Teach 4 the Heart: Recent Episodes
Linda Kardamis | Educational Consultant & Founder of Teach 4 the Heart
In the Teach 4 the Heart podcast, Linda Kardamis shares ideas and inspiration to help you overcome your teaching challenges and make a lasting difference in your students’ lives.
Designed for Christian teachers in both public and private schools, Teach 4 the Heart strives to present every discussion from a Biblical perspective.
Season 1 will discuss classroom management. Future season's topics TBA but will likely include work/life balance, how our faith should affect our teaching, and more.
What if this school year could feel different? In this special replay, discover practical classroom management strategies to reduce disruptions, increase student engagement, and create a smooth-running classroom—so you can spend less time managing behavior and more time enjoying teaching. Check Out Our Video: http://teach4theheart.com/podcast-b2s-bonus-pt1
You asked, Linda answered! Get practical answers to the back-to-school questions teachers are asking right now. In this Q&A replay, we tackle classroom management, student motivation, and strategies to help you start the year with confidence. Check Out Our Video http://teach4theheart.com/podcast-b2s-bonus-pt2
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/395
The way you teach procedures during the first days of school can shape your classroom for the entire year. In this episode, we'll walk through practical ways to introduce routines and expectations clearly and effectively so students know exactly what to do—and you can prevent many behavior problems before they begin. Listen to learn how to build a calmer, more organized classroom from day one!
00:00 Setting the Tone for the First Day of School 02:01 The Importance of First Impressions 04:04 Key Attitudes for a Successful Start 07:39 Teaching Procedures and Expectations 11:49 Managing Classroom Behavior from Day One 15:49 Creating a Positive Classroom Culture 20:43 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Classroom Management 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101
Back to School Training Replay: https://teach4theheart.com/training
LEARN MORE at https://teach4theheart.com/394 When students constantly blurt out or talk during instruction, it can completely derail your lesson and leave you frustrated. In this episode, we'll talk through practical consequences that actually help reduce interruptions while keeping your classroom calm and respectful. Listen to find out what works! 00:00 Addressing Classroom Blurting: An Overview 02:48 Establishing a Consistent System for Consequences 07:02 Effective Consequences for Classroom Disruptions 09:52 Resources for Classroom Management Success Resources/Links Mentioned: Day One Success Plan Workshop: https://teach4theheart.com/day1 Classroom Management 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101
The tone we set on the first day of school can set us up for success or make the rest of the year a struggle. Join us in an exclusive workshop where we'll create a day 1 success plan that will prevent chaos & create a classroom you actually want to teach in this year! Listen for more info, and if you're not already a member, head here to join: www.teach4theheart.com/day1
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/393 The first day of school is quickly approaching! These days can feel overwhelming as you try to get everything ready and make sure nothing is missed. In this episode, we'll walk through your first day of school "must haves" from classroom management plans to your daily schedule. We'll talk about what to do—and when to do it—so you can start the year calm, prepared, and confident. 00:00 Setting the Tone for the School Year 01:24 Clarifying and Raising Expectations 06:59 Establishing Classroom Procedures 10:47 Responding to Misbehavior 15:17 Planning Content for Day One 18:58 Inviting God into Your Planning Resources/Links Mentioned: Classroom Management & Motivation: https://teach4theheart.com/backtoschooltraining Day One Success Plan workshop for PLUS members: https://teach4theheart.com/day1
Don't let behavior issues & lack of motivation derail this new year! Join us at the FREE Back-to-School Classroom Management & Motivation Training, where you'll learn six keys to start the year right and create a classroom that's focused & on-task (without all the disruptions)! Save your spot at www.teach4theheart.com/training.
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/392 When classroom behavior takes up most of your instructional time, it can leave you feeling drained, frustrated, and pulled away from actually teaching. In this episode, we'll explore strategies to help you lead your classroom with more confidence and structure so you can reduce disruptions and focus more on instruction and student learning. 00:00 Navigating Classroom Management Challenges 03:49 Strategies for Effective Classroom Management 06:39 Empowering Teachers to Take Control 09:39 Engaging Students Without Losing Instructional Time Resources/Links Mentioned: Classroom Management & Motivation Training: https://teach4theheart.com/backtoschooltraining
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/391 Planning out your year can feel overwhelming. How do you balance pacing, testing schedules, days off, and the unexpected disruptions that always seem to come up? In this episode, we'll share practical tips to help you map out your curriculum, so you can stay organized without constantly feeling behind. 00:00 Planning Your Curriculum: An Overview 12:44 Creating a Yearly Curriculum Map 24:43 Adjusting Plans and Flexibility in Teaching Resources/Links Mentioned: Pray and Plan Planner: https://teach4theheart.com/planner
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/390
Teaching in a public school can sometimes bring difficult moments—especially when required curriculum or classroom discussions raise questions about faith. In this episode, we talk honestly about how Christian teachers can navigate those situations while still reflecting Christ to their students every day.
00:00 Navigating Faith in Public Education 08:40 The Role of Prayer and Influence in Teaching
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Episode 345: How to Be a Light for Christ in the Public School (without Breaking the Law!): https://teach4theheart.com/podcast-light-v-law/
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/389 So, last school year didn't go as you hoped, and it's hard not to carry that into a new one. How do you actually start fresh when discouragement, frustration, or self-doubt are still lingering? In this episode, Linda and Jen share simple, practical steps to reset your mindset, let go of the past, and step into the new school year with clarity and confidence. 00:00 Overcoming Classroom Challenges 02:43 Believing in Change 05:36 Creating a Classroom Management Plan 12:51 Teaching Procedures and Expectations 15:35 Insisting on Consistency 20:21 Building Relationships and Teaching Effectively Resources/Links Mentioned: Your Smooth-Running Class: https://teach4theheart.com/smooth How to Teach Procedures: https://teach4theheart.com/how-to-teach-procedures-that-your-students-will-actually-follow/
Christian teachers love Pray & Plan because it's a planner that helps them not only get done what matters most but also make space for peace and rest, too. But don't wait to get yours - last year we sold out early! Reserve your planner now at www.teach4theheart.com/planner.
If you think teachers at your school could benefit from the advice & training found at Teach 4 the Heart, listen in to discover more about our school resources. Schools can purchase individual course licenses, group PD workshops, and more! Get all the details at www.teach4theheart.com/schools or reach out to our team at hello@teach4theheart.com.
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/388
Summer is finally here! But how should you actually spend it? After a long school year, it's tempting to either do nothing at all or try to do everything. But what if there's a better way to approach your summer that leaves you truly rested and prepared for what's ahead? In this episode, Linda and Jen talk through practical ways to prepare for next year without overworking your summer.
00:00 Embracing Summer: Intentional Planning for Teachers 06:30 The Importance of Rest and Refreshment 09:21 Professional Development: Growing as Educators 16:17 Creating Memories: The Value of Travel and Relationships 21:14 Preparing for the Upcoming School Year
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Summer Sale: www.teach4theheart.com/summer
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/387 Hard seasons are an inevitable part of life, and teaching can make them feel even heavier. When challenges pile up, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or unsure how to keep going. But even in the midst of difficulty, God is present and at work in ways we may not always see. In this episode, Linda and Sarah talk about what it looks like to truly lean on God during life's hard seasons—finding strength, perspective, and hope in Him! 00:00 Understanding Suffering and Trusting God 04:48 The Biblical Framework: Creation, Fall, and Redemption 09:58 The Role of Christ in Our Suffering 20:48 Hope for the Future: The Promise of Glory Resources/Links Mentioned: Hope Renewed: https://teach4theheart.com/renew
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/386 Working closely with a co-teacher can be challenging—especially when you share different beliefs or they seem constantly stressed. When your faith is central to how you teach and lead, those differences can feel even more noticeable and difficult to navigate. In this episode, Linda and Julie talk through practical ways to approach these situations with wisdom and grace. 00:00 Navigating Stressful Coworker Relationships 05:46 Being a Light in the Workplace 07:53 Maintaining Personal Well-being 08:51 Reframing Responsibility and Stress
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/385 When it comes to classroom management, it's easy to wonder what the "right" response is in challenging moments. As Christian teachers, we don't just want strategies that work—we want to reflect Christ in the way we lead and respond to our students. But what would that actually look like? In this episode, Linda and Julie explore what it might look like to handle classroom challenges through the lens of Jesus' character. 00:00 What Would Jesus Do in the Classroom? 08:50 Imagining Jesus as a Modern Teacher 19:31 The Importance of Spending Time with Jesus Resources/Links Mentioned: Classroom Management 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101 Prayer Challenge: https://teach4theheart.com/prayerchallenge/ How to Reduce Disruptions So You Can Actually Teach: https://teach4theheart.com/free
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/384
You clearly saw what happened, and yet the student looks at you and says, "It wasn't me!" Moments like this can be incredibly frustrating, and they often tempt us to argue, lecture, or double down. Where do you go from there? In this episode, Linda and Amanda discuss how to respond calmly and confidently when a student denies misbehavior.
00:00 Understanding Student Dishonesty 03:16 Responding to Arguments Calmly 08:15 The Nuances of Lying in the Classroom 12:20 Addressing Dishonesty with Love and Wisdom
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Free Classroom Management Training: https://teach4theheart.com/free
If you liked this episode, check out episode 381 at https://teach4theheart.com/381
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/383
Whether you are a veteran or a rookie teacher, planning and organization is key! There are so many teacher planners out there, but how do you know which one will actually work for you? Listen in as Linda and Sarah walk through what to look for, what to avoid, and how to choose a teacher planner that truly fits your style, schedule, and season of teaching!
00:00 Choosing the Right Teacher Planner 05:00 Digital vs. Physical Planners 08:26 Budget Considerations for Planners 15:44 Features and Personalization in Planners 22:28 Final Thoughts on Planner Selection
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Pray & Plan ( + Quiz! ): https://teach4theheart.com/planner
Pray & Plan is the planner that helps Christian teachers prioritize what matters most - at home, at school, and in their spiritual walk. You can now pre-order your 2026-27 Pray & Plan planner at www.teach4theheart.com/planner.
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/382 When your coworker's child is in your class, even small behavior issues can feel complicated or awkward. You want to address disruptions appropriately, but you also don't want to create tension with a colleague you see every day. Join us for today's episode where Linda and Amanda walk through how to handle behavior concerns professionally, so you can protect both your classroom culture and your working relationships. 00:00 Navigating Challenges with Co-Worker's Child 02:40 Effective Communication with Parents 06:26 The Role of Clarity in Communication Resources/Links Mentioned: Planner Party: https://teach4theheart.com/party
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/381
When a student challenges your classroom expectations, it can feel nerve-wracking and like you're being pulled into a power struggle. How can you stand firm in your expectations without letting the situation escalate? Listen in as Linda and Amanda discuss how you can maintain your authority in your classroom without getting drawn into arguments or unnecessary conflict.
00:00 Navigating Power Struggles in the Classroom 13:28 Understanding Authority vs. Dominance 18:51 Establishing a Classroom Management Plan
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Classroom Management 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101
Free Training: https://teach4theheart.com/free
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/380 What do you do when students shrug off reminders, ignore follow-through, and keep disrupting? In this episode, Linda and Beki tackle one of the most frustrating classroom challenges—students who seem to (or even say!) they don't care about the systems meant to motivate them. Drawing from real experiences, they unpack what might really be going on beneath the surface and share practical strategies to rebuild accountability, spark ownership, and move students toward growth. 00:00 Understanding Student Apathy Towards Consequences 03:01 Creative Alternatives to Traditional Consequences 06:56 The Importance of Proactive Classroom Management 09:33 Addressing Underlying Issues in Student Behavior Resources/Links Mentioned: Consequence Idea List: https://teach4theheart.com/consequences Classroom Management 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/379
What does it actually mean to teach for the heart and why does it matter in your classroom? In this episode, Linda and Sarah unpack the meaning of our name Teach 4 the Heart, explain why we believe it is so important, and show how Christ and heart-focused teaching shape how we manage our classrooms, connect with students, and point them toward what truly matters
00:00 Teaching for the Heart: An Introduction 02:57 The Importance of Heart-Centered Teaching 05:59 Motivating Students from the Inside Out 09:56 Classroom Management with Heart 12:39 Fostering Personal Growth in Students 15:28 Creating a Positive Learning Environment 18:33 Final Thoughts on Teaching for the Heart
Resources/Links Mentioned:
10 Commandments Playlist: https://teach4theheart.com/playlist10
Commandments Starter Pack: https://teach4theheart.com/10C
Classroom Management 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101
The 10 Commandments of Classroom Management: https://teach4theheart.com/373
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/378
Should you call home for every small behavior issue—or only when things reach a breaking point? In this Teacher Talk episode, Linda and Beki unpack the gray area of parent communication. They walk through how to tell the difference between issues that truly need family involvement and those that can be handled in the classroom.
00:00 Navigating Parent Communication in Education 03:10 Understanding Behavioral Contexts and Parental Involvement 06:44 Effective Communication Strategies with Parents 10:02 Building Positive Relationships with Parents
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Teach 4 the Heart Plus: https://teach4theheart.com/plus
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/377 Blurting. Side conversations. Students out of their seats. We as teachers experience these distractions that make it hard to teach and even harder for students to focus. Is it really possible to reduce disruptions or is this just the new normal? Listen in as Linda and Beki share practical, realistic strategies you can use to cut down on common classroom interruptions at any grade level and create a calmer, more focused environment! 00:00 Classroom Dynamics: The Impact of Teacher Authority 05:03 Setting Expectations: The Key to Classroom Management 10:02 Approach and Confidence: The Teacher's Mindset 14:57 Insistence and Results: Nipping Problems in the Bud 17:29 Building Relationships: The Balance of Firmness and Fun Resources/Links Mentioned: Chatter Workshop: https://teach4theheart.com/chatter CM 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/376 Do you ever feel like your classroom management is working, but the structure is starting to feel a little boring or rigid? In this Teacher Talk episode, Linda and Julie tackle what to do when your systems are solid, behavior is under control, but student engagement feels flat. (Spoiler Alert...You don't have to choose between structure and engagement!) "My classroom management has been going well lately, but it almost feels so structured that it's boring. I don't want to loosen up on standards because I know it will escalate into poor behavior—but do you have ideas for how to engage students in class without it getting out of control?" 00:00 Balancing Structure and Engagement in the Classroom 06:23 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Teachers Resources/Links Mentioned: Classroom Management 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101
When we can't get through a lesson without a million interruptions, something has to change! Join the Stop the Chatter Workshop and walk away with a clear plan to cut down the chatter & blurting. Sign up at www.teach4theheart.com/chatter.
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/375 Do relationships alone make a classroom run smoothly? In this episode, Linda and Sarah explore why building strong connections with students is essential—but not enough to maintain a calm, well-managed classroom. They break down what is missing and explain how to bridge the gap and finally get your classroom running the way you want! 00:00 The Importance of Relationships in Teaching 05:03 Beyond Relationships: Essential Classroom Management Strategies 10:39 Establishing Clear Expectations and Consistent Enforcement 14:44 The Role of Consequences in Classroom Management 17:58 Connecting Classroom Management to the Gospel Resources/Links Mentioned: 10 Commandments Podcast Episode: https://teach4theheart.com/373 10 Commandments Video Series : https://teach4theheart.com/playlist 10 Commandments Starter Pack: https://teach4theheart.com/10-commandments CM101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/podcast
Do you ever feel like your students only listen when you raise your voice—and you don't want to be that teacher? In this Teacher Talk episode, Linda and Ashly dive deep into what to do when you're a new, soft-spoken or non-authoritative teacher who still wants a calm, respectful classroom. You CAN gain student respect, keep lessons on track, and manage attention-seeking behaviors—without becoming louder, harsher, or someone you're not!
"I am a first year Spanish teacher. I am not an authoritative personality and I do not have a loud voice. How can I get my class to respect me without raising my voice. They get derailed and like to say things to get attention from their peers while I am teaching. I have a student who is ADD and will not stop taking the bait from students around him so he is constantly turning around and talking to people around him, despite constant redirecting and correction."
00:00 Introduction to Classroom Management Challenges 02:50 Understanding Teaching Personalities and Authority 06:54 Strategies for Managing Student Behavior 09:32 Final Thoughts and Resources for Teachers
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Warning Systems Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jeg5NIP58zs
10 Commandments Episode: https://teach4theheart.com/373
10 Commandments Playlist: https://teach4theheart.com/playlist
CM101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101
Is your classroom too chaotic? The 10 Commandments of Classroom Management boil down key classroom management concepts into a list that's simple & easy to understand.
Watch the video series here: https://teach4theheart.com/playlist Grab the Starter Pack here: https://teach4theheart.com/10c
Listen to the related podcast episode here: https://teach4theheart.com/373
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/373 What are the most important classroom management strategies every teacher must follow? In this episode, Linda and Julie break down the 10 Commandments of Classroom Management—the essential, can't-skip principles that help you create a calm, consistent, and well-managed classroom. From setting clear expectations to following through with consequences, they share the fundamentals to help your class run smoothly. If you're looking to reduce disruptions, build stronger routines, and regain confidence as a teacher, this episode is for you! 00:00 Introduction to Classroom Management Commandments 00:54 Commandment 1 01:53 Commandment 2 03:54 Commandment 3 05:47 Establishing Procedures and Consistency 07:32 Commandment 4 10:13 Commandment 5 11:58 Commandment 6 14:01 Commandment 7 15:40 Balancing Kindness and Firmness 16:22 Commandment 8 18:33 Commandment 9 20:39 Commandment 10 21:32 Addressing Root Causes of Misbehavior
Resources/Links Mentioned: 10 Commandments Playlist: https://teach4theheart.com/playlist 10 Commandments Starter Pack: https://teach4theheart.com/10-commandments Classroom Management 101: www.teach4theheart.com/cm101
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com Understanding how to talk about faith in the classroom requires wisdom and prayerful answers. In this Teacher Talk episode, we unpack a teacher question on how to respond when students get curious about your faith. Linda and Sarah offer clarity, encouragement, and practical wording to help you respond with confidence and compassion! "What do I say when students ask me about my faith?" 00:00 Navigating Faith Conversations in the Classroom 03:47 Sharing Personal Experiences and Stories 06:47 Handling Difficult Questions with Grace 09:29 The Importance of Humility in Responses Links/Resources Mentioned: Hope Renewed: https://teach4theheart.com/hope
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/371 In Christian schools, we tend to assume everyone is on the same page about abortion, but recent surveys indicate this is not the case. Shockingly, in a recent Ohio election, 30% of Christian school graduates voted for abortion, revealing a deep failure to clearly teach and form a biblical worldview on this critical issue. In this episode, Linda and Troy McIntosh (OCEN) confront why we're falling short in this important area and how we can boldly, faithfully, and compassionately reclaim our responsibility to teach the truth. It is time to correct the course and equip students to stand firmly on a biblical foundation. 00:00 Understanding the Abortion Debate in Christian Education 02:32 The Ohio Abortion Ballot Measure and Its Implications 06:15 Key Findings from the Study on Christian School Graduates 12:23 Building a Pro-Life Ethic in Christian Schools 18:54 Practical Steps for Educators to Promote Pro-Life Values Resources/Links Mentioned: Center for Christian Virtue: https://www.CCV.org/ Hartshorn: https://hartshorn.ocen.org/ Ruah Woods: https://www.ruahwoodsinstitute.org/ Teach 4 the Heart +: https://teach4theheart.com/plus
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/ In this Teacher Talk episode, Linda and Julie dive into a new teacher's concern and what it really looks like to grow as an educator without slipping into perfectionism or letting nonstop feedback wear you down. If you've ever felt mentally drained by constant observations, overwhelmed by improvement goals, or discouraged by your own expectations, this conversation will give you practical strategies and Christ-centered encouragement for when you feel inadequate. "How can a new teacher take care of their mental health while constantly reflecting and trying to improve, and getting feedback, while not taking it personal, and focusing on perfection? I get at least two formal observations a month and informal feedback at least once or twice a week. I find that focusing on areas of growth are causing me to feel inadequate, and are making me struggle with mental health. I am of the mindset that what you dwell on grows, and magnifies." 00:00 Navigating Teacher Evaluations and Mental Health 02:51 Finding Identity Beyond Performance 06:44 Embracing Weakness and Relying on God Resources/Links Mentioned: Hope Renewed: https://teach4theheart.com/hope Teacher Talk Question Submissions: https://www.teach4theheart.com/teachertalk Hope Renewed: https://teach4theheart.com/renew
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/369 Teachers everywhere are running on empty—but why? In this episode, Linda and Ashly break down the real reasons so many educators feel overwhelmed and exhausted. Listen in as we walk through practical, hope-filled steps you can take to regain clarity and peace. If you're feeling stretched thin, this conversation will help you understand what's going on beneath the surface—and what you can do starting today! 00:00 The Overwhelmed Teacher: A Bleak Reality 03:06 Setting Realistic Boundaries 05:56 Planning for Success 09:49 The Perils of Perfectionism 12:37 Finding Joy in Teaching Resources/Links Mentioned: Full Plate Training: https://teach4theheart.com/plate
Feeling drained and wondering if you can keep going? In our first "Teacher Talk" episode, Linda and Ashly respond to a veteran teacher who is running on empty. Join us as we unpack what's really behind this kind of burnout and share simple, practical steps to break the cycle. "I'm exhausted and I'm not sure what to do about it. I'm in my 24th year of teaching. I teach reasonable lessons, but I've always had trouble getting grading done. In the past year, the time I have usually spent on Saturdays planning and grading has greatly decreased due to family concerns. My concentration is shot. I stay up late trying to work, but it doesn't happen and then I lose sleep. The next day, I'm more tired and the same thing happens. Anyone ever been through this? Any ideas?"
00:00 Navigating Teacher Exhaustion 02:59 Strategies for Effective Grading 05:49 Embracing Grace and Realism in Teaching
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Full Plate Training: teach4theheart.com/plate
Episode 48: https://teach4theheart.com/simple-way-grade-writing-quickly/
Episode 340: https://teach4theheart.com/8-best-grading-tips/
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/367
We all look forward to that much-needed break, but what happens when we come back expecting to feel magically refreshed, only to be met with opposite? In this episode, Linda and Julie discuss common mistakes teachers make after a break and how to avoid them. We talk about practical tips to help you reestablish order, refocus yourself and students, and ease the transition back into the classroom with confidence.
00:00 Returning to School: Mistakes to Avoid 03:08 The Importance of Change After Break 05:56 Managing the First Week Back 09:39 Revisiting Classroom Procedures 12:30 Building Relationships with Students 15:16 Seeking God's Guidance in Teaching
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Classroom Management 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101
Reclaim Your Time: https://teach4theheart.com/reclaim
Hope Renewed: https://teach4theheart.com/hope
CM 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/366
When we face conflict as a teacher, we can easily get bogged down and discouraged. That's when we must speak truth to our own hearts, renewing our minds in the Gospel. Join us as we walk through eight key truths that will reorient our thinking and allow us to serve with joy, even amidst conflict.
00:00 Navigating Conflict with Grace 23:30 Resources for Encouragement and Support
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Text Thread: Text T4TH to 1-833-258-5442
Hope Renewed: https://teach4theheart.com/hope
Teach 4 the Heart +: https://teach4theheart.com/plus
LEARN MORE and GET YOUR FREE CLASSROOM JOBS LIST at http://teach4theheart.com/365
Do you want your students to take ownership and stay engaged all year long? Are you looking for a classroom economy system that truly works—one that ties together jobs, rewards, and consequences in a meaningful way? Listen as Linda speaks with Jonathan about how he uses a classroom economy to engage students, teach real-world skills, and simplify classroom management. You'll hear practical strategies, examples from his classroom, and tips you can use right away to help your students take responsibility and stay motivated all year long.
00:00 Introduction to Classroom Economy 02:54 The Importance of Student Responsibility 05:44 Implementing a Ticket Economy 10:07 Job Assignments and Responsibilities 12:54 Job Applications and Interviews 15:51 Pay Structure and Auction System 18:55 Prizes and Rewards 21:51 Accountability and Consequences 24:45 Final Thoughts and Advice
Resources/Links Mentioned:
http://teach4theheart.com/plus
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/364
It's one thing to talk about biblical integration and Christian worldview standards—it's another to make them practical in everyday instruction. Listen in as Linda and Amanda unpack practical strategies for biblical integration, showing you how to bring a Christian worldview to life in your classroom. Learn simple, effective ways to weave biblical truth into lessons without feeling forced, so that students can see God's truth in every subject and in all of life.
