Hampton Park Christian School in Greenville, SC, for over a decade. He spent eight years as the athletic director and has served as assistant principal for the past four years. During his time at Hampton Park, he has enjoyed teaching psychology, sociology, and Bible doctrines, while remaining actively involved in coaching varsity athletics. Cody is passionate about people – God’s image bearers. His current role as assistant principal allows him to focus directly on that passion by striving to create a school culture where life can flourish, built on the core values of truth, love, and service. Cody and his wife, Sarah, have four children. Sponsored By Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. [bjupress.com]

“How do we deal with parents that might have good intentions but they are overly interested in what's going on? And how do you deal with parents that feel that their kid isn't getting a fair shake in your classroom?” – Dr. Renton Rathbun   “Your work as a teacher is to mentor these parents to become partners." – Dr. Renton Rathbun Teaching would be great if there were no ... what? While hopefully no teacher would say “students,” many might think “parents” when facing challenging family dynamics. But the reality is that parents are meant to be our greatest partners in education, not our biggest obstacles. Dr. Renton Rathbun returns to help teachers understand and connect with today's parent generation – primarily millennials, who now represent the majority of school families. As both a college professor and a parent himself, Renton shares what makes this generation tick and how their upbringing impacts their approach to their children's education. During this episode, Jenny and Renton discuss the shifts that have occurred in parent-teacher relationships, moving from a time when parents automatically sided with teachers to today's reality where teachers often feel under scrutiny from well-meaning but highly involved parents. You'll discover key characteristics of millennial parents, including: How growing up as “digital natives” affects their communication styles and expectations Why technology has rewired their brains and changed how they process authority How dynamics within the home affect how the parent shows up at school Why instant gratification culture has affected their persistence and “grit"” Renton provides practical strategies for teachers, such as how to shift conversations from immediate outcomes to life principles and how to leverage technology and social media for positive connection rather than avoiding it. Whether you're struggling with helicopter parents, dealing with authority challenges, or simply wanting to build stronger partnerships with families, this episode provides biblical wisdom and practical strategies for connecting with today's parent generation. Resources Mentioned: Paul Tripp Ministries parenting courses (free online with study guides) The Renton Rathbun Show podcast (focused on helping parents navigate worldview challenges) About Our Guest Dr. Renton Rathbun has been a college professor for over 25 years, teaching at both secular and Christian institutions. He frequently speaks on biblical worldview and apologetics topics. He holds a Bachelor of Science in English Education, MA in Interpretive Speech, MFA in Creative Writing, MA in Philosophy, Master of Theology, and PhD in Apologetics. Renton is also the host of The Renton Rathbun Show, a podcast designed to help parents understand the worldviews targeting their children and how to respond biblically. As both an educator and a parent, he brings a unique perspective to the challenges of parent-teacher partnerships in today's culture. Sponsored By Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. [bjupress.com] Have a question for the Teacher Edition podcast? We would love to hear from you. Please submit your questions at https://TeacherEditionPodcast.com.

“I challenge our listeners today to write down one or two things they can take action on as we give these ideas on the show, so they will really make it happen in their classroom and not just keep a list of it somewhere and not use it.” — Katie Klipp   School is back in session, and one of the biggest challenges teachers face is getting meaningful participation from all students, not just the eager few who always raise their hands. In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, you will find so many practical ideas to facilitate student participation within the classroom. As Katie Klipp shares multiple ideas, she encourages you to take one idea and implement it in the classroom. Take action on the information given in this episode. Katie emphasizes the biblical foundation of questioning, noting that God asked questions not because He didn't know the answers, but to help people understand. She challenges teachers to move beyond traditional hand-raising to embrace "total participation," where every student responds simultaneously. You'll discover innovative techniques including: Creative Four Corners variations that work even when students stay seated "Whisper Hold" strategies for managing different processing speeds Emoji matching and physical response techniques Strategic use of whiteboards, magic boards, and simple materials like page protectors "Back to Back, Front to Front" partner activities "Look, Touch, and Show" color-coded response systems Katie also provides practical solutions for engaging reluctant participants and motivating students without creating prize dependency. From flying stuffed animals to sound effect boxes, she shares creative motivators that build intrinsic engagement. Ideas for participation include movement-based responses, visual cues, tactile activities, and digital tools that get every student actively involved in learning. Ideas for the anxious participants focus on creating safe, supportive ways for hesitant students to share their thinking without the pressure of being singled out. Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire – not in your own strength – but through God's power and his grace working in you. Go do what God has called you to do! Resources Checking for Understanding by Douglas Fischer and Nancy Frey About Our Guest Katie holds a bachelor's and master's degree in elementary education and has taught first grade at Bob Jones Academy in Greenville, SC, for twenty years. She also assists at BJU Press in writing, revising, and consulting. She enjoys hosting workshops for teachers and assisting teachers with classroom management, technology, and creative instruction. Sponsored By Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. [bjupress.com] Have a question for the Teacher Edition podcast? We would love to hear from you. Please submit your questions at https://TeacherEditionPodcast.com.