00:00 Introduction to Biblical Integration in Education 02:12 Understanding the Importance of Biblical Integration 06:32 Living Out Biblical Integration: Actions Speak Louder 08:52 Practical Approaches to Biblical Integration 12:46 Framework for Integrating Scripture into Subjects 21:47 Final Thoughts and Recommendations for Teachers
If you liked this episode, check out Episode 349 Biblical Integration Standards at https://teach4theheart.com/349
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/363
Struggling to keep your art, music, Spanish, or PE class running smoothly? What works in a traditional classroom may not always translate to specials or elective classes. Listen in as Linda and a team member unpack proven classroom management strategies every specials teacher needs to create order, build relationships, and keep learning on track.
00:00 Introduction to Classroom Management for Specials Teachers 03:36 Understanding the Unique Challenges of Specials Classes 06:29 The Importance of Structure and Procedures 09:25 Effective Classroom Management Strategies 12:40 Dealing with Misbehavior in Specials Classes 16:23 Building Relationships with Students 19:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Specials Teachers
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Classroom Procedures That Will Save Your Sanity: https://teach4theheart.com/procedures
Classroom Management 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/362
What if the key to a thriving school culture isn't control, but servant leadership? In this episode, we explore how the servant leadership model provides the relational and even spiritual groundwork needed to create high-capacity schools where both staff and students can flourish. Listen in as Linda sits down with Matthew Flippen from Gracelyn University to unpack how servant leadership reshapes the way we think about influence, trust, and community in education.
00:00 Introduction to Servant Leadership in Education 01:04 Building Trust and Relationships 03:52 Transformational Leadership Stories 11:10 Creating a Shared Vision 16:01 Empowering Teachers and Future Leaders 18:27 Gracelyn University and Teacher Training
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Win With Your Talent Pipeline: Ensuring All Children Have Incredible Teachers : https://www.amazon.com/Win-Your-Talent-Pipeline-Incredible-ebook/dp/B0FS9KFGPQ
Transformational Educators Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformationalEducators
Gracelyn University: https://www.Gracelyn.edu
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/361
Children and teens face a tremendous amount of pressure from peers and culture to find their identity in their activities, feelings, or performance. This modern way of looking at identity can be challenging to navigate for teachers and parents who grew up with a traditional view of identity rooted in predetermined roles. Jonathan Holmes explores the five core areas of identity struggles most common to teens: sports, academics, moralism, sexual orientation, and gender confusion. He then provides practical ways to help children and teenagers find their identity in something that never never changes—God's grace.
0:00 Intro to Student Identity 2:00 Helping Students Find Their Identity 23:20 Linda's Final Thoughts
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Rise Up Summit: riseupchristianeducators.com
Grounded in Grace: Helping Kids Build Their Identity in Christ: https://www.amazon.com/Grounded-Grace-Helping-Identity-Christ/dp/1645074641
Fieldstone Counseling: https://fieldstonecounseling.org/
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/360
Does the Bible give us guidance on how to navigate anger? Listen in to this clip from a provocative session from the 2024 Summit with Brant Hansen, a nationally syndicated radio personality and the bestselling author of the counterintuitive and entertaining book, Unoffendable. Brant shares a life-changing approach to handling conflict and gives us practical advice on how to be "unoffendable" in a world that seems to thrive on outrage.
00:00 Linda's Introduction and Summit Invitation 02:38 Our Relationship with Anger 14:49 Linda's Final Thoughts
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Rise Up Summit: https://riseupchristianeducators.com/#SignUp
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/359
When admin won’t back your classroom management plan, it can be isolating and frustrating. It’s tough to stay consistent and confident when you feel unsupported. Listen in as we walk through practical strategies you can use to keep your class running smoothly, even without administrative support—so you can lead with confidence and protect a positive learning environment.
00:00 Navigating Unsupportive Admin 02:08 Disagreeing with Your Admin 04:00 Continue Dialogue Through Your Disagreement 12:31 Authority in Education 20:56 Partnership Mindset
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Classroom Management 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101
Teach 4 the Heart Plus: https://teach4theheart.com/plus
Join over 10,000 Christian educators at the Rise Up Summit, a free online conference full of practical solutions & Biblical encouragement. Whether you watch just one session or all of them, you'll leave renewed, refreshed, and armed with real strategies you can use the next day in your classroom. Check it out & sign up for free at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/358
Sometimes we feel like our work doesn't matter--we might not be getting paid much, we don't have many opportunities to share the Gospel, so what is the point? You might be surprised to hear that God's design for work is bigger than the Great Commission, and deeper than economics. Jordan Raynor joins us to share about the eternal significance of our work and how it might just change the way we walk into our classrooms each day.
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Jordan Raynor's Book: The Sacredness of Secular Work
Summit: https://riseupchristianeducators.com/
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/357
Teaching and parenting often are compared, but should we be teaching like we parent? While both roles share similarities, how much should we let our parentings style influence the way we teach in our classroom? Listen as we discuss the differences (and similarities) between parenting and teaching.
00:00 Introduction: Bridging Parenting and Teaching 01:20 Understanding the Differences: Numbers Matter 05:03 Preparation and Planning: Keys to Classroom Success 09:36 Establishing Consistency: The Baseline for Classroom Management 12:56 Familiarity vs. Professionalism: Balancing Authority in the Classroom 17:32 Final Thoughts: Embracing Your Unique Journey 18:27 The Myth of Parenting Experience in Teaching
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Classroom Management 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/356
Being a new teacher comes with a steep learning curve and can often leave you feeling overwhelmed. Avoiding certain rookie mistakes in your early years can make all the difference in saving you and your students from unnecessary frustration and challenges. Whether you're a brand-new teacher or just trying to survive your first few years, listen in as we discuss 5 tips we wish we knew as rookie teachers.
00:00 Introduction to Teaching Challenges 01:20 The Balance of Kindness and Firmness 05:12 Don't Let the Small Things Go 10:12 Ensure Procedures Are Followed 15:34 Don't Be Afraid to Ask 19:38 Prayer
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Classroom Management 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101
How to Reduce Disruptions so You Can Actually Teach: https://teach4theheart.com/free
Time Saving Practices to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed: https://teach4theheart.com/savetime
Summit: https://riseupchristianeducators.com/
If you could use some fresh ideas and encouragement, join us in October for the free Rise Up Summit, designed for Christian educators in public and private schools. Get all the info & sign up at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/355
Have you ever handed out a test, only to be met with looks of discouragement? Or maybe you sat down to grade and realized your quiz did more harm than good? Join us as we unpack common mistakes teachers make when creating or grading assessments, and share tips for more encouraging, effective, and grace-filled grading practices.
00:00 Introduction to Grading Challenges 00:59 Understanding Grading Mistakes 03:01 Testing Material Emphasis 05:40 Assessing Student Readiness 09:44 Feedback vs. Assessment 10:40 Question Quantity in Assessments 13:53 Group Project Grading Issues 15:50 Maintaining Gradebook Integrity 17:49 Weighting Grades Effectively 20:47 Transparency in Grading Practices
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Classroom Management 101: https://www.teach4theheart.com/cm101
Teach 4 the Heart Facebook: https://www.teach4theheart.com/facebook
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/354
Why is it so easy to get defensive when a student asks a bunch of questions? How do we navigate the source of our defensiveness and then respond with grace and love? Listen in as we share some insights on diffusing the defensiveness that can be hard to avoid in our classrooms.
00:00 Navigating Defensiveness in Teaching 02:01 Understanding the Roots of Defensiveness 08:05 The Power of Prayer in Response 11:58 Choosing Christ-like Responses 17:57 Embracing Grace in Teaching
Resources/Links Mentioned:
T4TH+: https://teach4theheart.com/plus
Hope Renewed: https://teach4theheart.com/hoperenewed
Use code PODCAST20 to save 20% on either program!
"I Choose the Jesus Way" song by Phil Wickham
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/353
It is hard not to be overwhelmed by all the things on a teachers plate. But what if we are adding to the feeling of overwhelm with our perfectionism, need for control, and micromanaging? Listen in as Rhapsody Jordan-Parisi talks with Linda about how to deepen our trust in God and root out overwhelm!
00:00 Overcoming Perfectionism in Teaching 13:10 Trusting God in the Classroom 19:01 Surrendering Control and Embracing Faith
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Tightrope Teaching: https://tightropeteaching.com/
Rise Up Summit: https://riseupchristianeducators.com/
Hope Renewed: https://teach4theheart.com/hoperenewed
If you liked this episode, check out episode 123 Hope for the Overwhelmed Teacher at https://teach4theheart.com/hope-overwhelmed-teacher/
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/352
Encouraging student motivation can be one of the most challenging parts of being a teacher. Have you ever thought about the role your classroom management plays in this? Listen in as we discuss how classroom management influences student motivation!
00:00 Introduction of Classroom Management and Student Motivation 06:27 Building a Foundation for Motivation 12:14 Relationships for Increasing Student Motivation
Resources/Links Mentioned:
8 Easy Way to Turn Boring Worksheets into Engaging Activities – Rise Up Summit: https://youtu.be/SSDXKkQfoKU
Classroom Management 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101
Back to School Classroom Management and Motivation Training: https://teach4theheart.com/training
Classroom Management Podcast Series Episode 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/classroom-management-01-what-kind-of-classroom/id1075393336?i=1000602940811
Rise Up Summit: https://riseupchristianeducators.com/
If you liked this episode, check out our Classroom Management Playlist at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqOa5heLXggdIL2pxolZeWg11tLJHHSnD
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/351
Do you ever notice that some teachers' classes are consistently less chaotic than yours? What are they doing differently? In this episode, we dig into how shifting your classroom management can take your class from chaos to calm.
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Free Back-to-School Training: http://teach4theheart.com/training
Classroom Management 101: http://teach4theheart.com/cm101
Your Smooth Running Class: https://teach4theheart.com/ysrc
If you liked this episode, check out episode 186 How to Create a Classroom Management Plan that Works at http://teach4theheart.com/186
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/350
Do you ever take time to rest and then feel more tired and overwhelmed? Sometimes the things we do to “rest” actually leave us more restless, rather than renewed. Listen in as we talk about how to get the rest you really need.
00:00 The Importance of Rest 01:02 The Impact of Screens on Rest 07:44 Identifying Refreshing Habits 14:27 Tangible Changes for Better Rest 20:57 Balancing Technology and Rest
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Hope Renewed: https://teach4theheart.com/hope-renewed-course/
If you liked this episode, check out episode 335 How To Stop Feeling Defeated and Teach With Hope Instead at http://teach4theheart.com/335
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/349
We live in a culture where the spiritual and the academic are often fractured, and even in Christian schools,and even in Christian schools, we can struggle to figure out how to integrate a Biblical worldview with our subject matter. Dr. Roger Erdvig, and Dr. Maggie Pop join Linda to share about their new project for Summit Ministries, a set of Biblical Worldview Standards that will help teachers, administrators, and school staff develop students deeply immersed in a biblical worldview. These practical standards will equip teachers in Christian schools to help students be better prepared for a lifetime of loving and serving Christ.
00:00 Integrating a Biblical Worldview in Education 01:16 Understanding the Biblical Worldview Standards 03:02 Examples of Standards in Action 08:34 Getting Started with the Standards 10:54 Practical Implementation Strategies 17:52 Common Misconceptions and Mindset Shifts 25:38 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Worldview Standards: http://summit.org/standards
Planner: https://teach4theheart.com/planner
If you liked this episode, check out episode 327 Helping Students Build Their Identity in Christ at https://teach4theheart.com/327
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/348
Sometimes the classroom management plan we started with isn't working quite so well anymore. Maybe it has been a few years since you wrote it, or circumstances have changed in your classroom. Listen in as Linda shares her tips for tweaking your classroom management plan so it works for you and your classroom!
00:00 Introduction to Classroom Management Challenges 01:47 The Importance of Having a Classroom Management Plan 04:14 Identifying Areas for Adjustment 06:58 The ISDI Process for Adjusting Plans 13:09 Implementing Changes and Consistency in Management 19:14 Teaching Procedures Effectively 19:48 Introducing the Smooth Running Classroom Program
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Podcast Episode Mentioned: How to Teach Procedures that Your Students Will Actually Follow: https://youtu.be/-EzltKTeAvY?si=xGVcoromOHfBjtBZ
Your Smooth Running Class: https://teach4theheart.com/classroom-management-plan/
If you liked this episode, check out our Procedures Playlist at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqOa5heLXggce1-f6l1tbmkaVkmWr1EWu&si=J-AzfJzl08Ml4Eqv
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/347
Does teaching leave you overwhelmed and burnt out? Are you tired of self-care being the answer everyone gives you? Listen as Linda shares why self-care only helps at a surface level, and points toward what will really bring healing and hope.
00:00 The Limitations of Self-Care 06:02 The Importance of Soul Care 14:48 Changing Habits for Better Outcomes
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Join Dordt University this summer for an online graduate course called “Emerging Technology”: http://dordt.edu/emerging-technology
Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney: https://teach4theheart.com/whitneyprayingthebible
Free Training: 5 Time-Saving Practices to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed: teach4theheart.com/savetime
Hope Renewed: http://teach4theheart.com/hoperenewed
If you liked this episode, check out episode 87 The Simple (But Uncommon) Solution to Your Teacher Stress & Anxiety at https://teach4theheart.com/the-simple-but-uncommon-solution-to-your-teacher-stress-anxiety/
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/346
Disrespectful students can be challenging to even the best teachers. So how do we handle them with grace while also maintaining our authority? Listen in as Linda shares strategies for dealing with disrespect in the classroom.
00:00 Navigating Disrespect in the Classroom 04:37 Our Identity as Teachers 12:05 Practical Strategies for Addressing Disrespect 18:38 Empowering Students Through Repentence
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Pocket Phrases: http://teach4theheart.com/310
CM 101: http://teach4theheart.com/cm101
If you liked this episode, check out episode 41 10 Classroom Management Changes to Make Right Now at https://teach4theheart.com/10-keys-to-a-controlled-effective-classroom/
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/345
Do you ever wonder what you can legally say about faith and religion as a teacher in a public school? How can you be an ambassador for the kingdom and honor the authorities God has put over you? Listen as Linda talks with Heather Kohnen from Christian Educators about your rights and how God can use you in a public school.
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Pray + Plan Planner by Teach 4 The Heart: http://teach4theheart.com/planner
Christian Educators: https://christianeducators.org/teach4theheart/
Religious Liberties in Public Schools: https://christianeducators.org/resourcecenter/religious-liberties-in-public-schools/
Awake: http://christianeducators.org/awake
Don't Get Fired...Thrive: https://christianeducators.org/resourcecenter/dont-get-fired-thrive/
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/344
Have you ever heard the saying "Work as if it all depends on you; pray as if it all depends on God"? While this may sound true, it might not be the right way to view our work. Listen in as Linda unpacks why this idea doesn't make us better teachers, and how to view hard work biblically.
00:00 Introduction to the Teaching Journey 01:22 The Tension Between Work and Prayer 04:32 Understanding the Dichotomy of Work and Faith 06:50 Integrating Prayer and Work 10:01 Releasing Stress 10:44 Letting Our Minds Rest 13:57 Approaching Work with Thankful Expectation
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Hope Renewed: http://teach4theheart.com/hoperenewed
If you liked this episode, check out episode 170 4 Time-Management Strategies that Will Reduce Stress Right Away at https://teach4theheart.com/time-management-strategies/
Lament is the means God gives us to navigate suffering and trials--but how do we engage with God through lament as teachers? How does lament set us up for healing? Listen in as we talk about how lament can help us navigate difficulties and griefs both large and small.
Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/343
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/342
Sitting through a class period can be hard for students. Getting up and moving around too much can be distracting. How do you get your class to stay seated? Linda shares in this episode some classroom management help for your class that wants to move.
Resources/Links Mentioned:
Consequence Ideas For Every Classroom : https://teach4theheart.com/consequences
Shake-Up Your Classroom Management Plan: http://teach4theheart.com/podcast3
Ideas to add movement to classroom: : http://teach4theheart.com/worksheets
Classroom Management 101: http://teach4theheart.com/cm101
If you liked this episode, check out episode 326 How to Manage Constant Chatter in Your Classroom at https://teach4theheart.com/326
Pre-order your Pray & Plan planner at www.teach4theheart.com/planner Pray & Plan is a planner that helps Christian teachers prioritize what matters most - at home, at school, and in their spiritual walk! Get all the details & pre-order yours today at www.teach4theheart.com/planner.
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/341
Finding balance as a teacher can be so hard. But there are teachers thriving out there! Listen in as Linda shares easy but powerful habits you can cultivate to save time and simplify your schedule right now!
00:00 Introduction to Intentional Planning 01:51 1. Pray Over How We Spend Our Time 03:15 2. Strategically Schedule Work Time 04:39 3. Plan Weekly To-Dos with Intentionality 07:12 4. Prioritize Daily Tasks 09:22 5. Regularly Reevaluate To-Do Lists 11:45 6. Develop Good Habits 13:20 7. Color Code for Efficient Planning 14:27 Recap + Extra Resources
Resources mentioned:
Planner: http://teach4theheart.com/planner Planner Reveal Party: http://teach4theheart.com/party 4T System: https://teach4theheart.com/tame-to-do-list-teacher/
If you liked this episode, check out our Answers series where we share responses to questions on classroom, management, balance, and more! https://teach4theheart.com/answers/
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/340
Grading can be one of the most time-consuming parts of being a teacher. We have to grade things! But what if there were strategies to help us grade more efficiently? Or even be more strategic about what to grade? Get back some time with these tips from Linda on saving time when grading.
00:00 The Importance of Grading 02:50 Strategies for Effective Grading 06:08 Prioritizing Grading Tasks 09:02 Feedback and Correction Techniques 12:51 Using Forms for Efficient Feedback 14:38 Batch Grading for Efficiency 16:28 Maximizing Small Time Slots 17:52 Scheduling Grading Retreats 21:40 Empowering Students to Self-Grade
Free Training! 5 Time-Saving Practices to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed: http://teach4theheart.com/savetime
If you liked this episode, check out episode 302 Simple Ways to Relieve Decision Fatigue at http://teach4theheart.com/302
LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/339
We often hear that we should avoid negative people, and there is some truth in that. How do we balance loving our neighbor and not getting sucked into a spiral of negativity? What does the Bible say about how to treat our neighbors, even the negative ones?
00:00 Navigating Negativity in Teaching 04:40 The Dangers of Negativity 08:27 Engaging with Negative People 11:52 Finding Balance in Relationships 16:00 The Role of Prayer and Guidance 19:29 Practical Strategies for Managing Negativity
Join Hope Renewed for more encouragement! http://teach4theheart.com/hoperenewed
Tim Lane article mentioned: https://www.ccef.org/helping-difficult-people-your-church
If you liked this episode, check out episode 305: Words for the Weary: Encouraging Prayers to Keep Teachers Connected with Christ at http://teach4theheart.com/305
LEARN MORE: http://teach4theheart.com/
Students can be ready to argue over the big and small things in our classrooms. How should we, as teachers, respond with grace and authority? Listen in as Linda shares how to navigate arguing in your classroom.
Check out our Hope Renewed course for encouragement: http://teach4theheart.com/hoperenewed
Reduce Disruptions with this free training: http://teach4theheart.com/free
Need more classroom management help? CM101: http://teach4theheart.com/cm101
00:00 Understanding Student Arguing 12:19 Processing Arguments Internally 19:51 Practical Strategies for Handling Arguments
If you liked this episode, check out episode 308: How To Love Your Students Through Classroom Management at http://teach4theheart.com/308
LEARN MORE: http://teach4theheart.com/337
Have you ever been surprised to hear students say that you are a mean teacher? Are you worried you might actually be mean? Listen in as Linda helps us know if we actually are mean, and how to navigate students' perception of us with grace.
00:00 Introduction to Teaching Challenges 01:29 Assessing Our Behavior: Are We Being Mean? 09:07 Handling Accusations of Meanness 11:01 Building Relationships with Students 15:03 Recap and Resources for Teachers
Herzog trainings: http://teach4theheart.com/herzogretreats
Struggling with classroom management? FREE training: How to Reduce Disruptions so You Can Actually Teach: www.teach4theheart.com/free or join CM101 teach4theheart.com/CM101 code: PODCAST20 to save 20%
Struggling with discouragement? Hope Renewed! www.teach4theheart.com/hoperenewed (use code PODCAST20 to save 20%)
LEARN MORE + GET COUPON CODES AT http://teach4theheart.com/336
Teaching can be overwhelming and frustrating. From burnout, to needing better time management, to circumstances we cannot control, it can be hard to pinpoint exactly what to work on first. Listen in as Linda help us identify our needs and leads us in working on what we need to overcome frustration as teachers.
00:00 Overcoming Overwhelm in Teaching 02:51 Identifying Key Frustrations 06:11 Understanding Control in Challenges 09:05 Finding Solutions and Resources 11:55 Practical Tools for Teachers
Resources Mentioned:
Hope Renewed: Stop feeling defeated & face each day with hope! http://teach4theheart.com/hoperenewed
Classroom Management 101: http://teach4theheart.com/cm101
Reclaim Your Time: http://teach4theheart.com/reclaim
If you liked this episode, check out Speaking Truth to Our Souls When Teaching is Tough at https://teach4theheart.com/speak-truth-podcast
LEARN MORE: http://teach4theheart.com/335
Do you ever feel exhausted from the endless expectations & emotional toll of teaching? Are you being bombarded by constant negativity that makes it hard to stay positive? Do you feel defeated & maybe even find yourself daydreaming about quitting? Join us as we dive into Scripture-based solutions that reach far beyond "self-care" in this mini version of our upcoming Hope Renewed course!
00:00 Finding Hope in Teaching Challenges 02:52 The Limitations of Self-Care 06:09 Trusting God Amidst Difficult Circumstances 08:59 Knowing, Trusting, and Relying on God--https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory/ 14:13 Introducing the Hope Renewed Program 18:00 Practical Steps to Renew Hope
Struggling with discouragement? Get your Hope Renewed! Our new, full training is available at www.teach4theheart.com/hoperenewed
We are teachers. But our identity is so much more than that. When we tie our worth to doing a good job, or our students doing a good job, it creates problems for us. Listen in as Linda shares how to lean in to our true identity in the Christ from the classroom to the rest of our lives.
Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/334
00:00 Finding Identity in Christ
07:18 The Impact of Identity on Teaching
15:46 Practical Steps to Secure Identity
If you liked this episode, check out Episode 327: Helping Students Build Their Identity in Christ at https://teach4theheart.com/327
We live in a time where being a Christian teacher in a public school setting can be very challenging. How do we share Christ and honor God when the expectations for us push back against our faith? Join us for a conversation with a Christian teacher about his experience following Jesus while working in a public school.
00:00 Introduction to Teaching with Faith 02:51 Navigating Improvement Plans in Education 06:09 Sharing the Gospel in Public Schools 09:10 Building Relationships Through Faith 11:52 Encouragement for Teachers Facing Challenges 14:47 Trusting God's Sovereignty in Education Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/333
For more encouragement, check out our series Answers for Your Top Teaching Questions at http://teach4theheart.com/answers
Thinking through procedures is a lot of work. Teaching those procedures is even more! But what happens when we don't spend time and energy on procedures? Listen in as Linda shares why not prioritizing procedures will sabotage your classroom management.
00:00 The Importance of Classroom Procedures
05:10 Creating Effective Procedures
11:44 Teaching and Reinforcing Procedures
Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/332
If you found this episode helpful, check out episode 315: Am I Too Nice? How to be Kind Without Losing Control of the Classroom at https://teach4theheart.com/315
Returning to school after any long break can come with a lot of hard feelings: anxiety, overwhelm, even dread. But re-entering the classroom doesn't have to be so bad. Listen to this episode of encouragement for teachers as they get ready to go back to school after a break!
Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/331
00:00 Reconnecting with Purpose After Break 06:10 The Power of Prayer and Gratitude 11:48 Resources for Renewed Passion in Teaching
For more encouragement, listen to Episode 190, Overcoming Anxiety as a Christian Teacher at https://teach4theheart.com/overcome-anxiety-christian-teacher/
As teachers, we're always having more and more added to our plates - but do we ever stop to take anything off? Discover thirty ideas of things you can stop doing (or at least do less often) to take back some time!
Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/330
00:00 Balancing the Teacher's Load 03:09 Strategies for Reducing Workload 05:54 Doing Less: Trimming Tasks 09:10 Transferring Responsibilities 12:10 Practical Examples of Delegation 14:57 Experimenting with New Approaches
If you enjoyed this episode, check out 6 Time-Saving Principles to Achieve Work-Life Balance: https://teach4theheart.com/147
For more support and encouragement, check out Teach 4 the Heart+ Membership: https://teach4theheart.com/plus/
None of us got into teaching because we couldn't wait to deal with discipline issues. Nonetheless, classroom management can seriously make or break our ability to be effective as teachers. Listen as we explore 10 common mistakes that can totally derail our classroom management (and how to fix them).
Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/329
00:00 Introduction to Classroom Management Challenges 01:29 The Kind vs. Strict Dilemma 03:44 Addressing Small Issues Before They Escalate 05:38 The Importance of Clear Procedures 07:57 Setting Clear Expectations for Behavior 09:51 Logical Consequences in the Classroom 10:49 The Dangers of Bailing Students Out 11:57 Building Relationships with Students 13:46 Encouraging Positive Behavior 14:43 Focusing on What You Can Control 17:32 The Necessity of Having a Plan If you enjoyed this episode, check out Episode 318: Tips for Better Communication with Parents at https://teach4theheart.com/318
For more help with Classroom Management, check out our training course, Classroom Management 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101
Sometimes students just don't seem to get what we want them to do and how they need to behave. Where is the disconnect? Listen in as Linda shares tips for setting clearer expectations in your classroom and see how your classroom changes!
Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/328
00:00 Clarifying Expectations in Classroom Management 11:21 Communicating Expectations to Students
If you enjoyed this episode, check out episode 316: How to be More Consistent With Classroom Behavior Issues: https://teach4theheart.com/managing-a-classroom-consistently/
For more encouragement, check out our free training: How to Reduce Disruptions at https://teach4theheart.com/free
Kids and teens face so many challenges around identity that parents and teachers don't always feel qualified to help them understand. Founder and Executive Director of Fieldstone Counseling, Jonathan Holmes, shares strategies outlined in his new book, Grounded in Grace, that will help teachers and parents encourage students to find their identity in God's grace.
01:20 Jonathan Holmes' Background and Motivation for Writing about Identity 03:11 Identity Struggles in Academics, Sports, and More 09:49 Reinforcing a Grace-Centered Perspective in Christian Schools 15:02 Pointing Students Towards a Deeper Identity in Public Schools
Read the blog version or transcript at http://teach4theheart.com/327
Links + Other Episodes
Grounded in Grace book: https://newgrowthpress.com/new-releases/upcoming-books/grounded-in-grace-helping-kids-build-their-identity-in-christ/ Fieldstone Counseling: https://fieldstonecounseling.org/
Past episodes with Jonathan that you might like: Gender Identity Part 1: https://teach4theheart.com/Christian-educators-gender-identity/ Gender Identity Part 2: https://teach4theheart.com/gender-identity-christian-educator/ Reshaping Identity Issues w/ the Gospel: https://teach4theheart.com/identity/
Nothing gets in the way of learning quite like constant chatter in a classroom. It can be challenging to get students to stop talking so much. Linda shares her strategies for managing a chatty class and reducing disruptions so you can actually teach.
Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/326
00:00 Introduction to Classroom Challenges 01:52 Understanding Chatter and Blurting 04:42 Implementing a Warning System 09:49 Adapting the System for Individual Needs 12:38 Building Confidence and Consistency 14:47 Conclusion and Additional Resources
Classroom Management 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101 Free Training: How to Reduce Disruptions so You Can Actually Teach: http://teach4theheart.com/free
If you liked this episode, check out episode 316: How to Be More Consistent with Classroom Behavior Issues at https://teach4theheart.com/316
Every teacher faces challenges with classroom management and creating a classroom where students thrive. Whole Brain Teaching is one of the world's premier instructional systems. Relying on research-based strategies to successfully engage all students, Chris Biffle shares how using Whole Brain Teaching can make your classroom the best place for every student to learn. Listen in to this episode from our most recent Rise Up Summit.
Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/325
00:00 Introduction and Background 03:06 Engaging the Whole Brain: Whole Brain Teaching 05:48 Superimprover: Turning the Classroom into a Living Video Game 08:56 Mastering Classroom Management with Whole Brain Teaching Rules 11:53 Smooth Transitions: The Three P's and Gamifying Instruction 16:12 Adapting Whole Brain Teaching for Different Grade Levels
Are you struggling with student apathy or a general lack of motivation? Listen to this Rise Up Summit session from 2023 as motivation expert Dave Stuart Jr. shares the key factors that affect student motivation and how we as teachers can inspire our students to not only do the work but genuinely care about it.
Check out our Rise Up Summit for free at https://riseupchristianeducators.com/
Get more info + links from this episode at http://teach4theheart.com/324
00:00 Introduction to Student Motivation 02:06 The Role of Love in Education 12:17 Understanding Student Beliefs 17:11 Building Teacher Credibility 27:50 The Eternal Value of Students 28:23 The Unique Challenges of Today's Students 29:51 Building Genuine Connections with Students 35:55 Overcoming Personal Biases in Teaching 39:42 The Power of Prayer in Education 41:40 The Peter Effect: Teacher Passion and Student Engagement 49:41 The Importance of Teacher Credibility
If you liked this episode check out episode 303: Adding Joy + Play to Any Classroom at https://teach4theheart.com/303
Having students work in groups can be difficult for them and for you. But working collaboratively is an important way to help students develop compassion, learn more deeply, and be ready to work in their future profession. Listen in as we share the best tips for group work and reasons behind having students collaborate from our community of teachers.
Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/323
A toxic work environment can infect every area of your life if you let it! But God hasn't abandoned you in this situation. He has a plan for growing you and using you to shine His light (remember, it can shine all the brighter in the dark). Listen to this session from our Rise Up Summit 2023 for practical help and encouragement as you seek to interact wisely. You'll also learn how to guard your heart and mind in the midst of an unhealthy work situation so bitterness and frustration don't become your norm.
Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/322
Do you feel drained by the end of the school day? What about your students? Outdoor learning is a game-changer for any classroom. Watch student behavior and even your own mental health improve! Learn how to cover your curriculum while getting your students outside with podcast guest Shannon McLeod.
Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/321
Join us this October for the Rise Up Summit, where you'll be equipped to boldly fulfill your God-given calling. The online conference for Christian teachers is FREE to attend the weekend of the event. Sign up at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
When students misbehave, it can feel like you've failed as a teacher. But the only thing in your control is your response to their behavior. Listen in as Linda shares how to let go of what you can't control and embrace what you can in the classroom, so you can be confident when handling student misbehavior.
Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/320
Innovation can sound overwhelming. Who has the time? But innovation doesn't have to be a giant project. In fact, some innovation begins so small you could try something new tomorrow without hours of planning! Listen in as Karly and Linda talk about ways innovating without overhauling.
Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/319
Communication between a students families and their teachers is challenging--there can be misunderstanding and unrealistic expectations on both sides. So how do we do better with the time we have? Join us for a special episode with a teacher and a parent who share their experiences communicating successfully!
Get notes + links + extra tips at http://teach4theheart.com/318
We want to let Scripture guide how we think, feel, and act in our daily lives, and in our classrooms. It can be challenging to sort through what is biblical and what is cultural. Roger Erdvig shares some practical strategies for immersing our classrooms in a worldview that honors God and begin to see school as a place to live and learn.
Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/317
It can be so challenging to be consistent when dealing with behavior issues. But when we let something to one day and then blow up over it the next, we're inadvertently contributing to the chaos rather than calming it. Thankfully, being consistent doesn't have to be as hard as we think. Listen as Linda shares how you can be more consistent in your classroom - and why it will make all the difference.
Get notes + links at www.teach4theheart.com/316
As a teacher, do people think you are too nice or too strict? How do you balance compassion, kindness, and also maintain your authority? Being firm doesn't mean you are not kind, and being kind doesn't mean you let go of control of your classroom. Listen in as Linda shares how to balance being kind and firm.
Get notes + links at www.teach4theheart.com/315
If you or your friends want to grab a Pray & Plan teacher planner, be sure to grab it soon because we are running low on inventory for certain versions. And, unfortunately, once they're gone, they're gone! Grab yours now at www.teach4theheart.com/planner and thanks for helping us spread the word!
Worried about heading back to tons the disruptions & a lack of motivation? Join us in this FREE training where you'll discover 4 steps to reduce disruptions & motivate your students. Sign up at www.teach4theheart.com/training for the Back-to-School Classroom Management & Motivation training.
These days book fairs can be problematic. The quality of books seems to be going down, and cultural differences over what is appropriate for kids increases. Scholastic, the most popular book fair, faces increasing controversy about their books and are no longer reliable for some schools. Listen in as we share our favorite alternative Christian book fairs and why we like them. Get the notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/314
The culture at a school can be difficult to navigate. Cliques, tense relationships with administration, negativity--these can all make the already hard work of teaching extra hard, and sometimes lonely. Listen in as Linda and Karly share about how to care about your fellow educators and make a difference at your school.
Get notes + links at https://teach4theheart.com/313
Does your classroom sometimes feel as if it slipping out of your control? Do you feel overwhelmed by student behavior? Managing a classroom effectively is not easy, but there are simple steps you can take to get things under control. Listen in as Linda shares the five parts of an effective classroom management plan.
Get notes + links at https://teach4theheart.com/312
Join us in Your Smooth-Running Class, a 4-week course that will help you reduce disruptions and create a calm classroom this year. Program starts July 8, so get all the details and sign up at www.teach4theheart.com/smooth.
In this special bonus episode, Linda takes you behind-the-scenes and shares some of the story behind the popular Pray & Plan teacher planner. Listen as Linda discusses the ups, the downs, and the lessons she's learned in between. Interested in Pray & Plan? Check out the teacher planner at www.teach4theheart.com/planner.
The end of the year can be so hard to plan. How do we keep learning? How do we celebrate and end well? Listen in as we share ideas from teachers like you for end-of-year activities that make the best use of that time. Get the notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/311
Teaching is full of unexpected situations, and it can be hard to respond to every one with the same calm and consistency. You can help yourself be ready for anything by developing and using Pocket Phrases. Listen in to find out what they are, how to use them, and why they might be the next best tool in your classroom management tool belt.
Get notes and links at https://www.teach4theheart.com/310
We live in a culture that requires technology in the classroom, but it can be overwhelming to navigate the many types available. Which technologies do I use? How do I use them? How much is too much technology? Matt from Ditch That Textbook joins us to clear the way and help us teach meaningfully with technology, or as his book title puts it--Tech Like a Pirate.
Get notes and links at https://www.teach4theheart.com/309
Pray & Plan is a planner designed specifically for Christian teachers to help you welcome God into your planning and prioritize what matters most - both at home, at school, and in your spiritual walk. Find out all about Pray & Plan and orders your copy at www.teach4theheart.com/planner.
We want to show you our appreciation with some special Teacher Appreciation gifts next week! Make sure you're set to receive ours by being on our mailing list. You can join the list by going to www.teach4theheart.com and clicking the "Stay Connected" button near the top of the page.
Our students can be the best and hardest part of teaching. But the way we manage our classrooms can reflect the character of Christ to them, even in a public school. Linda shares some ways we can think about classroom management as a way to be more Christ-like and encourage our students to do the same.
Get the notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/308
Does Artificial Intelligence bring up more questions than it can answer? How do we handle it responsibly and wisely in our classrooms? Vicki Davis has answers and encouragement for teachers wondering about AI ethics.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/307.
Staying up to date on the best resources out there can be challenging. Figuring our which resources are a good fit for your needs can be hard, too. Teach 4 the Heart has gathered our team's favorite resources to share with so you can grow as a Christian and as a Teacher!
www.teach4theheart.com/306
Teaching is a stressful job, and can feel overwhelming. It can be hard to stay calm and keep going in the midst of the school day. But one simple practice can help us to look to Christ for encouragement: prayer. Sheila Quinn Delony joins us to share encouraging prayers she has written just for teachers like you in her book "This Year, Lord" that will give you words for your weariness.
Get the notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/305
Finding meaningful consequences to support classroom control and discipline can be challenging. But there are simple, effective ideas out there. Listen in as members of the Teach 4 the Heart Community share their best ideas about meaningful consequences in any classroom!
Get the notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/304
It can be hard to find joy and have fun in the everyday grind of teaching. With all the pressures teachers face, how do we prioritize joy and play in the limited time we have in the classroom? Caitlin Lore joins us today to share fun activities for a classroom that help keep joy a part of teaching for teachers and students of all ages.
Get the notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/303
Join us for the NEW free training Classroom Management Answers where you'll discover 6 simple strategies to reduce disruptions and rebuild respect. Get all the details & sign up at www.teach4theheart.com/training.
Teachers make thousands of decisions a day—no wonder we have decision fatigue! But what if there are some simple ways to lighten the load? Join Linda and Karly as they discuss rhythms in teaching that help relieve the decision fatigue and cultivate classrooms where teachers and students thrive. Get the notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/302
Sometimes the generation gap between us and our students feels too wide to cross. Why is it so hard to connect with the younger generation right now? Join us to hear advice from Val O'Brien on how we can reach students meaningfully and build relationships across generations. Get the notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/301
Do you remember in the book of Job when Job's friends told him he must be doing something wrong to have these bad things happen to him? If you've been in a similar situation, you know how these negative ideas can cloud your judgement. The bad advice we are discussing in this week's episode is: "If it's too hard, you need to get out!" Sometimes those thoughts sound like, "Maybe I'm not called to be a teacher after all. This is too hard." or "This must not be the right school since the admin is so unsupportive. I need to leave." But is it true that God doesn't call us to hard things? Or that if it's not going smoothly, that means we shouldn't be there? Not necessarily! Listen to this podcast episode to hear Biblical truth (that often sounds countercultural) to help you navigate this idea and get practical, wise advice on what to do if you are facing a difficult situation.
This episode is part of the series Worst Advice Ever: Debunking Bad Teacher Advice. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/bad-advice.
False dichotomies are one of society's favorite lies and worst pieces of advice. We have been sold the lie that we have to affirm someone to prove our love for them and that if we are not affirming, then we are hating. This episode of the Teach 4 the Heart Podcast presents another solution: to love without affirming. And, though many people believe this is impossible, Linda will share a multitude of ways to be loving while holding fast to your personal convictions. If you want to learn tips on how to demonstrate your love without affirming behaviors you disagree with, listen to this powerful episode.
This episode is part of the series Worst Advice Ever: Debunking Bad Teacher Advice. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/bad-advice.
We at Teach 4 the Heart have heard this week's bad advice A LOT. We get a lot of comments and feedback from people who say, "Check your religion at the door when you enter the classroom." We don't agree. For Christians, our faith isn't something we "put on" and "put off." Our beliefs are part of us. Even if we aren't directly sharing our faith, it should impact every part of our lives because we represent Christ. In this episode, we discuss 5 ways you SHOULD be taking your faith to school with you. This is the Biblical and practical encouragement you need to live out your faith in ALL areas of life. We are not lawyers. This is not legal advice.
This episode is part of the series Worst Advice Ever: Debunking Bad Teacher Advice. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/bad-advice.
Controversial opinion: As a teacher, you NEED to sweat the small stuff! In this week's podcast episode, we look at another piece of bad advice - don't sweat the small stuff! Here's the problem: if you let the little things go, especially in the beginning of the school year, they quickly lead to bigger and bigger problems. However, that doesn't mean we need to nitpick students. Listen to this week's episode to hear guidance on "picking your battles," how to know where to draw the line with student behavior, and what to do when it's crossed (even mid-year!).
This episode is part of the series Worst Advice Ever: Debunking Bad Teacher Advice. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/bad-advice.
Our culture celebrates all things "self." From selfies & self-reliance, to the mantra "I am enough," we are told that "me" is all we need. But, what happens when we inevitably fall short? This bad piece of advice is not only heard by teachers, but nearly everyone in our culture. Our podcast today is tackling this common but harmful advice with biblical and practical truths, including 3 steps to shift your focus from yourself and instead put your faith boldly in the Lord. As you move your trust from yourself as a human (who will fall short), to an infallible God, you will certainly be encouraged and empowered, so listen in!
This episode is part of the series Worst Advice Ever: Debunking Bad Teacher Advice. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/bad-advice/.
If grading, paperwork, and lesson planning are taking up way too much of your time, you won't want to miss this podcast! Join us as the Teach 4 the Heart team shares a variety of ideas to streamline and save time in multiple areas that need our attention but shouldn't be taking over our lives.
This episode is part of the series Highlights: The Best Solutions for Teachers' Biggest Problems. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/best.
Christian teachers: do you struggle with and feel attacked by the culture around you? Listen to this week's podcast as Alistair Begg talks about how we as Christians can stand for truth and shine Christ's light as we teach and interact...even when the culture around us becomes more and more hostile. Despite the difficulty, with God-sized confidence you can firmly and lovingly stand fast on your convictions.
This episode is part of the series Highlights: The Best Solutions for Teachers' Biggest Problems. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/best.
Too often we find ourselves trying to be superheroes, thinking somehow we can keep going, serve everyone, and get everything done without getting the rest and refreshment that we need. In this week's episode, we will speak with Pratia Jordan, an award-winning educator, as she shares the need to establish patterns of work and rest, bear each others' burdens, and see Jesus as the Superhero, not ourselves.
This episode is part of the series Highlights: The Best Solutions for Teachers' Biggest Problems. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/best.
Trying to differentiate work for varying levels of students can be stressful and time consuming, but it doesn't have to be. Laura Kebart shares practical strategies to make differentiation simple and relatively easy. Check out one of our very best sessions Summit sessions from 2020 here.
This episode is part of the series Highlights: The Best Solutions for Teachers' Biggest Problems. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/best.
Teaching in this world is difficult. And as the cultural climate of the world changes, making an impact in our students' lives can be even more challenging. How can you make the impact you desire while facing - requirements to teach against your Biblical beliefs? - questions about the legality of sharing your faith? - living out your faith without breaking the law? - helping your Christian school students foster a biblical world view? You can find the answers and support you are looking for in this podcast episode that examines questions & answers about faith & relationships. Listen, learn, and be empowered today!
This episode is part of the series Answers for Your Top Teaching Questions. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/answers.
Right now so many teachers are struggling with anxiety! If you're one of them, you'll want to listen in as Linda addresses some of the common questions we've gotten from teachers, like... -How do I oversome the anxiety related to perfectionism? -How do I handle feeling unappreciated? -What do I do if I'm in a stressful, somewhat unsafe teaching environment? -How do I stop taking everything personally? -How can I keep negativity from taking over? -What do I do with the feeling that I'm not an effective witness for Christ? Listen in and get Biblically-based mental health support today!
This episode is part of the series Answers for Your Top Teaching Questions. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/answers.
Time management has always been a challenge for teachers! It seems like the responsibilities of teaching are never-ending and always bleed into our personal lives. This week, Linda answers a few more questions on this topic from our community! 1. How do you get both planning AND grading done? I've been focusing too much on one and not the other! 2. I want to become more involved in my church, but teaching takes up all of my time! What should I do? 3. Any suggestions for catching up on school work so that I have time with my family and to take care of household duties? 4. How do I give my students more ownership in the classroom so I have less to do? Linda tackles all these questions in this week's podcast episodes and shares the tools and tips you need to improve your work/life balance.
This episode is part of the series Answers for Your Top Teaching Questions. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/answers.
Are you facing these common classroom management issues? -Constant classroom chatter -Small group instruction -Lack of support from admin -Classroom rewards that won't break the bank -A school that doesn't allow traditional consequences. In this episode of the Teach 4 the Heart podcast, you will learn that many teachers are facing these issues and you are not alone. Better yet, Linda will provide some powerful mindset shifts and solutions for whatever problem is plaguing you the most. Tune in, and get answers to your classroom management issues today!
This episode is part of the series Answers for Your Top Teaching Questions. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/answers.
Have feelings of anxiety become your status quo? Many of us feel like they are, but with God’s help, they don't have to be! If you've been struggling to experience the peace God promises His followers, you won't want to miss this bonus podcast with Crystal Kershaw. Crystal, counselor and former teacher, examines common causes of anxiety and shares scriptural insights & practical tips to help you overcome it.
Get links & additional info here.
Discouragement can be hard to overcome if you feel like the eternal impact you're having on your students is minimal. This can be particularly true for teachers in public schools, but can be a struggle for those in private schools as well. If you're like many Christians, you might tend to think you've only made an eternal impact if you've helped someone move from unsaved to saved. Listen to this week's podcast episode to hear Linda explain why this is a limited understanding of the impact you have on your students' spiritual lives. Be encouraged as you listen to this episode and start to gain a more complete picture of the fruit you're producing as a Christian & how God's using you daily in your students lives for their spiritual benefit... even in a public school.
This episode is part of the series This Little Light of Mine: Shining for Christ in the Classroom. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/shine.
Even though God created us for relationships, that does not mean having relationships is easy. In fact, building connections with our students is some of the hardest work we ever do.
This podcast episode is a great chance to look at the way the gospel not only reconciles us to God, but also allows us to be reconciled to one another. Using the framework of the gospel, the fruits of the spirit, and practical teaching techniques, Linda will walk you through how to build deeper relationships with your students.
Want to live out your mission to shine the light of Christ in your school? Listen in for practical ideas and the encouragement you need to keep going!
This episode is part of the series This Little Light of Mine: Shining for Christ in the Classroom. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/shine.
What keeps us from shining God's light in our classroom? For teachers, some common reasons are stress, discouragement, and feeling overwhelmed. In this podcast episode, we will look at how to combat these obstacles with both spiritual and practical tools. Be inspired and equipped as we explore four essential questions to strengthen our spiritual foundation, hear practical tips to reduce feelings of being overwhelmed and stressed, and gain a renewed perspective that God is on this mission with us.
This episode is part of the series This Little Light of Mine: Shining for Christ in the Classroom. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/shine.
Do you have a passion to reach others for Christ? Developing your credibility where He's placed you can have an immensely poweful impact! When you're good at your job, you increase your credibility... which God can and will use for eternal benefits! Listen to this week's podcast for ideas on how to improve your foundational teaching skills for His benefit, and at the same time avoid some common traps. If you find it hard to strike a balance between being complacent with your level of teaching expertise and striving toward unattainable perfection, this episode's for you. Listen now to hear Linda's perspective on seeking and finding that balance while increasing your workplace credibility!
This episode is part of the series This Little Light of Mine: Shining for Christ in the Classroom. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/shine.
Most teachers feel discouraged at some point in their careers. Some teachers maybe even feel discouraged daily. Truth: our jobs are difficult and overwhelming. So, even though the idea of shining for Christ sounds good in theory, executing it in real life may feel impossible. In the latest podcast episode, Linda invites us to make some mindset shifts concerning work, where our focus lies, and how we view discouragement. Plus, you'll learn how focusing on the reason we are here (and why we teach) can change EVERYTHING. If you want to feel seen in your struggles, shine consistently for Christ, and make a difference in your school, then this podcast has the strategies you need. Listen in today!
This episode is part of the series This Little Light of Mine: Shining for Christ in the Classroom. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/shine.
This podcast is produced by Linda Kardamis of Teach 4 the Heart and brought to you in partnership with the Herzog Foundation.
Do you find yourself comparing the similarities of the latest school shooting to your school? As the frequency of these tragedies increases, it's easy to allow ourselves to slip into a near-constant panic that screams, "What if we are next?!?!"
And, it's not just school shootings. Sadly, everyday tragedies happen at schools around the world; teachers and students get sick, pass away, are involved in crime, and other heartbreaking scenarios. Listen in to discover what to do if the unthinkable happens at your school.
This episode is part 8 of our series Teach without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Faith & Wisdom. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/fears.
It can feel scary to disagree with whatever the approved cultural narrative is at any given time. Whether there's a specific situation that you know about, or you find yourself worried about what may lie ahead, this can be extremely concerning for Christian teachers.
One area this is showing up more and more commonly for teachers is with students who are claiming to be transgender. What used to be a rare instance is now shockingly common - and more and more of us are facing pressure to affirm students' choices in this area without question - and in some cases to even overtly teach unBiblical viewpoints.
By taking the time to listen to this full podcast episode, you can both address your fears and learn how to communicate effectively with wisdom and grace no matter who you are talking to.
This episode is part 7 of our series Teach without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Faith & Wisdom. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/fears.