"People first. Machine second. Remember that people are the currency of the kingdom of heaven. The person that you're supporting is more important than finishing the task." – Corey Cline Everyone loves technology as long as it is working. When technology fails in the classroom, there’s no time for troubleshooting while students wait. That’s why having the right technology support is vital for schools today.     Join Jenny as she sits down with Corey Cline, EdTech Specialist, who brings his unique perspective from his journey — from ministry to classroom teaching to being pulled into IT during COVID. He bridges the gap between the technical and educational sides of school technology.   In this episode, you'll discover: What basic IT needs every school must address (and whether you need a dedicated tech person) Essential skills to look for when hiring technology support — starting with being a "non-anxious presence" The most common tech problems teachers face and how to prevent them Simple strategies to keep classroom technology functioning smoothly Why looking at your current team first might reveal hidden IT talent How to set healthy boundaries in an "always-on" technology culture Corey emphasizes that successful educational technology support is about people first, machines second. He shares practical advice for schools of all sizes, from utilizing Managed Service Providers to empowering teachers with basic troubleshooting skills. You'll also hear his go-to digital tools and resources that actually work in the school environment. This conversation is essential for administrators considering IT staffing, current tech support personnel, and teachers who want to better understand how to keep their classroom technology running smoothly. When technology works well, teaching and learning can truly thrive. Resources Mentioned by Corey: Digital Tools & Platforms: Canvas (Learning Management System) MSP (Managed Service Provider) for outsourced IT support SIS (Student Information System) Confluence (documentation tool that pairs with Jira) Jira (ticket system for IT support) Obsidian (notetaking and knowledge management tool) Gemini (Google's AI tool for Google Suite questions) Online Communities: k12sysadmin subreddit on Reddit (for educational IT professionals) Books: The Phoenix Project — Essential reading for anyone considering IT work Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte — System for organizing information and knowledge The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer — Spiritual formation book about slowing down and avoiding overwhelm About Our Guest Corey Cline serves as the EdTech at Foundation Academy in Winter Garden, FL. Prior to that role, Corey served in youth and education ministry for seven years, followed by four years in education. He served in public school for two years and private school for two years. COVID and the shift to digitizing education changed everything for him. He was pulled from the classroom to help a Christian school "go digital." He served there as a system administrator, mostly handling network and device needs, and then moved to Foundation Academy, where he has served in the IT space for the last three years. He served as the system administrator there for two years before moving into the EdTech space in 2024. Corey and his wife, Stephanie, enjoy time with their corgi and two cats. Sponsored By Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. [bjupress.com] "It's okay to work yourself out of a job... Don't lean into the he

In Part Two of this conversation on school choice, Jenny and our three expert guests dive deeper into the practical realities of implementing and managing school choice programs in Christian schools. From operational changes to wish lists for improvement, this episode reveals the behind-the-scenes work required to successfully navigate school choice while maintaining Christian mission and identity. You'll hear about the administrative burden that comes with public funding, including full-time compliance officers, detailed state reporting, and expanded testing requirements. These leaders share success stories of teacher salaries approaching 75% of public school levels, schools paying off buildings entirely with choice funds, and churches freed from facility costs to invest in ministry expansion. The conversation explores the ideal models for school choice, with insights into why ESA (Education Savings Account) programs may be preferable to voucher systems, and what the future holds for educational freedom at both state and federal levels. Whether your school is already participating in choice programs, considering participation, or simply wanting to understand where Christian education is headed, this episode provides practical wisdom from leaders who've successfully navigated these waters while maintaining their biblical mission. You'll also gain insights into what's coming next, including potential federal expansion of school choice and how Christian schools can prepare for continued growth and opportunity in the educational freedom movement. Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God's power and grace working in you. Go do what God has called you to do! About Our Guests Andrew Fry is the principal of Colonial Christian School in Indianapolis, Indiana. He earned a bachelor of science in electrical engineering and a master of arts in teaching in mathematics. With 12 years of experience in teaching and school leadership, Andrew is passionate about fostering academic excellence and spiritual growth in Christian education. He and his wife, Janna, have three children.   Dr. Michael Phillips holds undergraduate degrees in Bible and mathematics education. He also holds a master’s degree and a doctorate degree in educational leadership. He served in Christian schools in Virginia and North Carolina as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and administrator for 25 years before the Lord called him to Bay City Christian School in Green Bay, Wisconsin. In addition to his school responsibilities, Dr. Phillips is the executive director and accreditation chair for the Wisconsin Association of Christian Schools. He and his wife, Shellee, have four children.   Dr. Jeff Walton, executive director of AACS, holds a bachelor of science degree in education, a master of education degree, and a doctor of divinity degree. He has served in Christian education as a teacher, school administrator, state association director, and Bible college administrator. Through his work with AACS and other organizations, he has been influential in securing policies and legislation to protect the ministries of Christian schools. He has presented professional development workshops for Christian school teachers at many state and national conferences in the U.S. and at conferences in Romania and South Korea. His wife, Judylynn, also serves with him at AACS, and together they are very involved in local church ministry as well. Sponsored By  Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more

School choice is transforming Christian education across America, but is it a blessing or a burden? This episode of the Teacher Edition podcast brings together three seasoned educators to discuss the real impact of school choice programs from national, state, and local perspectives. Jenny sits down with Dr. Jeff Walton (Executive Director of American Association of Christian Schools) who provides national insights, Dr. Michael Phillips (Executive Director of Wisconsin Association of Christian Schools) who shares state-level experiences, and Andrew Fry (Principal of Colonial Christian School in Indianapolis) who offers ground-level perspective from a school that has experienced significant growth through school choice. From increased enrollments to budget transformations, these educators reveal both the remarkable opportunities and genuine concerns that come with public funding following students to private Christian schools. You'll hear about schools growing from 70 to 290 students, budgets increasing from $340,000 to $3.2 million, and families finally able to afford the Christian education they'd only dreamed of. These experienced educators also address the real challenges: potential government overreach, mission drift temptations, accreditation requirements, and the risk of becoming too dependent on public funding. They explore the balance between accepting government funds and maintaining Christian autonomy. Whether your state already has school choice, is considering it, or you're wondering what it means for Christian education's future, this conversation provides essential insights from leaders who've navigated these waters successfully. Part One covers the fundamentals: what school choice looks like in different states, its effects on enrollment and budgets, and the accountability measures that come with public funding.  Part Two will dive deeper into practical adjustments schools must make and what the future holds. Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God's power and grace working in you. Go do what God has called you to do! About Our Guests Andrew Fry is the principal of Colonial Christian School in Indianapolis, Indiana. He earned a bachelor of science in electrical engineering and a master of arts in teaching in mathematics. With 12 years of experience in teaching and school leadership, Andrew is passionate about fostering academic excellence and spiritual growth in Christian education. He and his wife, Janna, have three children.   Dr. Michael Phillips holds undergraduate degrees in Bible and mathematics education. He also holds a master’s degree and a doctorate degree in educational leadership. He served in Christian schools in Virginia and North Carolina as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and administrator for 25years before the Lord called him to Bay City Christian School in Green Bay, Wisconsin. In addition to his school responsibilities, Dr. Phillips is the executive director and accreditation chair for the Wisconsin Association of Christian Schools. He and his wife, Shellee, have four children.   