As you watch your to-do list grow, do you worry you will never have time to feel fully rested again? Do you fear that your life as a teacher is keeping you from enjoying other parts of ministry or living? Are you truly afraid of missing out on some of the best parts of life because of your career? You are not alone! But, take heart and listen to today's podcasts where we learn to create space to ENJOY both your career & your LIFE.
This episode is part 6 of our series Teach without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Faith & Wisdom. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/fears.
Grab your Pray & Planplanner now before inventory runs out! Pray & Planis specifically designed for Christian educators, with Scripture verses and prayer prompts throughout. Check it out and grab yours at www.teach4theheart.com/planner
Disengaged students have left teachers feeling helpless & hopeless for years. Thanks to the experience and wisdom of Dave Stuart Jr., we no longer have to fear apathy from our students. Listen in to hear practical tips and strategies hear to engage even the most apathetic of learners.
This episode is part 5 of our series Teach without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Faith & Wisdom. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/fears.
Join us in prayer for 21 days as we ask God to work in our students' lives, in our lives, and in our classrooms. Get all the details and sign up for free at www.teach4theheart.com/prayerchallenge.
Most teachers can accept that there will be difficult days, seasons, and even years. But, what happens when you start to fear that all your hard work is in vain, and you are not even making a difference? Listen to today's podcast to learn how to let go of that fear and what actions to faithfully continue when you are in one of those discouraging seasons.
This episode is part 4 of our series Teach without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Faith & Wisdom. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/fears.
Struggling with student misbehavior or apathy? Get step-by-step help to reduce chaos and motivate your students in Classroom Management 101. A special discounted rate is available now at www.teach4theheart.com/101.
Talking to parents can make even the most seasoned teacher nervous from time to time. In this episode, we focus on reframing our relationships with parents and how we interact with them. Listen in to learn steps to take you from fear to wisdom as you minister to the parents of your students in love and confidence.
This episode is part 3 of our series Teach without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Faith & Wisdom. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/fears.
We're bringing you a recording of our Back-to-School Classroom Management & Motivation training in this special bonus episode. Listen to discover strategies to reduce chaos, motivate your students, and start the year off right. To view the full video version of this training, visit www.teach4theheart.com/training. Join us in Classroom Management 101 at www.teach4theheart.com/101.
Does student behavior ever fill you with fear? Particularly, do you ever stress over how you will handle addressing the behavior? In this episode of the podcast, we are using our 3 part framework to address the issue and take action so that you can teach with confidence. Listen in and get help with overcoming your fear of your students' bad behavior.
This episode is part 2 of our series Teach without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Faith & Wisdom. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/fears.
Are you a teacher who feels stuck, unsure of whether you're in the right position or even in the right profession? You're not alone. In this podcast episode, we'll explore common thoughts about discontentment & worry that teachers face concerning God's will. We will also look at how to take what we are feeling and shore it up with the truth of Scripture. Join us as we help you find the hope and peace you need to prepare your heart for what God has in store next for you this year.
This episode is part 1 of our series Teach without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Faith & Wisdom. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/fears.
It doesn't matter how rough last year was; this year can be 100x better! Join us in a FREE Classroom Management & Motivation training to discover simple strategies to reduce disruptions & motivate your students. Sign up for free at www.teach4theheart.com/training.
Was your classroom just a bit too chaotic this year? Join us this summer in Your Smooth-Running Class, where we'll equip you with a classroom management plan that will reduce disruptions, end the chaos, and create a smooth-running class where students can focus and learn. Get all the details and sign up at www.teach4theheart.com/plan.
Summer vacation goes by faster every year it seems, and there's so much to squeeze into those quickly fleeting days. How do we get it all done? Simple. We plan well. Listen in to learn about this 4 step template that will help you get all your summer fun (and not-so-fun, but still important) completed before back to school time!
Reflection is THE key to growth & change. Celebrating your wins, acknowledging your pain points, and making a plan for next year ensures the hope of a brighter future. The best part? If you do your reflection now, you can fully enjoy your summer vacation! Ready to relax? Listen here.
I can hardly believe it's been 10 years since Teach 4 the Heart started. I never could have imagined what God had planned and how God would grow and use my feeble writing attempts to encourage and help so many teachers. As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary, I thought it would be fun to share some of the backstory of how Teach 4 the Heart started and how God has faithfully worked and grown us over the years. We hope you'll enjoy this special, somewhat unfiltered episode and story. And don't miss our anniversary sale, where you can save 40% on all our best courses. Happening May 23-25 at https://teach4theheart.com/anniversary
Say goodbye to checked-out students and chaotic messes at the end of the school year! Use these tips to close your classroom down for summer in a way that will make future you thrilled. Learn more about these skills and our other stress-reducing ideas from Teach 4 the Heart + here.
If you are worried about the pacing of your curriculum in these last few weeks and how to stretch it or get through it all, this episode is for you! Prioritize what is most important (now and in the future) and use those relationship skills to make a more profound impact at the year's end. Learn how by listening here.
Finishing the year well may feel impossible if you are depleted, but this episode gives you spiritual resources and practical strategies to keep going strong until the end of the school year. After all, your opportunity for impact remains until the very last day of school. Check out this encouraging episode AND the Teacher Appreciation Bundle we have for you here!
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! To show our appreciation, we've assembled an amazing bundle of resources for you and are giving it to you at no cost! All you need to do is go to www.teach4theheart.com/thanks and download it before Teacher Appreciation Week ends!
At the core of many of the issues facing both teens and adults is a question of identity. From confusion about gender or sexual identity to struggles with anxiety, depression, and self-worth, how we view ourselves is at the core. In this special episode, Jonathan Holmes joins us to explore the differences between a traditional view of identity and a modern one, and how a Gospel identity transcends and transforms both views, enabling us to overcome with our identity fixed in Christ.
Pray & Plan is back! Check out the planner designed to help educators prioritize what matters most - at home, at school, and in their spiritual walk - at www.teach4theheart.com/planner. Join the Pray & Plan launch party Thursday April 20 @ 8pm ET for an exclusive free shipping code! The event takes place in our Facebook group at www.teach4theheart.com/facebook and can be viewed afterwards on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/c/LindaKardamis.
For teachers, the stress of making sub plans often means we are super hesitant to take days off - even if we need them. But what if it didn't have to be that hard? Listen as Kelsey Sorenson shares how to prep simple, ready-made sub plans that can be pulled out anytime you need them!
Over this series, we have talked a lot about building a Classroom Management Plan, and then adjusting it so it works. Today, we are going to hear from Laura, who shares how she did that last summer, and how her plan has been working this school year. Listen in for a true tale from teaching!
In the All-New Classroom Management 101, you'll implement a classroom management plan that works so you can stop being frustrated by student misbehavior & actually enjoy teaching again. Join now at www.teach4theheart.com/cm101 and use the code CALM to save 25% now through March 29.
Do you love a step-by-step plan? Then listen in as Linda walks you through the steps to having a classroom that will run smoothly! These four elements will allow you to finally have the classroom you have always wanted!
Gospel Adventures offers free online curriculum that introduces children and teens to different cultures & the work of the Gospel around the world. Check out their free curriculum at www.gospeladventures.org
If you are wondering why, despite your best efforts, your classroom isn't running as planned, you may find your answer in this episode! Listen in to see if you are making one of these 3 common mistakes that impact the environment of our classrooms much more than we would expect.
Join us live for a FREE classroom management training: How to Reduce Disruptions without Yelling, Begging, or Bribing. Sign up for free at www.teach4theheart.com/training.
Join us in this thought-provoking episode where we balance the need for consequences and the call to love one another well. If you struggle to see beyond your students' misbehaviors, then this episode is a must listen!
We're thrilled to announce the release of Teach 4 the Heart +, a new program to help you find joy in teaching again. Teach 4 the Heart + is here to help you reduce the stress of teaching by implementing wise strategies & learning to trust our faithful God - so you can joyfully teach and love the students God has given you. Get all the details & join at the special premier rate (now through March 1) at www.teach4theheart.com/plus.
Many issues in life have multiple solutions. Not all solutions are created equal. How do we know which way to solve a problem will bring the most glory to God or which solution is the wisest? Join us in this episode as we will discuss this and how T4TH+ helps you discover great solutions too! This episode is part 2 of our miniseries about Banishing Discouragement & Loving Teaching Again. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/discouragement.
February's always a challenging month for teachers - but for many of you, the frustration & discouragement goes even beyond that. You might be seriously wondering if you can make it to May - or even questioning if you should keep teaching. In this special episode, Pastor & author David Platt shares the encouraging & challenging truths you NEED to hear to battle discouragement, as well as advice on how to discern God's leading if you're considering quitting teaching. This episode is part 1 of our miniseries about Banishing Discouragement & Loving Teaching Again. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/discouragement. And join us for the free Love Teaching Again challenge at www.teach4theheart.com/love.
We warmly invite you to join us in the FREE Love Teaching Again Challenge, starting February 15. In it, you'll complete 5 simple but powerful actions to banish discouragement & revive your joy. Sign up now at www.teach4theheart.com/love.
How can we set up our schedules so that we prioritize time for work, for rest, and also for our families & other important personal priorities? Join in as we explore how to use intentional scheduling to create wise boundaries and cultivate better work-life balance. This episode is the final part of our series called How to Reduce Teacher Stress & Create Work/Life Balance. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/balance.
We're thrilled to announce the release of our brand new program Reclaim Your Time 101. In Reclaim Your Time 101, you’ll learn how to cut 5-10 hours off your workweek without sacrificing your effectiveness so you can stop feeling stressed and get time and energy for your family and personal life. Get all the details & sign up at www.teach4theheart.com/reclaim. And use the coupon code LAUNCH to save $40 now through February 1.
As we've examined ways to reduce stress and create some balance, a question has emerged - Should we do our best on everything? This question brings up more questions, especially as believers. What does it mean to never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically? Is balance possible while still following biblical principles? Listen in as we answer these important questions. This episode is part 4 of our series called How to Reduce Teacher Stress & Create Work/Life Balance. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/balance.
If we bravely admit we are doing too much, and decide to stop doing certain tasks, how can we be sure nothing important slips through the cracks? Join us as we implement a new way of thinking for an exhausted and overworked soul. This episode is part 3 of our series called How to Reduce Teacher Stress & Create Work/Life Balance. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/balance.
Join us Monday evening for a FREE training for teachers: 5 Time-Saving Practices to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed. Get the details & sign up for free at www.teach4theheart.com/balancetraining.
As teachers, we tend to have hearts that are primed to serve. As many of us know, a call to serve can easily end up feeling like pressure to do it all. Listen in for tips when you need help coming to grips with the reality that doing it all is not possible. This episode is part 2 of our series called How to Reduce Teacher Stress & Create Work/Life Balance. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/balance
The Bible is clear; because of the fall, our world is now short of the glory that God first intended, which means we tend to either overwork or be lazy. Very few of us have achieved a healthy balance. Join us as we see what God says about work, rest, and balance in the light of the gospel. This episode is part 1 of our series called How to Reduce Teacher Stress & Create Work/Life Balance. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/balance
We warmly invite you to join us this new year in Teach Uplifted! In Teach Uplifted, you'll discover what it looks like to actually trust God - to leave your burdens with Him, trust that He knows best, and rest in His promises and goodness even when you don't understand what He is doing. Get the info & join now at www.teachuplifted.com, and remember to use the code JOYFUL40 to save 40% (ends January 3).
Responding to Teaching Challenges with Faith & Hope: Episode 05 Do you ever struggle with the tension between trusting God & taking action? Take a situation that you're worried about. You decide to trust God with it and ask Him to help. Does that mean you should just sit back and do nothing, waiting for Him to work? Join us as we explore this important question and discover what it looks like to both trust God and move forward in faith. This episode is part 5 of our series on Responding to Teaching Challenges with Faith & Hope. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/challenges.
Responding to Teaching Challenges with Faith & Hope: Episode 04
Whether the basic "busy and tired" of teaching has you overwhelmed or you're facing a season when things feel especially dark, you are in for a treat with this special interview with singer-songwriter (and former teacher) Ellie Holcomb.
Listen as Ellie shares how we can use God's Word to fight back the lies we too often believe and find hope in Him, no matter what we face.
This episode is part 4 of our series on Responding to Teaching Challenges with Faith & Hope. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/challenges.
Responding to Teaching Challenges with Faith & Hope: Episode 03
Where we find our worth can make all the difference between loving teaching and despising it. Why? Because when our worth is fixed on anything other than Christ, it's vulnerable, and everyday problems can become attacks on our very identity & self-worth.
Join us as we explore why fixing our identity & worth on Christ creates a sure foundation and enables us to respond to teaching challenges with hope rather than anxiety.
This episode is part 3 of our series on Responding to Teaching Challenges with Faith & Hope. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/challenges.
Responding to Teaching Challenges with Faith & Hope: Episode 03
Where we find our worth can make all the difference between loving teaching and despising it. Why? Because when our worth is fixed on anything other than Christ, it's vulnerable, and everyday problems can become attacks on our very identity & self-worth.
Join us as we explore why fixing our identity & worth on Christ creates a sure foundation and enables us to respond to teaching challenges with hope rather than anxiety.
This episode is part 3 of our series on Responding to Teaching Challenges with Faith & Hope. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/challenges.
Responding to Teaching Challenges with Faith & Hope: Episode 02
Whether it's a huge trial like a cancer diagnosis or day-to-day struggles like that 5th-period class that you think might just be the death of you, we all face challenges & trials.
Knowing why we face these is vital to our ability to respond well. So, join us as we see what the Bible has to say about why difficulties exist and how we should think about them.
This episode is part 2 of our series on Responding to Teaching Challenges with Faith & Hope. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/challenges.
Responding to Teaching Challenges with Faith & Hope: Episode 01
When we face challenges, anxiety, fear & stress often well up. We worry about what will happen, we stress about what to do, and we often carry anxiety around in the meantime. Not only is this difficult for us to deal with, but it also hampers our ability to respond well - sometimes it even paralyzes us.
This is NOT how God would have us live, and it doesn't have to be our reality. Join us as we dive into how exactly we can trust God and experience the peace that He promises us.
This episode is part 1 of our series on Responding to Teaching Challenges with Faith & Hope. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/challenges.
We're excited to announce some changes here at the Teach 4 the Heart Podcast. Listen to discover what the new format will be like, and why we're changing things up!
Join us for a NEW Classroom Chaos-Buster Workshop where we'll work together live to find and fix your biggest classroom management issue. Get all the details & sign up at www.teach4theheart.com/chaos.
Pocket phrases are an AMAZING classroom management tool - and they're incredibly easy to use! Listen to discover exactly what pocket phrases are and how to use them in your classroom.
Get the FREE training: How to Reduce Disruptions without Yelling, Begging, or Bribing at www.teach4theheart.com/free.
Don't miss the session Classroom Management that Fosters Respect at the Rise Up Summit this weekend! Sign up for free at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
Do you ever feel pressure to be perfect? Listen as we consider what God does (and doesn't) call us to, where this pressure comes from, and how we can release it.
Don't miss this year's Rise Up Summit, our free online conference for Christian educators. Sign up at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
It's difficult to help students learn when they simply don't want to. But how do we motivate them to want to learn? In this special podcast episode, taken from last year's Rise Up Summit, Dave Stuart Jr. shares valuable insights on how we can motivate our students to care about learning.
Dave Stuart Jr. will be back again at the Rise Up Summit this year with a follow-up to this session, focusing on the beliefs of Effort & Efficacy. Sign up for FREE at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
Listen to an insightful clip from our upcoming Rise Up Summit session with Jasmine Holmes, author of Mother to Son: Letters to a Black Boy on Identity and Hope. In this clip, Jasmine shares why it's important to see our identity in light of the Gospel and how that enables us to engage in difficult conversations about race in a helpful way.
You won't want to miss the full session with Jasmine, available for free as part of the Rise Up Summit. Sign up for free at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
Listen to an insightful clip from our upcoming Rise Up Summit session with Jasmine Holmes, author of Mother to Son: Letters to a Black Boy on Identity and Hope. In this clip, Jasmine shares why it's important to see our identity in light of the Gospel and how that enables us to engage in difficult conversations about race in a helpful way.
You won't want to miss the full session with Jasmine, available for free as part of the Rise Up Summit. Sign up for free at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
Listen how talking level charts can help clarify your expectations and make it a whole lot easier to keep noise levels under control.
Get our FREE training How to Reduce Disruptions without Yelling, Begging, or Bribing at www.teach4theheart.com/free.
Listen how talking level charts can help clarify your expectations and make it a whole lot easier to keep noise levels under control.
Get our FREE training How to Reduce Disruptions without Yelling, Begging, or Bribing at www.teach4theheart.com/free.
We warmly invite you to join us at the Rise Up Summit, a free online conference for Christian educators in public and private schools. At the Rise Up Summit, you'll find practical, relevant sessions that will give you ideas, inspiration, and encouragement. It's free to attend! Check out the session list and sign up at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
We warmly invite you to join us at the Rise Up Summit, a free online conference for Christian educators in public and private schools. At the Rise Up Summit, you'll find practical, relevant sessions that will give you ideas, inspiration, and encouragement. It's free to attend! Check out the session list and sign up at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
As teachers, we can so easily be overwhelmed by anxiety and stress. Join us as Crystal Kershaw shares Scriptural principles and practical strategies to help us overcome anxiety and teach with a sense of God's presence and peace.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/190
Sign up for the free Rise Up Summit at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
As teachers, we can so easily be overwhelmed by anxiety and stress. Join us as Crystal Kershaw shares Scriptural principles and practical strategies to help us overcome anxiety and teach with a sense of God's presence and peace.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/190
Sign up for the free Rise Up Summit at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
I don't have to tell you that teaching requires sacrifice and that balance and rest are important. But sometimes in our effort to do this right, we can pendulum swing ourselves into new danger. Listen as we discover two big pitfalls we want to avoid and how to find a Biblical balance of sacrifice & rest.
Join us in the Rise Up Summit, a free online conference for Christian educators! Sign up for free at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
I don't have to tell you that teaching requires sacrifice and that balance and rest are important. But sometimes in our effort to do this right, we can pendulum swing ourselves into new danger. Listen as we discover two big pitfalls we want to avoid and how to find a Biblical balance of sacrifice & rest.
Join us in the Rise Up Summit, a free online conference for Christian educators! Sign up for free at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
In The Respectful Classroom, we help you create a classroom management plan that fosters respect and helps students focus. And you can get it done in as little as five days! Find out more at www.teach4theheart.com/respect and use the coupon code MAKEAPLAN now through Sept 1 to save $30 on your enrollment.
In The Respectful Classroom, we help you create a classroom management plan that fosters respect and helps students focus. And you can get it done in as little as five days! Find out more at www.teach4theheart.com/respect and use the coupon code MAKEAPLAN now through Sept 1 to save $30 on your enrollment.
So many of you have been asking us to talk about pronouns - specifically, what to do when a student asks you to use their preferred pronouns rather than their biological ones. Well, today, we tackle that question. We also refer you to two past episodes that delve into this topic in much more detail. Here are the links for those:
Episode 125: www.teach4theheart.com/125
Episode 126: www.teach4theheart.com/126
(or scroll back through the podcast feed to these episodes)
You also won't want to miss a NEW interview with Jonathan Holmes at this year's Rise Up Summit. Sign up for free at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
Does lesson planning take way too long and feel way too difficult? Or do you not even know where to start? Kelly Jackson of The Simply Organized Teacher joins us to unveil tips to create lesson plans easily and effectively.
As we look ahead to a new year, sometimes we try to hype ourselves up by thinking positive thoughts. But are positive thoughts enough? And should a Christian actually be thinking positive ALL the time? Join us as we discuss positive thoughts, grief, lament, and the one true Anchor for our hope.
Find out more about the Rise Up Summit at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
Have you ever been told you're "too nice" of a teacher? What on earth does that mean? Listen as we discuss whether or not a teacher can be "too nice" and the real key to good classroom management (spoiler: it's not being meaner).
Want help creating your classroom management plan? Head to www.teach4theheart.com/respect
I don't have to tell you how stressful back-to-school can be. But we don't have to stay in a state of perpetual stress. In this episode, we'll explore how we should address both our thinking and actions to reduce stress and get ourselves ready for a great school year.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/188.
This year, let's make it our goal to work for God, not man. Join in as we discuss what this looks like and some practicalities to make it happen.
Find out more about the Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship at www.teach4theheart.com/mentorship or watch the free intro training at www.teach4theheart.com/free.
Do you ever wonder what's missing in your classroom management? Well it might just be what I describe in this episode as my biggest classroom management mistake. The good news - it's fairly easy to fix. :)
Get help creating your classroom management plan in The Respectful Classroom: www.teach4theheart.com/respect.
Join our FREE Back-to-School Classroom Management Solutions Training at www.teach4theheart.com/backtoschooltraining
Join us July 25 & 28 for two FREE classroom management solutions trainings! Get all the details and sign up at www.teach4theheart.com/trainings.
As teachers, there's hardly a time when we're not busy. Even in the summer, it can be hard to relax and stop feeling so hurried. Join us as we discuss why always being busy is such a problem and how to put habits in place NOW that can help us be (and feel) less busy during the school year.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/187.
Get Pray & Plan at www.teach4theheart.com/planner.
Join the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher.
Join us this July for a NEW 6-week program where we will help you develop a classroom management plan that works! We'll create the plan together, and then make sure you're prepared to implement it on Day 1 so you can start the school year right and create a smooth-running class. Get all the details and sign up now at www.teach4theheart.com/plan.
The Teach 4 the Heart Podcast will be taking a break and resuming after the 4th of July. Join us as we discuss why we're taking this break and how you, too, can create patterns of rest for your summer.
Do you struggle when you don't get the validation you feel you deserve from your admin, coworkers, students, etc? Join us as we discuss why and how we should root our identity in Christ so that we aren't dependent on getting validation from those around us.
Save the date for the Rise Up Summit October 21-22, 2022! Get more info at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
Do you ever wonder if it's right or wrong to have consequences in your classroom? Join us as we examine this question in light of Scripture and how God deals with us.
Find out more about Your Smooth-Running Class at www.teach4theheart.com/plan.
Has classroom management been a struggle? Listen to discover how you can create an effective classroom management plan that will actually work!
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/186.
Sign up for Your Smooth-Running Class at www.teach4theheart.com/plan.
Take advantage of AACS's free placement services at www.aacs.org. Click the red "Placement Service" button.
We want to thank you for all the amazing work you've done this year. We've collaborated with over 25 bloggers and organizations to create a huge bundle of amazing resources that is yours for FREE! Simply head to www.teach4theheart.com/thanks to download the Teacher Appreciation Thank You Bundle.
Media is full of both good and bad messages - some of which are obvious and some of which are subtle or confusing. We must think critically about all of the messages that are coming into our minds - and teach our students to do the same thing, too. Join us as we discuss this important concept.
For AACS placement services, visit www.aacs.org and click the red Placement Services button on the right.
Have you ever tried to implement a new habit only to forget about it a few days later? Discover three simple keys to making habits stick in today's episode.
Check out Pray & Plan, a planner designed to help you prioritize what matters most - at home, at school, and in your personal life - at www.teach4theheart.com/planner.
Pray & Planis a planner designed to help you prioritize what matters most - at home, at school, and in your personal life. This year, it's even better than before! Listen to hear about the updates & improvements we've made for 2022-23, and pre-order your planner now at www.teach4theheart.com/planner.
Do you love organizing your life & to-do's with a planner? Join us as we give you insider tips to make the most of your Pray & Plan teacher planner.
Pray & Plan is a planner that helps educators prioritize what matters most - at home, at school, and in their spiritual walk. Get yours at www.teach4theheart.com/planner.
Is your classroom a bit too chaotic? Today, we discuss a four-step process that can help you reduce disruptions and create a smooth-running classroom.
Get our new FREE training How to Reduce Disruptions without Yelling, Begging, or Bribing at www.teach4theheart.com/free.
Political and social issues can be so divisive, but they don't have to be. Join us as we discuss the importance of humbly listening to those who think differently from us and the power of understanding a different perspective.
Join our Facebook group at www.teach4theheart.com/facebook.
As teachers, we know that parent involvement makes a big difference. Join us as we discuss practical ways to connect with and empower parents, and what to do when they don't seem to want to be involved.
Today we discuss a simple but powerful way to balance work and family time and ensure we're prioritizing the things that matter most.
Find out more about Pray & Plan at www.teach4theheart.com/planner.
Do you ever wonder if you have what it takes to be a teacher? Listen in as we explore this important question.
Get our FREE How to Reduce Disruptions training at www.teach4theheart.com/free.
Find out more about the Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship at www.teach4theheart.com/mentorship.
None of us got into teaching because we couldn't wait to deal with discipline issues. Nonetheless, classroom management can seriously make or break our ability to be effective as teachers. Listen as we explore 10 common mistakes that can totally derail our classroom management (and how to fix them).
Get notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/183.
Get our FREE Classroom Management training at www.teach4theheart.com/training.
Join us in one of two free classroom management trainings at www.teach4theheart.com/trainings. Classroom Management Solutions is for those struggling with too many disruptions and behavior issues. We'll help you cut out disruptions and create a conducive learning environment. Respectful, Responsible, & Engaged is for those who are already fairly confident in their classroom management and want to better engage their students & create a respectful classroom culture. Sign up for free at www.teach4theheart.com/trainings.
"Should we stop caring when students don't care?" This fantastic question sparked a wonderful conversation in our Facebook group recently, and we explore it in more detail in today's episode.
Find out more about the Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship at www.teach4theheart.com/mentorship or in our free training at www.teach4theheart.com/free.
When we're down, we need more than fluffy words - we need Christ. Join us as we consider what it looks like to find hope in Christ when we're down.
Find out more about the Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship at www.teach4theheart.com/mentorship or in our free training at www.teach4theheart.com/free.
The landscape in education is pretty bleak right now. Burnout is VERY real and VERY widespread. Teaching has always been exhausting, but we are reaching epic proportions and, honestly, could be heading for a bit of an educational apocalypse if something doesn't change.
I came across a concept called the Queen Bee Role that I think is timely and could be revolutionary - possibly the answer to teacher burnout and a lot of other issues plaguing schools right now. Let's explore it together.
Find out more about the Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship at www.teach4theheart.com/mentorship.
We talk a lot about classroom control here at Teach 4 the Heart, but the reality is that we cannot really control someone else's behavior. There is, however, a lot that IS in our control and that makes a powerful difference. Listen as we discuss!
Join the free Classroom Management Tune-Up at www.teach4theheart.com/3day.
Find out more about the Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship at www.teach4theheart.com/mentorship.
Are there a bit too many disruptions in your classroom? Have procedures started to slip? Join us in this free challenge and together we'll make three easy-to-implement tweaks that will cut disruptions and restore focus. Sign up for free at www.teach4theheart.com/3day.
As teachers, we are always looking for ways to motivate our students. But have you ever thought about how your credibility as a teacher plays a key role? Join us as we discuss this important concept.
Find out more about how you can increase your credibility in our free Succeed at Teaching training at www.teach4theheart.com/free.
The Credibility concept comes from Dave Stuart, Jr. Check out his work at www.davestuartjr.com.
We're excited to announce a new free resource called The Mentor Moments, a weekly email that will bring you the best, most helpful articles and resources in an easy-to-read format. Sign up and join the celebration giveaway at www.teach4theheart.com/giveaway.
Tragedies are all around us - from school shootings to natural disasters, car crashes to cancer - it's inevitable that tragedy will strike our schools and our personal lives. As believers, how do we make sense of these tragedies? Let's talk about it.
Get notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/181
Join us as we discuss how to show love and kindness when our tank is running on empty.
Links Mentioned: www.teach4theheart.com/free
As teachers, there's always so much to do and rarely enough time. Listen as we discuss the solution - and a powerful analogy that helps it all make sense.
We'd love to help you implement this system in our Tame Your To-Do List Workshop. Get into it at www.teach4theheart.com/tame and use the code STOP2022 to save 50% (limited time).
Was this break way too short to give you the restoration you need to dive back into teaching? If you're feeling utterly overwhelmed at the thought of teaching again, listen for an important word of encouragement and advice.
Links mentioned:
www.teach4theheart.com/150
www.teach4theheart.com/free
As teachers, we're always having more and more added to our plates - but do we ever stop to take anything off? Listen to discover thirty ideas of things you can stop doing (or at least do less often).
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/180
In this unique episode, we give you a glimpse behind the curtain at Teach 4 the Heart and share some of what we have planned for 2022.
If you'd like to support Teach 4 the Heart, helping us produce more free podcast episodes & support more teachers, you can do so at www.teach4theheart.com/give.
Thank you so much!
Has your administration asked you to do something that's taking up WAY too much time? Don't assume you're just stuck in this situation. Listen as we discuss how to find a solution that meets the requirement without taking too much of your valuable time.
Get our FREE training called Succeed at Teaching: 4 Essential Strategies They Don't Teach You in College at www.teach4theheart.com/free.
Many Christians want to stand for racial unity, but don’t know how. And many approaches to “racial reconciliation” can create more problems than they solve. In this episode, Monique Duson, founder of Center for Biblical Unity, will help us understand how we can pursue racial unity from a Biblical perspective.
This has been a year, and so many of us are feeling weary and stressed. Join us as we talk about how to rest in God and turn our worries over to Him, even as we continue to work.
We'd love to support you in the Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship and help bridge the gap between what you've been trained for and all that's being expected of you. Find out more at www.teach4theheart.com/mentorship.
Today we answer another wonderful question - How do I balance educating and ministering to students?
We'd love to help you tackle questions like this in the Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship, where we help bridge the gap between what you've been trained for and all that's being expected of you. Find out more at www.teach4theheart.com/mentorship.
Looking for ways to build connection with parents, without taking a ton of time? You won't want to miss these five powerful (but easy) ideas for effective communication with parents.
Today, we answer the question, "How do I stop being too hard on myself?"
We'd love to support you in the Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship and help bridge the gap between what you've been trained for and all that's being expected of you. Find out more at www.teach4theheart.com/mentorship.
The Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship is here to provide the training & support you’ve been missing so you can become the respected, impactful teacher you always dreamed you would be! Find out more and sign up at www.teach4theheart.com/mentorship.
Often the first step to solving a problem is clarifying exactly what the problem is and why it's happening. That's what we're doing today - examining THE GAP and why it's causing so many problems for teachers and schools.
In our Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship, we provide the training & support you're missing to help you become the respected, impactful teacher you always dreamed you would be. Find out more at www.teach4theheart.com/mentorship.
Alistair Begg joins us to talk about how we as Christians can stand for truth and shine our light as we teach and interact - even as the culture around us becomes more and more hostile.
This interview was originally recorded as part of the Rise Up Summit, a free online conference for Christian educators happening NOW. Join for free at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
Hear a clip from Monique Duson's amazing session, A Biblical Approach to Racial Unity. The full session is available for free as part of our Rise Up Summit, a free online conference for Christian educators that's happening October 21-26. Reserve your spot at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
Have you wanted to try centers or stations but weren't sure where to start? In this episode, Laura Kebart shares amazing advice for how to introduce stations without feeling stressed or disorganized.
This episode is just a snippet of our full conversation with Laura about centers and stations, which is available for free as part of the Rise Up Summit, an online conference for Christian educators that's happening October 21-26. Sign up for free at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
Imagine how successful and impactful you would be if you got to the point where you and your students were actually enjoying learning together! That's the goal of the Love Learning System. Join us as we explore how the Love Learning Together System helps you teach effectively without the stress by helping you master classroom management, time management, student engagement, and more!
We recently interviewed Monique Duson from the Center for Biblical Unity for a session at the Rise Up Summit called A Biblical Approach to Racial Unity. Today I share a key takeaway and some of what you can expect in the full session.
To watch the full interview, sign up for the free Rise Up Summit (an online conference for Christian educators) at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
Collaborative lesson planning can save a lot of time if it's done right. But it can also cause a lot of stress and frustration. In this session, we share a simple idea that helps make team lesson planning efficient, helpful, and stress-free.
This tip came from Kelly Jackson of The Simply Organized Teacher in the session we recoded for the upcoming Rise Up Summit, a free online conference for Christian educators.
Sign up for the free summit at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
Get more advice and help from Kelly at www.thesimplyorganizedteacher.com.
Trying to differentiate work can be stressful and time-consuming, but it doesn't have to be. Listen as Laura Kebart shares practical strategies to make differentiation simple and relatively easy.
In this episode, we speak openly and honestly about how to navigate trials and tough times - whether at school or in our personal lives.
It can be so hard to be consistent, can't it? Join us to discover practical tips to be more consistent this year.
Need help with classroom management, time management, and student engagement? Join the Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship at www.teach4theheart.com/mentorship or start with the free training at www.teach4theheart.com/free.
If a student is getting defensive, try these four magic words that can easily defuse the tension and get everyone smiling again.
Need help with classroom management, time management, and student engagement? Join the Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship at www.teach4theheart.com/mentorship or start with a free training at www.teach4theheart.com/free.
The title for this episode might just be throwing you for a loop. We're supposed to believe in ourselves, right!? Kind of, sort of, but maybe not really. Join us to discover why we shouldn't be trusting in our own ability and what (hint: WHO) we should be trusting instead.
Sign up for the free Rise Up Summit at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
Join the Mentorship at www.teach4theheart.com/mentorship.
Get notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/174.
Last time, we talked about a practical habit to help when we feel overwhelmed. Today, we're delving into the Spiritual aspect of what to do when we're stressed and how to trust God with all the circumstances of our lives.
Join the free 21-Day Prayer Challenge for Teachers at www.teach4theheart.com/prayerchallenge.
When we're feeling stressed and overwhelmed by how much we have to do, there's one thing we need to do. Listen to discover why this simple practice is so powerful and how you can do it in just twenty minutes.
Need more time-management help? Join the Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship at www.teach4theheart.com/mentorship or check out the free training at www.teach4theheart.com/free.
"Don't sweat the small stuff" is great advice sometimes, but NOT during the first week of school. In this episode, we explain why and talk through what we should do instead.
Need help figuring out how all this works? Join the Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship at www.teach4theheart.com/mentorship.
You can also find out more in our free training at www.teach4theheart.com/free.
We're coming off a hard year and still have so many unknowns ahead. How can we navigate this coming year with joy?
This episode will empower you with practical action steps to make joyful teaching (and LIVING!) within your reach. God wants us to find joy in the everyday and you will learn how to do that with regular routines, practical problem solving, and identifying joy killers.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/173
Sign up for the free Rise Up Summit at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
Find out more about the Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship at www.teach4theheart.com/free.
We all want the first day of school to go smoothly - and for it to set the tone for a great year. Listen to discover some simple tips to help this happen.
Join the mentorship at www.teach4theheart.com/mentorship or watch the free training at www.teach4theheart.com/free.
Do you want to connect with God more but sometimes struggle to make it happen? Join us to discover a simple way to redeem lost time and create regular connection throughout the day.
And join us for our free Rise Up Summit at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
Join us as we explore a sort of motto for the 2021-22 school year: Bear with One Another (from Colossians 3:12-15).
Find out more about the Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship at www.teach4theheart.com/mentorship
Today, I'm sharing a bit of my own story - how my first year of teaching went (spoiler: it wasn't good), what I learned, and how I turned things around.
During the first week of school, it's vital that we take time to teach and practice procedures. Listen as we discuss how to start off the year right and establish good habits from day one.
We'll dive deeper into how to teach procedures in our free Back-to-School Classroom Management Solutions training. Sign up for free at www.teach4theheart.com/backtoschooltraining.
When there's confusion and chaos in our lives, anxiety can overwhelm us. Join us as we discuss how to stay calm in the midst of confusion.
Find out more about the Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship at www.teach4theheart.com/mentorship.
Sign up for the free Back-to-School trainings at www.teach4theheart.com/trainings.
There's one thing you definitely don't want to forget - especially this year. Listen to this quick episode to discover what it is!
Sign up for the free Back-to-School Classroom Management Solutions training at www.teach4theheart.com/trainings.
As our society moves into a Post-Christian era, we face more and more issues where Scripture and culture clash. How do we keep our bearings as Christians, and how do we wisely interact with those around us? Join us as we discuss these key questions.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/171
There is so much confusion around sexual identity, in particular in relation to what the Bible teaches. In this episode, we explore the key concept of identity and the difference between secular and Biblical views of identity.
Find out more about the Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship at www.teach4theheart.com/mentorship.
When it comes to our perspective on U.S. History, there are two extremes that we want to avoid. Join us as we explore what a Biblical view of history looks like.
Join our Facebook group at www.teach4theheart.com/facebook.
Get PD credit for listening to podcasts at www.teach4theheart.com/pd.
Sometimes, in an effort to avoid one extreme, we end up falling into another. Join us as we explore this concept and apply it to our work hours as teachers.
Find out more about Angela Watson's 40 Hour Teacher Workweek at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher
As a teacher, you have so many responsibilities that stress and overwhelm are almost inevitable. But what if they weren't? Special guest Angela Watson, creator of the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek joins us to discuss four simple but powerful time-management strategies that will reduce stress right away and help you achieve better work/life balance.
Find out more about the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher.
(affiliate link)
Teaching is a challenging profession, and it's not good to try to go at it alone. Join us as we discuss the value of mentorship and how to seek out a mentor - or mentee.
Find out about the Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship in our free training at www.teach4theheart.com/free.
There are so many ways to use your summer break, but there's one thing that is more powerful than anything else!
There are so many ways in which our culture is headed in a direction that is in opposition to Biblical teaching. How do we engage with this as Christian teachers? Join us as we discuss this important question.
For more help with gender identity, listen to episode #125 and 126 or go to www.teach4theheart.com/125
For help with racial unity and Critical Race Theory, listen to episode #151 or go to www.teach4theheart.com/151
Join the discussion in our Facebook group at www.teach4theheart.com/facebook
Find out more about the Mentorship program at www.teach4theheart.com/free
This year was like nothing we've experienced, but God takes every trial and uses it for good. In this celebratory episode, we share stories of lessons learned and silver linings from this crazy year of pandemic teaching.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/169
Check out our celebratory merch at www.teach4theheart.com/merch.
There are lots of opportunities for growth this summer!
Here's a few:
Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship: www.teach4theheart.com/free
Courses: https://academy.teach4theheart.com/courses
Teachers in the Word Bible Study: www.bonniekathryn.com/teachers-in-the-word
Book Clubs: www.teach4theheart.com/bookclub
When we're feeling stressed or frustrated, this simple reminder will help us work with joy.
Find out more about...
Teach Uplifted: www.teachuplifted.com
Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship: www.teach4theheart.com/free
Have you taken your class outside recently? Time to try it!
Find out if the Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship is right for you in our free training at www.teach4theheart.com/free.
Today, we want to talk honestly about how God is leading us at Teach 4 the Heart - and the part God may have you to play in supporting our mission.
Have you ever taught your students how to find their own relevance? Join us to discover how powerful this concept is and how to get started.
Find out more about the Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship at www.teach4theheart.com/free.
Join us to learn a simple question you can ask yourself to help make your lessons more relevant.
Find out more about the mentorship in our free training at www.teach4theheart.com/free.
It's so easy to run ourselves ragged trying to meet everyone's expectations. But perhaps it's actually more important to guard our energy. Let's talk about it!
Get our new FREE training about how to create a class you & your students enjoy together at www.teach4theheart.com/free.
It can be so helpful to have parent volunteers support your classroom. But what if you're not sure exactly what to have them do? What if most of your students' parents are working and can't be there during the school day? We polled our community to come up with innovative ways to best utilize parent volunteers, both in-person and virtually.
Did you know you may be able to earn PD credit for listening to podcast episodes? Get the details at www.teach4theheart.com/pd.
Listen to discover the difference between intentional breaks & unintentional breaks -which can make all the difference in allowing you to get more done at school so you can take less home.
Are you wondering whether or not you should keep teaching next year? Listen as we discuss some key questions to help guide your decision.
Listen to hear six powerful questions that will help you learn from the past and plan wisely for the future.
These reflection questions are included each month in Pray & Plan, our new planner for Christian educators. Pre-order yours now at www.teach4theheart.com/planner.
Now you can get potential PD credit for listening to podcast episodes! Find out how and sign up at www.teach4theheart.com/pd.
Do you ever feel stressed or frazzled when you consider all the to-do's you need to accomplish? Join us to discover 8 planning strategies that will help you be more balanced, effective, and joyful.
Get Pray & Plan at www.teach4theheart.com/planner.
Get PD Certificates for this & other podcast episodes at www.teach4theheart.com/pd
In episode 159, we taught a simple technique to tame your to-do list with the 4T's - trim, trash, transfer, and treasure. If you haven't gone through this recently, it's time to do it again. In fact, it makes a tremendous monthly habit, which is why we've incorporated it into Pray & Plan, our brand new planner for Christian educators.
Pre-order Pray & Plan at www.teach4theheart.com/planner
Do you ever feel like balance is unattainable? Maybe that's because you have the wrong idea of what work/life balance is. Join us as we discuss what balance does & doesn't look like - and the #1 key to maintaining it.
Join the Pray & Plan launch party in our Facebook group at www.teach4theheart.com/facebook.
Do you know an amazing instructional assistant who would like to earn their teaching degree? Nominate them for a scholarship at www.piu.online/teach4theheart.
Are you feeling burnt out as a teacher? Join us to discover why you're feeling burnt out and how to know what to do next.
Get notes, links, and access to the Burned In Teacher Quiz at www.teach4theheart.com/165.
The Gospel changes EVERYTHING. Join us to hear a bit of my own testimony, a short recap of the Gospel, and why it matters in our lives as believing teachers.
Resources for additional help:
www.thestoryfilm.com
www.truthforlife.org
Choosing ahead of time when you will & won't work each week is so powerful! Listen to discover how and why this works.
And watch for our brand new Plan & Pray planner for Christian teachers coming for pre-order in April!
Listen as we discuss a recent epiphany I've had about the relationship between confidence and resilience.
Share your thoughts in our Facebook group at www.teach4theheart.com/facebook.
Teaching is always overwhelming but this year has brought it to a whole new level. As Christians, we know God calls us to rest in Him, but what exactly does this look like when we have a million responsibilities and can barely keep our heads above water? Join us as we examine Scripture and consider how God would have us think about our work, rest, and stress levels.
Are you tempted to stress about things that you can't control? I sure am! In this episode, we discuss a simple but profound habit that will help us stop stressing about things we can't control and focus our energies instead in the avenues of impact that God has given us.
Struggling to trust God? Join us in Teach Uplifted at www.teachuplifted.com.
Our culture tells us that when we feel inadequate, we need to believe in ourselves. But the Bible says exactly the opposite. The truth is that we are inadequate, but Christ in us is more than enough. Join us as we examine this incredible, life-giving truth.
Want to learn a surefire way to keep students from getting into an argument with you? Don't argue with them! Listen to discover how this works and why it's so powerful.
Make sure to join us for our free trainings next week - Classroom Management Solutions or Respectful, Responsible, and Engaged. Learn more & sign up at www.teach4theheart.com/trainings.
Some classes are extra tough. If you're dealing with a difficult class, listen to discover 9 strategies to reach even these challenging students - and keep yourself sane in the process.
Get notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/163
Sign up for the free Classroom Management Solutions training at www.teach4theheart.com/training.
Are your students getting away with way too much in your class? There's one simple solution that will make huge strides to alleviating behavioral issues in your classroom. Listen to find out what it is!
Get help creating a calm, conducive learning environment in our free Classroom Management Solutions training. Sign up at www.teach4theheart.com/training.
Do you ever feel like you have so much to do you can't possibly take a break and rest? In this episode, we discuss the Sabbath and what God intended it for, and how necessary it is for us to trust God enough to be able to rest.
If you'd like help learning how to trust God and rest in Him, we invite you to join us in Teach Uplifted. Get more info at www.teachuplifted.com.
Let's pray together for our students' parents and their families.
For more prayer prompts and reminders, join our free 21-Day Prayer Challenge at www.teach4theheart.com/prayerchallenge.
Feeling #TeacherTired? Join this conversation with Gina Rodriguez, author of the book #TeacherTired as we discuss how to find strength in God when you're just not sure you can keep going.
Get the notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/162.
Missing field trips this year? Poverty Encounter has a wonderful virtual field trip that is completely free! Get the details and sign up at www.teach4theheart.com/poverty.
Time is always limited, but this year even more so. How do we ensure we are teaching the most important concepts, since we don't have time to cover everything? We give you a simple framework in today's quick thought episode.
Our Facebook group is wonderful resource for advice. Join at www.teach4theheart.com/facebook.
And if classroom disruptions are eating into your class time, get our free Classroom Management Minicourse at www.teach4theheart.com/minicourse.
God cares about every aspect of our lives, right - but what about our to-do list? Is that something we can & should pray about? What does it look like to trust Him with our daily tasks & responsibilities? We talk about all this - and more - in today's episode.
For a more in-depth conversation, listen to Podcast episode 155 at www.teach4theheart.com/155. You'll also find great help and support in Teach Uplifted at www.teachuplifted.com.
As Christians, we know God has called us to be a light to those around us. But as teachers, we're not always sure what that looks like. Join us as we discuss how, as teachers, we are really called to be missionaries and how we can be a light in both public & private schools.
You are working so hard, so it can be tough to see people bashing teachers or saying how online learning is failing our students. How do we stay positive and not allow these comments to derail us? That's what we're discussing in today's quick-thought episode.
We dive deeper into how to control our thoughts & mindset in Teach Uplifted. Join us at www.teachuplifted.com.
Self-care is a big buzzword these days, but have we ever thought about it in our spiritual lives? We desperately need to spend time with God in prayer, read His Word, and be in fellowship with others. Join us as we discuss how these spiritual disciplines are truly important aspects of self-care, and how we can re-commit to them today.
Teach Uplifted is here to help re-vitalize your spiritual life as we dive into God's Word together. Join us at www.teachuplifted.com.
Let's discuss what to do when your school is creating an initiative that you fundamentally disagree with - particularly if it goes against your Biblical values.
These tips come from the Center for Biblical Unity. Follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/centerforbiblicalunity or check out their website at www.centerforbiblicalunity.com.
Are you pouring your heart into teaching and feel like it's just not working? Maybe you aren't seeing the results you want, or you wonder if you're making a difference after all. Join us as we discuss how to handle these disappointments and work with God to fulfill the calling He has given us.
How should Christians respond to upheaval in the world - or when things don't turn out the way we hoped they would? Join us as we discuss this important question.
Please note that this episode was recorded BEFORE all the craziness that ensued at the Capitol. Providentially, these thoughts are probably even more applicable now than ever. However, I wanted to explain why these events aren't specifically addressed in this episode.
Find out more about Teach Uplifted at www.teachuplifted.com.
Do emails suck you back into work when you're supposed to be off? Try this simple change to create better boundaries with email.
Share your experience in our Facebook group at www.teach4theheart.com/facebook.
Get the Tame Your To-Do List System for Teachers at www.teach4theheart.com/tame.
Does staring at your overflowing to-do list overwhelm you before you even get started? Listen to discover a simple way to organize your to-do list so that it motivates you instead.
Get the Tame Your To-Do List System for Teachers at www.teach4theheart.com/tame.
The demands this year are extra insane, leaving us overwhelmed, stressed, and frazzled. It's time to take back control of your to-do list, and we'll give you a powerful framework to do just that in this episode.
Get the complete Tame Your To-Do List System for Teachers at www.teach4theheart.com/tame.
Last time, we discussed how our time and energy are limited & we must choose to spend that limited time on what matters most. Today, we'll dive into how to identify what matters most - both at school and personally.
Then, if you need help figuring out how to translate your top priorities into your to-do list, join us in the Tame Your To-Do List System for Teachers at www.teach4theheart.com/tame.
The responsibilities are extra-overwhelming. How do we know we've done enough? Join us to discover why that's not actually the right question to ask, and what to consider instead.
Get the Tame Your To-Do List System for Teachers at www.teach4theheart.com/tame.
While we're thankful 2020 is over, you may feel quite overwhelmed by the thought of heading back to school in 2021. If so, join us for a time in the psalms as we re-orient our thinking to an eternal perspective.
Whether you're heading back in-person or online, the return from Christmas break provides an opportunity to reset your classroom and fix a lot of the issues that may have plagued you in the first semester. Join us to discover a simple 4-step process to tune up your (virtual or in-person) classroom and make things run a bit more smoothly.
We desperately need to take time to refresh over break, but if you don't plan it in your schedule, it might not happen!
Share what you plan to do to refresh this break in our Facebook group at www.teach4theheart.com/facebook.
Want to give your students a gift but haven't had the time or money to get anything? We've got you covered! Listen for a super easy (and free) idea. Then head to www.teach4theheart.com/homeworkpass to download the free template.
Books (or ebooks) are a great last-minute gift for fellow teachers. Grab one at www.teach4theheart.com/books.