Dr. Jeff Walton, executive director of AACS, holds a bachelor of science degree in education, a master of education degree, and a doctor of divinity degree. He has served in Christian education as a teacher, school administrator, state association director, and Bible college administrator. Through his work with AACS and other organizations, he has been influential in securing policies and legislation to protect the ministries of Christian schools. He has presented professional development workshops for Christian school teachers at many state and national conferences in the U.S. and at conferences in Romania and South Korea. His wife, Judylynn, also serves with him at AACS, and together they are very involved in local church ministry as well. Sponsored By  Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them acade

“I remember saying several times as I walked around the public school... ‘I thank you, God, that the name of Jesus is going to be spoken again in these halls.’ And one day as I was walking around the school, I felt a strong sense in my heart that I need to do something more than pray about this.” – Amber Hudson “At my other school, I couldn’t talk about God. I couldn’t, we couldn’t learn about God. And here we can learn about God.” – Student at their school What happens when two non-educators feel called by God to start a Christian school in a community that has never had one? Meet Andy and Amber Hudson, who went from homeschooling parents to school founders without any formal educational background. Their story reveals both the miraculous provision and unexpected challenges of stepping out in faith to bring Christian education to an underserved area. This episode takes you behind the scenes of launching a Christian school from the ground up. From Amber’s prayer walks around the local public school to Andy’s confirmation of the same burden, you’ll hear how God orchestrated every detail – and how they navigated the reality that even passionate vision doesn’t guarantee immediate community support. Andy and Amber share candidly about their biggest surprises: that Christians didn’t automatically flock to their school, that even free education through savings accounts wasn’t enough to draw families, and that being non-educators presented both obstacles and opportunities they never anticipated. Whether you’ve ever felt stirred about educational needs in your community or you’re curious about what it actually takes to start a school, this conversation offers practical insights, honest reflections, and powerful reminders that God’s timing and methods often differ from our expectations. We also answer a question from Sarah Choate, head of school at Legacy Christian Academy in Carson City, Nevada, who asks for book study recommendations for Christian school staff. Here are the resources mentioned in the episode: Biblical Worldview & Apologetics: The Reason for God by Tim Keller – An accessible introduction to apologetics Every Good Endeavor by Tim Keller – A Christian treatment of work and its biblical foundation Faithfully Different by Natasha Crane – Understanding and resisting secularism Beyond Biblical Integration by Roger Erdvig – Practical strategies for biblical worldview (recommended by Andy and Amber Hudson) A Practical Guide to Culture by Stonestreet and Kunkel – Contemporary topics and cultural guidance Kingdom Education Series by Glenn Schultz: Kingdom Education: God’s Plan for Educating Future Generations Understanding Kingdom Education: A Challenge for the Home, the School, and the Church Applying Kingdom Education: Following God’s Instructions for Educating Future Generations Classroom Management & Teaching Strategies: The Power of Our Words by Paula Denton – Challenging teachers to think about their word choices Teasing, Tattling, Defiance and More by Margaret Berry Wilson – Dealing with disruptive classroom behaviors The Art and Science of Teaching by Marzano – Research-based teaching strategies Character Development & Student Engagement: Teaching Kids to Care by Ruth Penty – Mentoring students through life’s hardships Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World by Kristen Welch – Practical guidance for character development Strong Heart: Cultivating Humility, Respect and Resiliency in Your Child by Jill Garner – Building character in children Just Ask Us: Kids Speak Out on Student Engagement – Student perspectives on engagement Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth – Achievement through persistence rather than talent alone Note: These resources cover various topics and educational approaches. Not all are written from a biblical worldview, but all offer valuable insights for Christian educators. Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through