If you're teaching in-person but also have virtual students, too, then you know how hard it is to keep track of the needs of both! Listen for a quick tip to help you stay connected to your virtual student(s) while teaching the rest of the class in-person.
Do you feel unorganized & frazzled as a teacher? Sign up for the Organized Teacher Framework at www.teach4theheart.com/organized.
(affiliate link)
Did you know you can have your students create review activities (like Kahoot quizzes) for you? Not only will it save you time, but it will also be a great learning experience for them! Listen for details.
And if you're struggling with student behavior, get our free classroom management minicourse at www.teach4theheart.com/minicourse (helpful for both in-person and online teaching)
Ever wish you could clone yourself so you could get more done - or be in two places at once? Well, listen today for some ideas for where to get someone to help you out with your class.
Make sure you're on our email list to get 3 gifts December 8-10. Sign up at www.teach4theheart.com.
Secondary math teachers, sign up for the 3 math gifts form our partner brand MathLight at www.mymathlight.com/updates.
Teaching is so utterly overwhelming this year; almost everyone is on the brink of burnout. Join us to discover five key realizations that will help you rein in your to-do list and get through this year without burning out.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/157.
When we're in the middle of a season of intense challenge, it's easy to be utterly overwhelmed by how far we have to go. But it can be hugely helpful to take a step back and consider how far we've come. That's what we'll do today.
Check out our Holiday Merch Shop at www.teach4theheart.com/merch.
Do you have students scattered all over the place? Maybe you're on a hybrid schedule; or maybe some students are in-person & others online? Listen for a simple strategy to help keep students connected & on the same page, even when they're not all together at the same time.
Check out our Holiday Merch Shop at www.teach4theheart.com/merch.
We definitely want our students practicing and applying what they've learned, but direct instruction is also vital. Listen to discover six ways to make direct instruction more engaging - drawing students in and getting them excited to learn.
When things feel overwhelming, we need to remind ourselves of what is true. Join us as we do just that, reminding ourselves that God is in control, that He is with us, that He is our strength, and that He is at work in and through us in these days.
This year more than ever, you should definitely take a few minutes to ask your students how things are going. Listen for tips on how to do this quickly & easily.
Get more support in creating a vibrant classroom culture in Beyond Classroom Management at www.teach4theheart.com/beyond.
We are so thankful we have the internet to aid our remote learning, but just because we're using technology doesn't mean that everything must be - or should be - done on the screen. Join us to discover simple & easy ways to give your students a break from the screen.
Join our Facebook group at www.teach4theheart.com/facebook.
The pressure of our to-do list can be overwhelming, but yet God calls us to rest. How can this be? Join us to discover a God-centered approach to work, and how to rely on His grace to truly eliminate stress and find balance, despite the busyness.
Get the summit audio album at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
As Christians, we are called to do our best, but once we've done that, the results are in God's hands. Join us for a word of encouragement as we seek to do our best and not stress about the rest.
Need some help figuring out how to let go of stress and trust God? Join us in Teach Uplifted at www.teachuplifted.com.
A few weeks ago we instituted Family Clean Up at our house, and it's been a huge help, already. Listen to discover how it works.
And get the full program at www.teach4theheart.com/chores.
Jackie Matthews share a key insight for dealing with difficult people.
This is just a small clip from the full session. Catch the full interview at the Rise Up Summit October 22-27. Sign up for free at www.riseupchristianeducators.com
This year has brought so many extra challenges, and our lack of connection only expounds them. The truth is that we need each other and meaningful connection can bring us the encouragement and ideas we need. Join us as we discuss how and why we can find encouragement and connection, even with social distancing.
We also warmly invite you to our Rise Up Summit, a free online conference for Christian educators. You can attend online only OR grab a friend and watch it together. The connection and discussion will be invaluable! Sign up for free at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
Differentiation is so important, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Laura Kebart shares how we should - and shouldn't - think of differentiation and the key to making it effective without causing undue work and stress.
This is just a small clip from the full session. Catch the full interview at the Rise Up Summit October 22-27. Sign up for free at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
With so much happening, it's easy to judge others and be upset when they disagree with us. But there is such freedom in giving grace and realizing that it's okay to have differing views.
Grab the new Teaching is My Mission merch at www.teach4theheart.com/merch
Enjoy this powerful clip from the upcoming Rise Up Summit. Michele Holiday shares how we can work out of an awareness of God's presence. You won't want to miss the full session. Sign up to watch for free at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
If you teach reading or writing, you cannot miss this episode! Jen Bengel shares an easy-to-implement model that builds skill and comprehension, and can be easily modified to work online!
Join us as we discuss a simple strategy to help you catch up when you're behind on work and starting to feel stressed!
Check out the amazing bundles of digital math resources for grades 3-5 or 6-8 at www.teach4theheart.com/digitalmath.
Did you know there are at least five heritage months throughout the year that celebrate various minority contributions? Join us to hear some ideas for how to incorporate their celebration into your classroom and school.
Make sure to check out episode 152 at www.teach4theheart.com/152.
And join our free Classroom Management TuneUp at www.teach4theheart.com/tuneup.
God has gifted us with beautifully diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities. Join us to discover how to embrace and celebrate this in your classroom.
Plus, we'll also answer the common question, "Shouldn't we just be colorblind?"
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/152
Sign up for the Rise Up Summit at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
Our hope is found in Christ, and our students, parents, and colleagues need that hope, too! Join us to discover some keys ways to share that - even if you teach in a public school.
Find out more about when religion is & isn't allowed to be discussed at www.teach4theheart.com/religion.
Find out more about Christian Educators Association Intl. at www.teach4theheart.com/ceai.
Get our free Teach with Faith, not Fear training at https://academy.teach4theheart.com/p/teach-with-faith-not-fear.
It's somewhat common to feel alone at your school anyhow, but this pandemic has brought loneliness to another level! If you're feeling alone, listen to discover simple advice for creating meaningful connections within the body of Christ - yes, even now!
Sign up for the Rise Up Summit, a free online conference for Christian educators, at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
Teaching difficult students can be, well, difficult. But taking a long-term view can be extremely helpful. Join us to discover what that looks like – and how it will help you persevere.
Grab your copy of Take Heart & Teach at www.teach4theheart.com/books
We knew an election year would involve politics, but we had no idea the scope & weightiness of all the social issues we'd be grappling with this year.
How can we engage these issues with our students in a way that is helpful, respectful, and unifying? Join us to discover three key principles.
Get notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/138.
Find out more about Teach Uplifted at www.teachuplifted.com.
This pandemic has many of us facing unprecedented situations, and it's almost inevitable that at some point leadership will make a decision that you disagree with. Join us as we process how to respond when this happens.
Join the free 21-Day Prayer Challenge for Teachers at www.teach4theheart.com/prayerchallenge
Are you teaching online or have students learning virtually? Discover four simple ways to engage shy or hesitant learners online.
Get more ideas for virtual teaching, hybrid learning, and more at www.teach4theheart.com/pandemicteaching
Join our Facebook group at www.teach4theheart.com/facebook.
Are you using Loom.com? This tool will save you tons of time and make it easier to communicate with your students. Listen for details.
Check out Loom at www.loom.com.
Check out our new merch at www.teach4theheart.com/merch.
As Christian teachers, we must engage with issues surrounding race and justice, but how we do that should look quite different than prevailing secular thought. We must examine everything we are hearing, reading, and thinking in light of the Bible and interpret everything through the lens of the Gospel.
Join us as we discuss how much of what we’re hearing is actually based in a secular philosophy called Critical Race Theory. But that is not the only way to fight against racism. Through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, God offers a different - and much better - way to pursue unity.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/151
Classroom management doesn't disappear online. You still have issues like students blurting out answers, forgetting to turn off their mics, or bringing in a lot of background noise. Join us for practical tips to reduce audio disruptions in the virtual classroom.
Get the Virtual Classroom Rules list at www.teach4theheart.com/virtual.
Get more classroom management help (online or in-person) at www.teach4theheart.com/backtoschooltraining.
Are you frustrated about everything you can't do - or extra things that you have to do? Get yourself excited again by choosing to let go of the negative and instead brainstorm from this simple question: "What possibilities does this situation open up?"
And don't forget about classroom management! It matters now more than ever! Get our free Back-to-School Classroom Management Solutions training at www.teach4theheart.com/backtoschooltraining.
This year, more than ever, you can't try to do everything on your own! In this episode, we discuss three avenues that you delegate responsibility: parent volunteers, partnering with fellow teachers, and giving students responsibility. Listen for details & ideas!
Get more ideas about how to delegate responsibilities in podcast episode #91 or at www.teach4theheart.com/delegate.
Find out more about Classroom Management 101 at www.teach4theheart.com/cm101
With everything happening, it's so easy to feel overwhelmed, frustrated or discouraged. That's why we MUST keep our eyes on Jesus and on what He says is true.
These 10 affirmations are truths we must cling to this year, so don't just listen once. Head to www.teach4theheart.com/150 and download a printable version you can review daily!
So many scenarios this year have teachers responsible for in-person AND virtual learning
If you're using a hybrid model
If parents choose in-person or virtual and you have to facilitate both
If you're in-person but anticipate lots of extended absences
In all these scenarios, you can't afford to create two sets of lessons! Listen for some simple ideas for how to streamline your workflow and keep everyone on the same page.
Get more information about flipping your class at www.teach4theheart.com/flip - or check out episode #45.
Get video math lessons for pre-algebra, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2 at www.mymathlight.com.
Stress, anxiety, overwhelm - these are always challenges but perhaps never so commonly as this year.
How do we combat these feelings? We need to put on the armor of God and stand firm in His truth.
Listen for an encouraging word from Ephesians 6 and join our free prayer challenge at www.teach4theheart.com/prayerchallenge.
In many ways, this school year didn't shape up the way we hoped it would. But perhaps that gives us a bigger chance than ever to make a difference.
Join us as we talk about how to keep a positive perspective - and the powerful impact this can have on our students.
Find out more about Teach Uplifted at www.teachuplifted.com.
Join the free prayer challenge at www.teach4theheart.com/prayerchallenge
The 2020-21 school year promises to be extra challenging, which means we need boundaries & routines more than ever.
Join us to discover key routines and boundaries that will help you & your students not just survive but perhaps even thrive in this crazy year.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/149
Get the Teach Uplifted Devotions at www.teach4theheart.com/devotions
These outfit guides have been making it so much easier for me to plan out my wardrobe.
If planning outfits stresses you out, check out these guides: www.teach4theheart.com/outfit
Increase student motivation by helping them set their own goals & monitor their own progress. Today, we give four steps to make this happen.
Learn more about goal-setting in Beyond Classroom Management at www.teach4theheart.com/beyond.
And join us for our FREE Respectful, Responsible, & Engaged live training to discover more ways to motivate your students. Sign up at www.teach4theheart.com/trainings.
Do you ever wonder if controlling your classroom is actually the right goal? It's an important question, and we tackle it in today's episode.
Join us for a FREE Back-to-School Classroom Management Solutions training at www.teach4theheart.com/training.
We still may not be 100% sure what school will look like this fall, but we know that we'll want to make every second we have together count! Today, we'll discuss five keys to create a conducive learning environment no matter what learning situation you end up facing.
Get the notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/148
Join our FREE classroom management trainings at www.teach4theheart.com/trainings
Find out more about Classroom Management 101 at www.teach4theheart.com/cm101
Classroom jobs aren't just for cute kindergarteners. You can automate your classroom by transferring responsibility for certain tasks to your students.
We talk more about this in podcast #91 at www.teach4theheart.com/delegate.
And Angela teaches how to do this in detail in the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club. Join now at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher.
It's clear we must stand and fight against racial injustice. But the philosophy behind our fight is key. Will we take the secular perspective that try to do it without God? Or will we recognize that true unity, justice, and peace flow from Jesus?
In this special episode, team member Sarah talks with her daughter Lydia about the difference some work/life balance & the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club has made for their family.
Teaching is overwhelming in the best of times. Add in a pandemic, distance learning, and everything else, and balance feels like it's completely out the window.
But what we did last spring was unsustainable. As we look towards the fall, we must find a semblance of work/life balance. And these principles will help you do that.
I cannot recommend Angela Watson's 40 Hour Teacher Workweek program highly enough. Find out more & join now at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/147
When we're feeling worried, stressed, or frustrated, we must take those concerns to God and leave them in His capable hands. Doing this over and over again gradually creates a habit of peace instead of anxiety. ❤️
Explore these thoughts further in the Teach Uplifted Devotions for Teachers at www.teach4theheart.com/devotions or the full Teach Uplifted program at www.teachuplifted.com.
Do you ever find yourself searching for that worksheet - that test - that quiz - that you know should be right around here but has somehow gone missing? This simple organizational system will ensure you always know exactly where every paper is. And, bonus, your desk will be way less cluttered, too!
Get more ideas in Angela Watson's 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club: www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher.
Have you tried to delegate tasks to students or parent volunteers - only to find yourself frustrated that you have to re-do all of it? This simple mindset shift will allow you to finally utilize student & volunteer help - without getting annoyed or wasting time.
Angela Watson has so many of these systems already figured out in her 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club. Check it out at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher.
Covid closures completely upended the school year. And now, as we consider heading back new year, we have no idea what that might look like.
But regardless of the form school takes 2020-21, we can and should be asking bigger questions. How can we take the lessons we've learned during these closures and reimagine schools in a better way - a way that truly prepares students and connects with them in a meaningful way?
Join us as we discuss these important questions with Dave Stuart Jr.
Get notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/146.
Join Angela Watson's 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher.
Join our Facebook group at www.teach4theheart.com/facebook
If you teach K - 2, you definitely need to try ABCmouse.com. This program is incredibly easy to use & set up and super engaging for kids. Best of all, it's free for teachers and their students! Check it out at www.abcmouse.com/teachers.
Join Angela Waton's 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher.
If you’re a white teacher that’s somewhat confused about racism, “white privilege,” and everything that’s happening, this episode is for you. I’m only beginning to understand myself, but I hope this message will help us all better love one another not just in word but in action, too.
Chances are, we're going to be facing some changes that we don't like. So what do we do about it? Rather than accepting that things will be horrible, we can find creative solutions that will actually work by asking a simple question.
Join Angela Watson's 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher.
Do you lie down to sleep only to find your mind racing with a million thoughts, concerns, and questions? Listen to and discover a beautifully simple way to quiet your mind each evening, resulting in more sleep and less anxiety.
Compline: Evening Liturgies for Anxious Souls:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/compline-evening-liturgies-for-anxious-souls/id1509076756
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1dJphTNj9KJBlhX9Yf48GD
Join one of our free summer book clubs at www.teach4theheart.com/bookclub
We all hoped next fall everything would be back to normal, but now we're not so sure. Theories and ideas abound about what form next school year will take.
So what are we as teachers to do? How can we plan when we don't know what we're planning for? Where do we spend our time when there's so much uncertainty?
In this episode, we discuss six imperatives that will help focus us on what matters most - and avoid draining our energy worrying about possibilities that may or may not ever materialize.
Save this episode to revisit throughout the summer! Get the notes at www.teach4theheart.com/145.
Find out more about Angela Watson's 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher.
And join one of our summer book clubs at www.teach4theheart.com/bookclub.
Believe it or not, you have learned and grown SO MUCH as a teacher through this crisis. Don't let all that growth go to waste! Schedule a time of reflection where you consider what you've learned and what you want to do differently when things are back to "normal."
Join us in our summer book club at www.teach4theheart.com/bookclub.
As we consider ending the year without most of our well-beloved traditions, we can seek out other ways to connect and create a sense of closure. Listen for some ideas & inspiration.
Collaborate in our Facebook group at www.teach4theheart.com/facebook.
Today I just want to say thank you. Thank you, teachers, for all you are doing to help students continue to learn and grow. You are amazing.
Save the date for the Rise Up Summit - an online conference for Christian educators - October 22-27, 2020. Get details at www.riseupchristianeducators.com.
Distance learning has completely upended our end-of-the-year traditions, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still do something meaningful, engaging, and even fun in the final days of school.
Listen to discover a fun (low-prep) project you can use to review, create a sense of closure, and even create fun memories in these last days of distance learning.
Get the notes at www.teach4theheart.com/144
Join the summer book club at www.teach4theheart.com/bookclub
While we all wish we could go on those field trips we had planned, a virtual one might be the next best thing! Listen for some cool ideas, and plan one with your class.
Watch the free Respectful, Responsible, & Engaged training at www.teach4theheart.com/teachertraining.
We've been doing distance learning for awhile now, but in most cases, we're not done yet. Now is a great time to evaluate what you've been doing and look for ways to simplify even further. Ask yourself, "what matters most" and focus on that.
Get the virtual classroom rules list at www.teach4theheart.com/virtual.
The title of our podcast is Teach 4 the Heart. But what exactly does that mean? Join us as we discuss what it means - and why it matters!
Join us for our 21-Day Prayer Challenge at www.teach4theheart.com/prayerchallenge.
Are you trying to teach from home while simultaneously taking care of your own kids? Join us for some helpful ideas to make things go just a bit more smoothly.
Get the notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/143
I've found that when I sit down on Friday and spend a few minutes planning the next week, I not only get more done but I'm also able to let go of the mental stress and actually enjoy time off over the weekend. Listen as I explain exactly how this works.
For more ideas, check out our free Reclaim Your Time Challenge at www.teach4theheart.com/reclaim
Today I'm sharing some insights from Paul David Tripp's book, Parenting that absolutely apply to teaching. Let's talk about the amazing work of God's grace to empower us to teach in His strength.
As I've found my emotions all over the place, I've found comfort in the fact that God cares about our tears and struggles. Join us as we imagine a picture of God as a comforting Father, crying with us and walking with us through this crisis.
Join the prayer challenge at www.teach4theheart.com/prayerchallenge.
Join us in Teach Uplifted at www.teachuplifted.com.
In this special episode, Colleen Hoffman shares lessons learned from her challenging journey of watching her baby granddaughter suffer through - and ultimately die from - cancer.
But this episode is anything but depressing. Colleen challenges us to look to God, raise our shield of faith, and trust Him and His definition of good during each moment of our own trials.
I first heard this talk last October, but I listened to it again as I was struggling with my own thoughts & emotions during this current crisis. I knew her wisdom and hard-earned experience would be a huge help to so many of you, and I pray you will be edified in the Lord.
This episode can also be found at www.teach4theheart.com/142.
Join us in Teach Uplifted at www.teachuplifted.com.
NOTE: We recorded this episode before the current crisis exploded into our world, but as I went back and listened, I found the truths amazingly applicable to what we're all facing today. So I hope this episode will be an encouragement to you.
Sometimes we might wonder if we are in the right school, the right grade level, the right profession - but God has you right where you are for a reason. He didn't make a mistake, and we can rest in that truth.
Join us for our 21-Day Prayer Challenge at www.teach4theheart.com/prayerchallenge.
We're all struggling with the lack of our normal interactions, and that means the connections you have with your students are more important than ever! Join us as we hear encouragement from Kim Pendleton, who's been teaching online for two years.
Join our Facebook group at www.teach4theheart.com/facebook
As teachers, we deal with a plethora of challenges and are often even mistreated. But Christ's example and Paul's admonition in Philippians 2:1-13 can be a huge encouragement for us not to worry so much about what we think we deserve but to instead seek to serve our students and those around us.
Join us for our 21-Day Prayer Challenge at www.teach4theheart.com/prayerchallenge.
Are you stressed about all the things that are out of your control during this crisis? Join us for a word of encouragement about how to let go and trust the One who holds everything in the palm of His hands.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/141
Join Teach Uplifted at www.teachuplifted.com
Sometimes a situation (whether inside or outside the classroom) feels simply impossible. But nothing is impossible with God, and He can redeem even the messiest of situations.
Join us in our upcoming prayer challenge at www.teach4theheart.com/prayerchallenge
Is your head spinning as you scramble to transition to distance learning? These five questions will help guide your thoughts and actions towards what matters most.
Some people are finding themselves with extra time during this quarantine, but others of us have more responsibilities than ever! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, join us as we discuss how to experience God’s rest even as we tackle our mile-long to-do lists.
Are you missing your students? Missing teaching? Let's talk about what to do with all these challenging emotions.
As teachers, we like plans! So how do we cope with all the uncertainty all around us? Join us as we discuss how Gospel hope can help us navigate this unique challenge.
As you face distance learning & COVID closures, do you find yourself wondering if you’re doing enough for your students? In this special episode, we look at Biblical principles that will help you serve your students without taking on too much.
I've always thought of work and rest as two separate things, but God is showing me the amazing power of working out of rest. I explain what that means in this quick episode.
Grab your copy of Take Heart & Teach at www.teach4theheart.com/take-heart.
Life looks so different than it did a week ago. In this special episode, we discuss how we at Teach 4 the Heart are seeking to support you during this challenging time. You’ll also hear words of encouragement and ideas for how to keep faith and focus while we wait.
We just released a teaching jobs board where you can submit and search job openings. If you know of an opening, please let the community know about it. And if you’re searching for a job, you can view recommendations as well.
Simply head to www.teach4theheart.com/jobs to view or submit teaching job openings.
Do you ever feel like lessons or activities have to be fun in order to be engaging? Well, that’s not true! There are other ways to make lessons engaging, and we’ll share them in today’s episode.
For more ideas, join us for the free Respectful, Responsible, & Engaged training at www.teach4theheart.com/trainings.
Do you ever wonder why your classroom management isn’t working? I reveal the answer in today’s episode.
Join us for our FREE Classroom Management Solutions training at www.teach4theheart.com/trainings.
Last July Janyne McConnaughey joined us to discuss trauma-sensitive teaching and how to support students affected by trauma. But what about when we as teachers are dealing with the effects of trauma?
Join us for an enlightening conversation about how trauma might be impacting us as teachers - and how to find healing and hope.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/137
Do you ever feel tension with wanting to be kind but feeling you should be more strict? Join us for a quick conversation about how to balance kindness & firmness in the classroom.
Join us in our upcoming FREE classroom management live trainings at www.teach4theheart.com/trainings.
No one longs for a discipline issue to interrupt their day, but what if those interruptions are actually important opportunities - opportunities God has brought you to help that student learn and grow? Join us as we consider this together.
Join one of our free trainings at www.teach4theheart.com/trainings.
As teachers, we often count a day successful if our lessons go well, the kids mostly behave, or we get a lot done. But is God’s measure of a successful day? Let’s consider this important question together.
Join us in Teach with Faith, not Fear or Teach for Eternity at https://academy.teach4theheart.com.
None of us enjoy negative feedback, but how we respond to it can truly change the course of our career. Will we get upset and defensive? Or will we use it as an opportunity to grow?
Get the notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/podcast136
Find out more about CEAI at www.teach4theheart.com/ceai
If you’ve been teaching long, you’ve probably been the target of a parent’s stress and frustration. But rather than taking it personally, we can understand where this frustration is likely coming from and respond with compassion. Listen to discover how!
Join Beyond Classroom Management at www.teach4theheart.com/beyond
Parents often make unreasonable requests – often without even realizing quite how unreasonable they are. Today we discuss how we should respond to them.
Find out more about Classroom Management 101 at www.teach4theheart.com/cm101.
Now is the perfect time to shore up & reteach your procedures. Listen to discover tips & resources to help you do just that.
Join the free 5-Day Classroom Management Tune-Up at www.teach4theheart.com/tuneup
Start the free Classroom Management Minicourse at www.teach4theheart.com/minicourse
No matter where you teach, helping students understand worldview is important. In Christian schools, we want to guide them towards Biblical thinking; and in public schools, we can ask questions that will cause them to consider these important questions for themselves.
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Eric Reenders, author of Rooftop Perspectives.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/135
Find out more about the Christian Educators’ Virtual Summit at www.christianeducatorssummit.com.
When we see or experience difficult things like death, serious illness, abuse, or trauma, we may struggle with our thoughts and emotions. Today we talk about why it’s right to mourn these difficult effects of the fall.
Find out more about Teach Uplifted at www.teachuplifted.com
Listen to discover how to leverage parent a key parent volunteer to save you tons of time and effort planning class parties & events.
Join one of our free book clubs at www.teach4theheart.com/bookclub
Discover the power of replacing “you” rules with “I” statements - a simple tweak that might be just what you need.
Teaching is tough, and sometimes we feel down. Listen to discover over 20 ideas from fellow teachers for how to lift your spirts when you’re feeling frustrated or encouraged.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/134
Love & Logic’s One-Sentence Intervention is a super simple way to build rapport – even if you don’t have much time.
Ever feel like meetings are a waste of time? Implementing an issue list will turn meetings into effective and powerful tool.
If we find our identity in teaching, it will create a myriad of problems and keep us from experiencing the soul rest we desperately need.
In our culture, we’re often told the importance of loving ourselves, having good self-esteem, and thinking positively. But how does this jive with the message of the Gospel? Join us to discover how the Gospel offers something radically different – and so much better than the self-love and positivity movement.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/133
Find out more about the Gospel at www.truthforlife.org/thestory
Our physical rest and self-care should be tied to spiritual refreshment as we enjoy God and what He has done. Join us to discover what this might look like in your life.
God designed us to need Sabbath rest, and we cannot violate our need for rest without consequences.
Join the 40 Hour Teacher Fast Track program at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher.
This year, let’s resolve to STOP doing something. And, no, I’m not talking about a bad habit. Today I’m encouraging you to stop doing something good – with the goal of having more time and energy for something even better.
Join the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Fast Track program at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher
As teachers, a million and one things are coming at us all the time, threatening to overwhelm us. Join us as we discuss how to simplify & declutter your life so that you can be happier & more effective as a teacher.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/simplify
Find out more about the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Fast Track program at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher
Do you schedule work hours and off hours? If not, you should definitely try it. Listen to discover how to use a work schedule to give you guilt-free time away – while also providing the time you need to get work done.
Find out more about the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Fast Track program at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher
Still need a few more presents? Listen to discover a meaningful gift idea that will work for anyone on your list.
When we allow notifications on our phone we are giving things permission to interrupt us. That’s why turning them off can make such a difference and give us back some space we so desperately need.
Find out more about the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Fast Track program at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher
Is your email inbox cluttered with advertisements and subscriptions? The free tool unroll.me makes it easy to organize and declutter your inbox in just a few minutes.
Find out more about the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Fast Track program at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher
Rewards are a fun way to motivate students and celebrate progress, but seeing as we aren't made of money, sometimes we don't know what to give.
Join us to discover over 60 fun, creative reward ideas for both elementary and secondary that are either free or inexpensive.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/rewards.
Our to-do list can feel overwhelming, but you’ll feel so much better (and less stressed) when you create manageable daily to-do lists. Listen for a special tip for what to do when you don’t finish every item on your list (this will make a huge difference in your outlook & mental energy.)
Find out more about the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Fast Track program at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher
Every time I feel stressed I’m immediately helped by getting my thoughts out of my head and on to paper. Discover why this works and if you’re stressed, take five minutes to try it now.
Find out more about the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Fast Track program at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher
It’s Thanksgiving time! Join us for a brief moment of praise, thanksgiving, and prayer.
Amy Stohs, a 6th grade teacher from Virginia, joins us to talk about the Positivity Project, an exciting movement that helps grow students character and build classroom community. Join us to discover simple ways to engage your students in discussions about character, positivity, and the truth that other people matter.
Get notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/p2
Whenever you work at your computer, you can save time by using keyboard shortcuts. I share a few of my favorites in this quick thought episode. View the list and try them for yourself at www.teach4theheart.com/keyboard.
Are you overwhelmed by your mile long to-do list? Discover a simple framework that will help you focus on what matters most and feel better about what you’ve accomplished (all without taking any more time out of your day).
Do you have important facts or information all students need to master? Reciting information out loud is the simplest way to ensure all students learn it. Join us to discover how to incorporate recitation and memory work into your day without it becoming dull or boring.
When we face conflict as a teacher, we can easily get bogged down and discouraged. That’s when we must speak truth to our own hearts, renewing our minds in the Gospel.
Join us as we walk through eight key truths that will reorient our thinking and allow us to serve with joy, even amidst conflict.
Bookmark this lists of truths at www.teach4theheart.com/truth.
Sometimes we write off students as lazy when they’re actually frustrated, anxious, or discouraged. But when we start to address their true concerns, we may start to finally see improvement.
Do certain students dominate discussions while others sit silently? Discover how easy it is to use talking chips to moderate small group discussion and make it more equitable and effective.
We’ve all been there – a student does something inappropriate that we need to address, but it’s unexpected and we aren’t sure what to do. Listen to discover why the phrase “I’m going to have to do something about that” is so powerful.
No matter what role you play at school, you’re going to love these tips for constructive IEP meetings.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/iepmeetings
A warning system can be a great tool to cut out disruptions in your class, but what if we want to avoid public forms like a behavior chart or writing names on the board? In this quick though episode, I share three simple ways to give warnings privately – without interrupting the flow of your teaching.
Get the free Classroom Management MiniCourse at www.teach4theheart.com/minicourse .
When students aren’t meeting our expectations, we can be tempted to lower them. But this isn’t always a good idea. Discover why in this quick thought episode.
We can make tangible rewards so much more meaningful by pairing them with intrinsic motivation. Listen to discover how.
Find out more about Classroom Management 101 at www.teach4theheart.com/cm101.
As a teacher, we crave support from our administrators and coworkers. But, unfortunately, that’s not always the case, and sometimes these relationships are strained. Join us to discover how to respond to a difficult administrator (or coworker) – spiritual, emotionally, and practically.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/difficult.
At our Christian Educators Virtual Summit, Eric Reenders presented a simple framework to help students develop a Biblical worldview. The key – using questions (and not giving the answers!)
Get the list of focus questions at www.teach4theheart.com/worldviewquestions.
Join our free encore weekend of the Christian Educators Virtual Summit at www.christianeducatorssummit.com.
Get Eric’s book Rooftop Perspectives at https://amzn.to/2KCDJHg.*
*affiliate link
At our Christian Educators Virtual Summit, JP Moreland did an incredible session on Responding Biblically to the Crisis of Anxiety. In this session, he taught how we can use practices and habits to retrain our brain and, in time, overcome anxiety.
Join our free encore weekend of the Christian Educators Virtual Summit at www.christianeducatorssummit.com.
Get JP’s book Finding Quiet at https://amzn.to/31CgiTO.*
*affiliate link
One of my favorite takeaways from the Christian Educators Virtual Summit was about choosing an important phrase to repeat over and over to your students – helping them internalize an important truth. Listen to hear how it works.
Join our free encore weekend of the Christian Educators Virtual Summit at www.christianeducatorssummit.com.
As Christian educators, we may struggle to know how to respond to questions of gender identity. In this episode, you’ll discover how to work out a Biblical understanding of gender to interact with wisdom, truth, and love.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/gender2
Find out more about the Christian Educators Virtual Summit at www.christianeducatorssummit.com
With so many day-to-day tasks and goals to focus on, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture – in particular, what’s happening on a spiritual level in our students’ lives. In this episode, we’ll walk through a high-level overview of what’s really going on and how that helps reframe our thinking day-to-day.
This content comes from our Beyond Classroom Management course. Find out more at www.teach4theheart.com/beyond.
As Christians, we know God created gender, but what exactly does that mean for modern-day questions of gender identity? Join us in this conversation with Jonathan Holmes to discover what the Bible has to say about gender identity and how it differs from a secular understanding of gender.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/gender1
When we worry about the future of our world – be it politics, societal perspectives, or even our religious freedom – are we really worried about the Kingdom or are we more concerned with preserving our life of relative ease?
Join us for a thought-provoking episode as we examine our own hearts and prayerfully walk away encouraged in His truths.
Today we tackle the age-old question, “how much should I grade?” and give practical tips to make grading manageable and fair.
One of the fastest ways to lose your students’ focus is to lose them academically. Conversely, students are much more engaged when they are confident in what they’re doing and are feeling a measure of success. So, let’s talk about some ways to help them be successful.
Get more help in our full Beyond Classroom Management course at www.teach4theheart.com/beyond
When you add writing to your class, you not only build students’ communication skills, but you also help think more deeply about the subject matter, too. In this episode, you’ll discover five easy ways to incorporate writing into any subject.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/writing.
Too often we come to the Bible looking for what it says about us & what we are supposed to do. But that’s actually the secondary storyline of Scripture, not the first. And we have to understand the core storyline in order to properly understand where we fit into it.
Have you ever felt like your reading class was a little, well, boring? Reading workshops are a great way to engage students and creating a love of reading – all while building valuable skills along the way.
In this episode, Jen Bengel shares why you should try reading workshops – and a simple way to expand students’ horizons when it comes to choosing books.
To hear the rest of this session (and many more), sign up for the FREE Christian Educators Virtual Summit at www.ChristianEducatorsSummit.com.
JotForm is a great tool to collect data for your classroom. Check out their premade templates for classrooms and schools and try it free at www.teach4theheart.com/jotform. They also are generously offering a 50% discount for educators on their paid plans at www.teach4theheart.com/jotformdeal
Surrounded by a plethora of challenges, it’s easy to become frustrated, stressed, and even burnt out as a teacher. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jackie Matthews to discover how to rise up out of frustrations and find the source of your power and strength.
Get notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/power
Register for the free Christian Educators Virtual Summit at www.ChristianEducatorsSummit.com
In this clip from our upcoming Christian Educators Virtual Summit, Ashley Ogal shares two actionable strategies to help us regroup when we’re having a bad day.
To hear the rest of this session (and many more), sign up for the FREE Christian Educators Virtual Summit at www.ChristianEducatorsSummit.com.
Listen to discover a simple yet powerful idea to build positive rapport with parents – and get to know your students better in the process.
In this clip from our upcoming Christian Educators Virtual Summit, JP Moreland shares two powerful tips for focusing your prayers – especially when you are coming to God in need of relief from anxiety.
To hear the rest of this session (and many more), sign up for the FREE Christian Educators Virtual Summit at www.ChristianEducatorsSummit.com.
Join us for a conversation with Marilyn Rhames of Teachers Who Pray. We’re discussing some of our favorite takeaways from her new book Master Teacher: 12 Spiritual Lessons that Can Transform Schools & Revolutionize Public Education.
In particular, we discuss what it looks like to cross the street or race. We also tackle the topic of restorative discipline.
Get notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/masterteacher
Crystal Kershaw shares an insightful idea for how to create opportunities for meaningful conversations with students.
Discover a simple way to motivate students & build your classroom community. Best yet, this doesn’t take away any time from your already jam-packed class. Instead, it redeems class time you’re probably currently wasting.
Thanks to Jessica from What I Have Learned Teaching for this great tip!
We are loving the Trapped in a Video Game series by Dustin Brady. These books are perfect for read alouds, your classroom library, and inspiring reluctant readers!
Too many students have been impacted by trauma, and sometimes we as educators wonder how to best help them.
Join us for an important conversation with Dr. Janyne McConnaughey as we discuss what trauma responses might look like, what our response should be, and how to create a trauma sensitive classroom.
Get notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/trauma
Today, we talk about why our relationship with God shouldn’t be centered on guilt – and the freedom and joy of simply enjoying Him.
Check out the amazing What’s in the Bible with Buck Denver video series – an incredible resource for both kids & adults.
This small tip will save you a ton of time & frustration when having students grade papers together in class.
The stronger our classroom community, the more likely our students are to succeed. But how exactly do we create that thriving learning environment? Join us as we discuss 4 strategies to develop a strong classroom community.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/community
Reserve your spot in one of the free trainings at www.teach4theheart.com/trainings
Today we’re sharing an important reminder you won’t want to forget as you plan for back-to-school.
Do you ever have parents ask you to send regular (personalized) updates about their child? What do you say? Listen to discover why yes isn’t actually the best answer (and neither is no). But there is an answer that meets the need without adding an unnecessary burden to your schedule.
With every baby I have, the weight becomes harder to get off. So this time, I joined weight watchers. Listen to hear about my experience so far and consider if it might be the right program for you.
Classroom organization cuts down on so many problems, but sometimes it's easier said than done. Join us for a conversation with Kelly of the Simply Organized teacher, where she shares 5 tips for organizing your classroom - and simple routines to keep it that way all year long.
Get notes, links, & resources at www.teach4theheart.com/organized
Bible memory is vital, but we often feel we don’t have the time. Join us to discover an awesome app that will help you memorize Scripture anytime anywhere – in the time you usually waste browsing your phone.
Search Bible Memory App in the app store or visit www.biblememory.com.
In this quick thought podcast, we dive into I Peter 2-3 and discover what God’s Word has to say when we suffer for doing good. Join us for this encouraging word.
In this quick thought podcast, we discuss the importance of building relationships now – and the possibilities they might open for gospel impact in years to come.
In this episode, we speak with Elizabeth Chapman, high school English teacher & mom of two.
Two years ago, she experienced her what she considers her worst year as a teacher – overwhelmed, exhausted, and stressed. But this past year, she reports, was possibly her best yet! What made the difference? She shares her secrets – and some amazing tips for all of us – in this enlightening and encouraging conversation.
Find out more about the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher
Have you tried Kahoot? In this quick thought podcast, we discuss this awesome review tool and how to use it in your classroom.
Check it out at www.kahoot.com.
Join us in this quick thought episode to discover a simple tool to help hold your kids accountable and make this a summer of learning and fun – not just screen time.
In this quick thought episode, we discuss an organization tip that’s easy to set up and will save you time every month.
Have you had a rough school year? The good news is that next year provides a fresh start, and in it you can reinvent your entire classroom culture!
Join us for some encouragement & practical advice to turn things around and get to the point where you love teaching again.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/freshstart
Resources mentioned:
Guided self-reflection: www.teach4theheart.com/reflect
Create Your Dream Classroom: www.teach4theheart.com/dreamclassroom
Classroom Management 101: www.teach4theheart.com/cm101
Angela Watson’s 40 Hour Teacher Workweek: www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher
As the school year comes to a close, let’s make the most of these last weeks and finish the year strong. Join us as we discuss ten mistakes to avoid during these final weeks.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/lastweeks
Get the free guided self-reflection at www.teach4theheart.com/reflect
Join one of our summer book clubs at www.teach4theheart.com/bookclub
Love is powerful, but sometimes showing real love to our students is easier said than done. Join us as we dive into I Cor. 13 to discover what real love looks like – and the key to actually being able to love this way.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/reallove
Teaching is more than just a job. It's a calling and unique privilege. And as Christian teachers, it takes on even more significance as we realize God has placed us right where we are for a reason. Join us as we discuss why we should view teaching as a ministry and some practical examples of what that looks like.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/ministry.
Get the free Teach with Faith training at www.teach4theheart.com/teachwithfaith
Join our free 21-Day Prayer Challenge at www.teach4theheart.com/prayerchallenge
As Christian teachers, it's easy to get bogged down in all the turmoil, injustice, and evil that surrounds us. But how should we respond? And how can the right response not only give us peace but also become a bright light to our students & colleagues. Join us as we discuss these important questions.
Get notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/turmoil.
Does teaching ever feel like a battle? Like you’re forcing your students to learn against their will?
Join us to discover strategies to win your students' buy-in and get everyone working together on the same team.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/sameteam
Find out more about Beyond Classroom Management at www.teach4theheart.com/beyond
Looking for some tried and true classroom management strategies that will actually work in your classroom? Join us in this episode to discover 30 powerful classroom management strategies you can implement right away.
Get notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/strategies
What if you could turn your existing worksheets into engaging activities that truly grabbed and kept your students’ focus – without spending tons of time and effort creating them?
That’s exactly what we’re going to do in this episode.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/rethinkworksheets
Teaching while pregnant is no picnic. Add morning sickness to the mix and you might be wondering if you're going to make it. Join us to discover some tips for dealing with morning sickness and other pregnancy symptoms while teaching.
Get notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/pregnant
There's no doubt about it - teaching is tough. But as followers of Christ, the way we deal with these challenges should be radically different than how everyone else does. Join us as we discuss how to thrive as a teacher, even when things are going wrong.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/teachingistough
Join us in Teach Uplifted at www.teachuplifted.com
We all know how important strong relationships are to successful teaching. But in order to build strong relationships, we need to understand how our students thinkand why they make the choices that they do.
Join us in this episode to discover twenty questions that will help you better understand your students.
Get notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/questions
Find out more about Beyond Classroom Management at www.teach4theheart.com/beyond
Ready to reclaim your time and fight for balance as a teacher? Join us as we discuss six resolutions that will help you do just that.
Join our free Reclaim Your Time Challenge at www.teach4theheart.com/reclaim.
Find out more about the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher.
Get notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/resolutions
Living a balanced life can feel impossible as a teacher, but it's not. Join us to discover two secrets all balanced teachers know - and how you can implement them, too.
Find out more about the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/balancesecret
This special episode shares a lesson from our new course Beyond Classroom Management. Join us to discover how to guide students to solve their own problems. The results: a smoother-running classroom and kids that are better prepared to face the challenges of life.
Find out more about Beyond Classroom Management at www.teach4theheart.com/beyond
Check out our newest article 40+ Bell Work Ideas for Every Class at www.teach4theheart.com/bellwork
Are transitions a bit chaotic in your classroom? Join us to discover 7 tips to reduce disruptions and make your transitions more smooth.
Get note & links at www.teach4theheart.com/transitions
Join our FREE 5-Day Classroom Management Tune-Up at www.teach4theheart.com/tuneup
Join us in a FREE 5-Day Classroom Management Tune-Up that will give you simple, no-prep strategies to cut down on the distractions and restore your students’ focus.
Sign up for free at www.teach4theheart.com/tuneup
Giving students choices can help them be more engaged and responsible for their own learning. But how exactly should this work? In this episode, we explore twenty student choice ideas - and tips for how to share and delegate control without abdicating it.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/choice
Join us as I share lessons and insights from my time back in the classroom this past month.
Links mentioned:
https://kahoot.com/
https://mymathlight.com/
http://teacherspayteachers.com/store/teach-4-the-heart
Keeping an appropriate noise level during independent and group work can be a huge challenge. In this episode, we discuss seven tips to keep kids quiet and focused during these times.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/noise
Get the FREE Classroom Management MiniCourse at www.teach4theheart.com/minicourse
Some teachers tend to embrace new ideas and strategies while others cling to old ones. But the truth is that we shouldn’t judge a strategy based on its age – and the most effective classrooms are a wonderful combination of the best new ideas and the most effective old ones.
Join the conversation at www.teach4theheart.com/oldornew
Have you ever considered flipping your classroom – where instead of teaching during class and sending practice home for homework, you flip it and ask students to watch a lesson at home and then practice or do an activity together in class?
Here’s ten reasons you should definitely try a flipped classroom – at least once or twice.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/flipnow
The Supreme Court recently ruled on the case Janus v. AFSCME, determining that teachers (and all public employees) can no longer be forced to join the union. David Schmus, director of Christian Educators Association, joins us to explain the case and the new rights it gives public school teachers regarding union membership.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/union
Find out more about CEAI at www.teach4theheart.com/ceai
We can all think back on some bad teachers we’ve sat under – teachers whose bad habits make us cringe with the memory.
But rather than criticize or point fingers, let’s examine some of these bad habits to ensure we don’t fall into them ourselves.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/badhabits
The first day of school will be here before we know it. Here’s ten things we as teachers should do before that first bell rings.
Get notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/10things
Students face so many challenges today, and we as teachers often feel inadequate to truly help. Sometimes our efforts seem like a drop in the bucket compared to what they need.
But as we discuss today with Ashley Ogal of We Teach Joy, God is more than able, and He has placed us in those students’ lives for a reason. We are called to be an example, to plant seeds in their hearts, and to intercede for them in prayer.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/weteachjoy
My first year of teaching I made a tiny mistake that had HUGE consequences – both for me and my students.
In this episode, we discuss the tiny back-to-school mistake that could ruin your whole year – and how to avoid it.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/tinymistake
Join us in our FREE Back-to-School Classroom Management Solutions training at www.teach4theheart.com/training
When a good question in our Christian teachers' Facebook group started garnering comments about religious tolerance and how we are all worshipping the same God, I figured it was time we talked "face-to-face."
This special edition of the Teach 4 the Heart podcast includes the audio from a Facebook live we recently did where we discussion why Jesus is the only way to God, whether or not “tolerance” should be a priority for followers of Christ, a what all this means for us as Christian teachers. Hope you’ll find it helpful.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/oneway
Ever wish someone else could take over at least some of your responsibilities!? Well, maybe your students can!
Listen as Angela Watson (creator of the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek) shares how to use meaningful classroom jobs to not only save you time and energy but also give ownership & responsibility back to your students (yes, even in secondary!)
Get the Classroom Jobs List at www.teach4theheart.com/delegate
Find out more about the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher
Have you ever arrived at the end of the summer and felt that you’d wasted way too much of it?
In this week’s episode, Elizabeth Chapman joins us to discuss how to create a summer of rest, memories and (at least some) productivity. You’ll love these practical tips – specifically designed for teacher moms, but certainly applicable to anyone.
Get notes, pictures, and links at www.teach4theheart.com/moms
Find out more about Angela Watson’s 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher
Did you spend the whole year feeling tired and exhausted? Wishing you had more energy?
Join us to discover 5 Biblical truths that will help you not only prevent burnout but also teach with energy & passion all year long.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/burnout
We all want to be good teachers, but does that mean we have to work crazy hours to make that happen?
If being a good teacher requires “putting in the time,” how much time is that exactly? And is there a place for balance?
We answer these questions – and more – in this week’s episode.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/time
Find out more about the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher
Just because stress, anxiety, and worry are super common amongst teachers doesn't mean they should be the norm in our lives. God desires something radically different for His children.
Join us as we discuss a simple, but uncommon, solution to your teacher stress and anxiety – one that isn’t at all about how we can fix the problem – but about the freedom we find in trusting God through it all.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/trust.
Find out more about Teach Uplifted at www.teachuplifted.com
As teachers are so busy, with so much on our plates, that it’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day craziness and lose sight of the big picture.
That’s why it’s so helpful to stop and reflect – to clarify where you’re at, where you want to change, and next steps for continued growth.
Get our free guided self-reflection at www.teach4theheart.com/reflect
Ever thought about trying project based learning but didn’t know where to start – or whether it was worth the time & effort?
Join us as Vicki Davis (aka the Cool Cat Teacher) shares why project based learning is so powerful, how to get started, and tips to do so effectively.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/pbl
Grab your copy of Take Heart & Teach at www.teach4theheart.com/takeheart
Prayer is truly the most important work we can do as Christian teachers.
Join us as we pray together through 30 prayer requests for our students, our schools, and ourselves as their teachers.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/pray
Join our 21-day prayer challenge at www.teach4theheart.com/prayerchallenge
Do you love teaching but hate all the struggles that come with it? Could you use some encouragement, new ideas, and a fresh perspective?
Join us as we take heart, renew our minds, and discover how to truly thrive in this adventure we call teaching.
Grab your copy at www.teach4theheart.com/takeheart
Whether we’re making big decisions like where to teach next year or everyday decisions like how to handle a rude coworker, we need God to guide us in them.
Join us as we discover how to discern God’s plan and follow His leading in both big and everyday decisions.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/guidance
Find out more about Teach Uplifted at www.teachuplifted.com
Sometimes the student who doesn’t seem to care is actually just frustrated.
This is one of my favorite takeaways from my interview with my brother-in-law Jon Kardamis, a student who struggled in high school but went on to earn a bachelors’ degree and establish his own business as a professional portrait artist.
Join us as we look at school from a different point of view and discuss six ways you can build rapport with those students who, like Jon, are struggling in your classroom.
Get notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/struggle
Check out Jon’s work at www.jonkardamisfineart.com
It was a great day when I discovered four magic words that just seem to dissolve tension and eliminate at least half of the arguments in my classroom. I share them in this week’s episode.
Get notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/magic
Find out more about Classroom Management 101 at www.teach4theheart.com/cm101
Wondering how you, as a overwhelmed, overworked teacher, are supposed to meet the needs of your struggling students?
Alexx Seipp joins us to discuss five easy accommodations for special ed students or struggling learners – these are easy ways to differentiate learning and help those who are struggling in your classroom.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/accommodations
Come 4th quarter of the school year, you might wonder if it’s too late to improve your classroom management. Should you just survive this year and try again next fall?
The answer is an emphatic NO. Listen to discover why now is the best time to work on improving your classroom management.
Join us for the free Classroom Management Solutions training at www.teach4theheart.com/training
Ever struggle to find the right balance between grace and consequences?
In this episode, we discuss four questions to help you know, as a Christian teacher, when to give grace in your classroom.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/grace
Grab Create Your Dream Classroom at www.teach4theheart.com/dreamclassroom
Sometimes we can let something good – like teaching – become an idol in our lives. And when we do, it throws everything out of whack.
Join us to discover if teaching could be an idol in your life – and how to dethrone it if it is.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/idol
Everyone has busy seasons, but as a teacher, busy seasons can feel like impossible, crushing seasons if we're not incredibly intentional with our time and energy.
In this episode, Trish shares how to take care of ourselves spiritually, mentally, and physically – so that we are best equipped to care for those around us.
Get notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/care.
Find out more about Teach Uplifted at www.teachuplifted.com
Despite the many challenges we face as teachers, we have a choice to either enjoy our time teaching or allow ourselves to be miserable.
In this episode, we discuss 7 things that will try to steal our joy – and how to keep them from doing it.
Get the notes at www.teach4theheart.com/rob
Links mentioned in this episode:
Classroom Management MiniCourse: www.teach4theheart.com/minicourse
Classroom Management 101: www.teach4theheart.com/cm101
Teach Uplifted: www.teachuplifted.com
Teach Uplifted Devotions book: www.teach4theheart.com/devotions
Ever wonder what it’s like to teach online? Sabrina joins us to discuss her experience teaching online. Hint: it involves quiet classrooms, flexibility, and automatic grading.
Sabrina shares details both about teaching math full-time in a virtual US-based school as well as teaching English part-time to Chinese students overseas.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/online.
In today’s special episode we take a look back at where Teach 4 the Heart came from, what we’ve been up to, and some of the exciting things we have planned in the near future.
Join the conversation at www.teach4theheart.com/us
Links mentioned:
Create Your Dream Classroom: www.teach4theheart.com/dreamclassroom
Classroom Management 101: www.teach4theheart.com/cm101
Teach Uplifted: www.teachuplifted.com
Courses: https://academy.teach4theheart.com/courses
Teach Uplifted Devotions for Teachers: www.teach4theheart.com/devotions
New 50 Classroom Procedures training: www.teach4theheart.com/procedures
Tracking & collecting missing work may just be the bane of many teachers’ existence. It can be so hard to keep everything straight & incredibly frustrating trying to hound students to get it turned in.
Aside from simply throwing zero’s in the gradebook and moving on, there’s no simple solution. But we do have some tried-and-true suggestions for how you can take this big problem and turn it into something much more manageable.
Get notes & download editable forms at www.teach4theheart.com/missingwork
Get 50 Classroom Procedures that Will Save Your Sanity at www.teach4theheart.com/procedures
As teachers, we all experience the annoyance of those no-name papers. No longer!
Join us to discover 13 smart ways to eliminate no-name papers – or at least how to handle them without the stress.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/noname
Get 50 Classroom Procedures that Will Save Your Sanity at www.teach4theheart.com/procedures
In this special episode, Elizabeth Chapman join us to discuss how the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek is helping her finally stop the crazy, out-of-control overwhelm of teaching.
She also shares practical tips you can implement right now to save time and take a step towards balance.
Find out more about the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/stop
*Affiliate link
Angela Watson is hosting an amazing 5-day challenge for teachers: Goodbye, Teacher Tired: 5 days to doing fewer things, better.
She's teaching not how to cram more into your already jam-packed day - but how to eliminate unnecessary time-wasters & do fewer things better.
Join for free at www.teach4theheart.com/tired .
*This challenge may only be available for a limited time.
Find out more about her amazing 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club at www.teach4theheart.com/40
*These are affiliate links
If you give cumulative exams to your students, you shouldn’t be leaving them on their own to study for them.
Join us as we discuss 8 ways to help your students prepare for cumulative exams – ways that will not only help them excel on the exam but will also teach them valuable study skills so they can better learn on their own.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/exams
Whether or not to grade homework (or classwork) is a hotly debated topic amongst teachers, one I struggled with myself for a long time.
However, I found a solution that worked great for both me and my students, an unconventional way to grade homework that I’m sharing with you today.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/gradehomework.
Check out our books at www.teach4theheart.com/books
Has teaching left you stressed, frustrated, or even discouraged?
In Teach Uplifted Devotions for Teachers you'll discover how to...
- Renew your passion for teaching by finding joy & peace in Christ
- Teach with joy - even in difficult circumstances
- Banish anxiety & learn to trust God instead
But be warned: This is not a collection of light, fluffy feel-good stories. These powerful devotions will completely transform the way you view your life, your classroom, and your relationship with God.
Get your copy at www.teach4theheart.com/devotions
As teachers, we should create an environment where cheating is difficult and requires effort, not easy and constantly tempting.
Join us as we discuss 8 simple ways to prevent cheating in your classroom, especially during formal assessments.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/cheating
Check out cute apparel for Christian teachers at www.teach4theheart.com/tshirts
Ever struggle with whether or not spelling should be part of your students’ grade in non-language classes?
Join us as we discuss this tricky question – as well as a creative solution.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/spelling
Check out our free & premium courses at academy.teach4theheart.com
Teachers are crazy busy & every little time-saving technique helps. Join us today as we discuss an easy time-saving hack that will make your life just a little bit easier.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/hack
Other links:
40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club
Apply for a 40HTW scholarship*
Ask for a 40HTW gift card
Get our free Teaching with Balance training
*This is an affiliate link.
Are you struggling to control your classroom? In this episode, we share how our premier program Classroom Management 101 will give you a complete, organized system that ensures you don’t miss any of the crucial elements of great classroom management.
Get more info or join now at www.teach4theheart.com/cm101
When it comes to discipline and classroom management, there’s an important question each teacher must ask himself.
Join us as we discuss this important question & the implications it will have on your classroom management success.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/motive
Sign up for the free Classroom Management Solutions training at www.teach4theheart.com/training
Being consistent in our classroom management can be tough, but it is also extremely important.
Join us as we commiserate a bit about how hard it is to be consistent then jump into a simple plan to finally conquer this challenge.
Links & notes at www.teach4theheart.com/consistent
Sign up for the Classroom Management Solutions training at www.teach4theheart.com/training
Get more info about Classroom Management 101 at www.teach4theheart.com/cm101
Join our Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/ChristianTeachersTalk
How should we as Christian teachers handle controversial issues like the pressure to promote the LGBT lifestyle? Join us as we discuss this challenging but important questions.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/controversy.
Register for the free Teach with Faith, not Fear training at www.teach4theheart.com/teachwithfaith
Find out more about Christian Educators’ Association Intl at www.teach4theheart.com/ceai
Teaching can be overwhelming, but that doesn't mean you have to be perpetually frustrated.
Join us in Teach Uplifted to renew your passion for teaching by finding joy & peace in Christ.
Get all the details or join now at www.teachuplifted.com.
In this episode, we examine the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset and discuss why a growth mindset is so important.
We then explore a simple 6-step framework you can use with your students to help them change their thoughts about challenging situations.
Get the growth mindset worksheet (as well as links & notes) at www.teach4theheart.com/growthmindset.
We teachers are no strangers to conflict - but it's even more challenging when it's with those who should be on the same team (parents, fellow teachers, administrators, etc.)
Join us as we discuss how to resolve this conflict & even use it to produce more meaningful relationships.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/conflict.
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How to Resolve Conflict in Your School We teachers are certainly no strangers to conflict. Sometimes it feels like we're more a ref than a teacher. Helping kids navigate their conflicts can be challenging, but it can also be one of the most rewarding aspects of the job.
But the kids' conflicts are not the only ones we deal with. We sure are in the middle of a lot of conflict ourselves, aren't we? Who of us hasn't been chewed out by a parent, criticized by a student, or butted heads with an administrator? And these personal conflicts are often even more difficult and frustrating because they are just that - personal.
Regardless of where the conflict is coming from, one of the biggest keys to handling it well is to think win-win.
The concept of thinking win-win is nothing new, but it sure can be revolutionary in a classroom. Stephen Covey talks about it extensively in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, but I started understanding the concept in a faculty meeting. (Yes, some good things can come of faculty meetings
I t took some time to really understand how to think win-win and how to flesh out that thinking in the classroom, and it's still definitely a work in progress. Too many times I forget about thinking win-win altogether. But, wow, when I do, it sure does make a difference!
So how exactly do you think win-win in your classroom? Well, I'm glad you asked. (Come to think of it, these ideas work pretty much anywhere.)
How to Resolve Conflict by Thinking Win-Win 1. Realize you are all on the same team.
Teachers, parents, students, and administrators - we are all on the same team. It may not feel like it at times (okay, it definitely doesn't feel like it at times), but we are.
We have a common goal: we want the students to learn, grow, and succeed. Before we can resolve our conflicts, we have to realize this concept for ourselves. It's not us versus administrator or us versus a parent or us versus student. We all want the same thing at heart. We are on the same team.
- Treat others like you are all on the same team.
Knowing you're on the same team isn't enough. You have to translate this into your actions & actually treat that parent who's criticizing you like you are on the same team (now here's the hard part) even when - especially when - they don't act like it.
When someone else is making it a them-versus-you situation, take a minute to give some perspective. Remind them that you are on the same team, that you have the same goals, and that you want to work together to find a solution. This disarming approach can open the door to a conversation that is actually productive, not destructive.
- Don't get defensive.
I know our first inclination is to defend ourselves, but this is not the best approach. Instead, start by trying to genuinely understand the other person's concern.
In order to have a win-win, you have to first understand what the administrator/parent/teacher/student truly wants. Then, and only then, can you explain your reasoning and find a solution that will benefit all. (This is also the only way to figure out if it is all a big misunderstanding.)
- Find the real issue beneath the surface problem.
Often the real issue is not the one that's brought to our attention. The real problem is something deeper - something that's making this issue seem much bigger than it is.
I remember one student-student issue where one girl was upset with her friend for taking her pencil. That seemed incredibly stupid, but when we talked about it, there was a deeper issue. I can't remember all the details of this particular 7th-grade drama, but the friend had said or done something quite hurtful earlier in the week, and that was the true cause of the contention. It just manifested itself with a pencil theft.
To resolve conflict, we must find the problem beneath the problem. Otherwise, we're just putting a Band-Aid on a gaping wound.
Click to Tweet 5. Look for creative solutions.
If you've followed the steps above, often the conflict seems to work itself out. But sometimes, a solution still seems elusive.
In this case, it's time to get creative. Think outside the box to discover a solution that will be the best for everyone involved. Invite the other person to suggest ideas, seek advice from someone wise, and spend time in prayer seeking God's wisdom.
- Speak the truth in love.
Throughout your conversations, speak the truth in love. Both parts are equally important. Speak the truth - be open and honest, and say the hard things that need to be said. But speak them in love. Kindness and understanding will go a long way.
When we're talking with students, we often revert to reprimanding. But it's much more effective to talk them through the situation. Help them see the why behind your decision, and listen and respond to their questions.
[Or course, this doesn't mean you have to tolerate backtalk. If that's been an issue, check out my post "Handling Students’ Complaints and Not-so-sincere Questions."]
- Pray with & for the other person.
If the person you're having conflict with is a fellow Christian, take a moment to pray with them. Prayer can help unite our hearts and remind us that we have the same ultimate purpose.
And if you can't pray with them, pray for them. And watch how God will change your own heart and guide you day-by-day.
Is the start of class a bit hectic? In this episode, we discuss practical tips to get your class started without all the chaos.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/startclass
Get the free classroom management minicourse at www.teach4theheart.com/minicourse
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How to Start Class Without the Chaos When I first started teaching there was only one word to describe the start of class – chaos.
I remember standing in front of my class as the bell rang wondering how on earth I was going to get their attention.
With half the class talking, 5 kids walking around the room, and 2 more coming in late, it seemed hopeless.
But it actually wasn’t as tough as I thought. There were just a few key things I was missing.
So whether your class is pretty much out of control or if it could just use a little fine tuning, here are some things I’ve learned about the start of class.
How to Start Class Effectively 1. Have an assignment posted.
If you're not starting class with some type of assignment, you've got to try it. A start-of-class assignment truly makes such a huge difference because it gives your students something productive to do while you complete all of your administrative tasks such as taking attendance. Have a consistent place in your room where you always post the assignment.
Not sure what to use as your assignment? Keep reading - we'll give some tips for what makes a good start-of-class assignment in just a minute.
- Teach your students to start the assignment without prompting from you.
Now, this is where I went wrong. I had an assignment, but if students don't start working on it, then it's not going to do you any good.
You have to train your students to sit down and get started without your having to say anything. If you're not even in the room they should automatically go to their seats and get started on the assignment before the bell even rings.
And, no, it's truly not impossible.. But it doesn't happen by accident. You have to be intentional about training them to do this. Check out my post "How to Teach Procedures that Your Students Will Actually Follow" for specific directions on how to make it happen.
- Have a plan for what you'll do if students aren't on task when the bell rings.
At first, you're going to have to train your students to get right to work so that they're already busy when the bell rings. But after the class has learned the procedure, you'll need a plan for what to do when a few students (or occasionally half the class) are still talking or disruptive after the bell.
You can read the plan I finally came up with here.
What Makes a Good Start-of-Class Assignment? The most important thing is that the start-of-class assignment should need no explanation. I know, I know – there’s always a kid who wants an explanation. But it should be simple enough that you don’t feel guilty saying, “You need to read the directions and figure it out for yourself.”
It could be some review questions from the textbook, a journal prompt written on the board, or a separate worksheet with a quick exercise. Simply ask yourself, “What do my students need more practice/help with?” and then come up with a short activity that will help them master that skill. Keep in mind that you can use the same activity for more than one day and just give them 3-5 minutes at the start of each class to work on it.
If you're not sure what would work best for your class, ask a fellow teacher at your school or in our Facebook discussion group.
If you happen to teach middle school math, you can grab a set of the practice exercises I used here.
Need more help corralling classroom chaos? Start our free classroom management minicourse & regain control of your classroom in just 3 days.
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No matter where we teach, we should be striving to show Christ to our students. Here's 10 ways we can do that each day.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/showChrist.
Join the prayer challenge: www.teach4theheart.com/prayerchallenge.
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10 Ways to Show Christ to Our Students If you're a Christian teacher, it shouldn't matter where you teach. Our goal should be the same - to show Christ to our students.
Some of us can be more open and apparent, but all of us can and should be intentional about showing Christ and His love in every way we can.
When I think about sharing Christ, the first thing that pops into my head is talking about Him. And while we should certainly take advantage of every opportunity we get to talk about God & His truths, just talking about Him isn't enough. Our students need to see Christ in us. We need to showthem who He is. And that's something every one of us can do - no matter where we teach.
I wish I could say I'm always a perfect model, but I'm not. None of us are. But with God's help we can continue to grow closer - in our personal walk, in our testimony, and in our portrayal of Him.
Let's look at a few ways, in particular, that we can model Christ in our classrooms.
How to Model Christ in Our Classrooms 1. Love our students. God is love, and if we want to show Him to our students, we must also love them - all of them. Even the one that's driving us crazy. And it's not enough to just say we love them. We need to show them that we love them. We discuss how in my post "How to Show Real Love to the Kids (Even When They're Not Acting Lovable)." 2. Be kind and understanding. When we're mean or grumpy, we turn students off and are a poor model of the Savior we serve. We must be kind and understanding of our students' struggles. This doesn't mean that we are a pushover. But we can be kind and firm at the same time. And, in fact, we must be. 3. Care more about our students than our policies. Too often we get so entrenched in our policies that we miss the point - that we're here to help our students grow. Sometimes a student needs some mercy. Sometimes we shouldn't be fair. Sometimes what's best for a student doesn't line up perfectly with our plan. In these cases, we must pray for wisdom and remember that the growth and maturity of our students is our main goal. 4. Have high expectations and hold students to them. Caring more about our students than our policies in no case means we should start letting everything go. On the contrary, we must have high expectations. And we must hold students to them. If we're pushovers or wishy-washy, we are a poor example of Christ's authority and leadership. 5. Value integrity. Our society today has little value for integrity, yet we all respect it when we see it. Model integrity in your own life and expect it of your students. Teach them what it looks like, and put forth the effort to help them develop it. 6. Counsel students; don't just hand out punishments. I know that in a busy day, it's much easier to just hand out a detention and be done with it. But if this is all we ever do, we're not going to make much of an impact on our students. We need to take the time to counsel them - whether it's about their behavior in our class or an interpersonal dispute or a tough situation they're facing. Be approachable and show them that you're there to help them grow. (Check out the post "How to Counsel a Student" for more insight.) 7. Let His truths permeate your conversations and lessons. God's truths should be such a part of us that we can't help but speak them in our daily conversations and in our lessons. And lest those of you in public schools think this doesn't apply to you, realize that God's truths are universal. Our students need to hear them, even if they can't be told straight out that they come from the Bible.
Check out this post here for details about what is legally allowed in public schools. 1. Model Christlike living. Our lives should portray Christ, and our conduct should be an example. The Spirit should be evidencing His fruit - love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control. And our lives should be marked by integrity and purity. We would never want our sin to be a stumbling block for our students. 2. Be humble. Servant leadership is a powerful example of Christ and will draw students to Him. When we can set aside our pride, admit our mistakes, and not be easily offended, our students will see a very real difference. 3. Be real. Above all else, we have to be real. Genuine. Ourselves. Students can sense hypocrisy a mile away, and it will turn them off faster than anything. We are not perfect. And we don't always have it all together. When we're authentic about our own struggles, we show them that our faith is real and model how God can work in us to change us and mold us into His image.
Take our 21-day prayer challenge! Unleash the power of prayer on your students and school. Simply commit to pray for them for 21 days & see what God will do.
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Are you nervous, even anxious, about the coming school year? Join us as Trish Lott shares lessons she learned through her "nightmare year of terror" - specifically, how to overcome back-to-school anxiety.
Download your free Who I Am in Christ Biblical Affirmations at www.teach4theheart.com/backtoschoolanxiety.
Join our free prayer challenge at www.teach4theheart.com/prayerchallenge.
Find out more about CEAI at www.teach4theheart.com/insurance.
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When God wants to stretch me, He doesn’t consult me because if things were left up to me, my life would always be comfortable.
After completing my second year of inner-city teaching, urban education seemed way too challenging, so I applied to teach at a private Christian school because I thought it would be my dream job and let’s be honest more “comfortable”.
The truth is, I have spent most of my life seeking comfort while avoiding my long list of fears: you know, fear of embarrassment, fear of failure, and fear of not being liked just to name a few.
During my 3rd year in the classroom every one of my worst teaching fears came true.
My anxiety was so consuming that I wanted to give up nearly every day, but I couldn’t run this time.
I was forced to face my fears.
Thankfully, the Lord met me in that dark place, and I have never been the same.
As the school year begins, you may be battling feelings of inadequacy, fear and even dread, but I hope that my story and the lessons I learned will encourage you to push past fear and trust God like never before!
Let me tell you about the season I have nicknamed… “*My Nightmare Year of Fear*!”
My Nightmare Year of Fear Within the first 3 weeks of school, the principal’s son started a petition to get me fired and a third of the 8th grade class signed it before the boy felt bad and stopped. I found out months later, but the damage was already done.
Another teacher’s son spread a vicious lie to the parents accusing me of looking at inappropriate materials on the internet and cursing in class. The parents believed it and never checked with me. I found out by accident and was completely broken hearted.
Before Christmas break, I found out that my students created awful memes making fun of me and spread them throughout the school via social media. I was crushed to know that I was a joke to my students.
Hoping to build relationships, I shared my testimony with a few of my classes only to have some of the students invent graphic details that I never said and once again enrage the parents based on lies. I felt helpless in my attempts to build relationships.
The students were incredibly intimidating and challenged me publically day in and day out!
It seemed that their favorite game was “test the teacher!” Every “trick” I had learned up to this point just didn’t seem to work on these kids.
Each day felt like I was auditioning for my right to be a teacher at their school, and the “judges” were not nice.
I had students that were actually looking for me to make mistakes, so that they could tell their parents. When I didn’t mess up they would make things up. Many parents treated me cruelly—when they bothered to talk to me at all—and I cried myself to sleep most nights only to face more tears in the morning.
Sadly, I could go on and on about how I was lied about, made fun of, verbally attacked and intimidated by parents and students for a whole year while the administration did nothing but blame me.
The good news is God does not waste pain!
The Lord taught me some powerful lessons during that difficult year.
Sometimes as a teacher your worst fears do come true, but with God’s grace you will make it through stronger, wiser and more skilled!
Lessons I Learned During my Nightmare Year of Fear 1. Don’t be intimidated by anyone because God is your defender and your protector!
A teacher’s world is filled with potentially intimidating people and situations. Yet Proverbs 29:25 says, “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety.”
Normally we fear people because of what we think they can do to us. The fears can range from the fear of being mocked to the fear of being fired.
During my Nightmare Year of Fear, it seemed like intimidation was lurking around every corner.
Parents. Terrified. Me.
Some parents would send scathing two page emails at the drop of a hat.
Other parents would skip right over speaking with me and go straight to the principal or even higher before I had a hint that anyone was upset.
A few parents ripped me to shreds face to face.
Since students were constantly lying about me for fun, I was never sure which parents were mad at me, and I didn’t know if the stories they were told were even true.
My school’s administration wouldn’t tell me about most of the complaints, but I constantly found out in odd little ways. (I believe God exposed plots against me time after time.)
I really had to battle fear of the future because I feared that lying kids, gossiping parents and an administration that catered to the whims of powerful families were ruining my dreams.
As crazy as it sounds, in spite of everything, I really wanted to stay and be successful at that school. I cared about the kids and wanted to make a difference.
Yet I had to surrender my desires to the Lord.
God taught me that my future was in His hands and that mere mortals could not ruin my destiny—especially a bunch of mean spirited 7th and 8th graders. (Thank goodness!)
God was so faithful to shine light on the schemes of my enemies and vindicate me in so many ways, and He will do the same for you as you trust Him!
I encourage you to surrender all your dreams to God afresh, and don’t fear what any person (or group of people) can do to you—especially when you know you are doing your best before God and man.
- Perfect love casts out fear, so don’t be afraid to speak the truth in love!
Because of the fears I have battled, confrontation has always been difficult for me.
In addition to fearing the parents and administrators, I found myself very intimidated by the students. I felt like a baby bunny in a room full of hungry vultures.
Due to the dynamics of the school, the power balance fell in favor of the students which left teachers on the bottom. Sadly, the students were very aware of the impact their parents had on the school, so they felt empowered to intimidate teachers.
My attempts to discipline students was a joke to them. When I tried to give consequences, the parental responses were so outrageous that I became afraid to hold students to high standards knowing that I was unsupported.
When parents spoke to me in hurtful and unacceptable ways, I felt powerless to speak up.
I knew I needed God’s strength to help me overcome my fear of speaking the truth because it was eating me alive and allowing grievous sin to go un-confronted!
I learned that in order to overcome fear, I had to ask God to help me love the parents, students and administrators.
1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of cowardice, but of power, and of love, and of wise discretion.”
Although it was way outside my comfort zone, I chose to hold students to high expectations, and tell their parents the truth about their children’s behavior whether they chose to listen or seek revenge.
I had many conversations with the administrators about what I was experiencing with the parents and students and how it was affecting me. I also lovingly spoke with my superiors about the ways I felt unsupported and blamed.
That year God have me courage to speak to many intimidating parents (who happened to be board members) about their children—even though they were NOT happy with me for it.
God gave me the boldness to speak with the Head of the School after literally dozens of attempts to get help from my Principal and the Dean.
Even though it was hard, I reminded myself that telling the truth and confronting sin is the most loving thing to do—especially when you are in a school that is representing Jesus Christ!
In tough situations, seek guidance from the Lord! There is definitely a time to speak and a time to hold your peace, and as you seek God He will give you wise discretion regarding what to do in sticky situations.
However, never let fear be your motivation for staying silent—especially when you need to discipline a student or speak with a parent! Remember speaking the truth kindly and gently is an act of love.
- Walk in humility; seek continual growth, and make excellence your goal.
As a teacher our mistakes are often public. This reality lends itself to teachers getting lots of criticism — sometimes constructive and sometimes... not so much.
During that tough year, God actually exposed a lot of areas of pride in me and it hurt!
Due to my fear of embarrassment and the mean spirited culture of my school, my goal for each day was to make it through without any major instances of humiliation.
To make matters more stressful, I was still relatively new to teaching, and I had jumped up 4 grade levels (going from 4th grade to 8th grade). I went from having 19 students the previous year to 103!
I struggled to learn the unfamiliar content, teach it and be organized.
I was also transitioning from an urban public school to a ritzy private school, and it seemed like every instructional strategy and classroom management tool I had been taught was opposite of what the students were used to.
It was a hot mess.
As you can imagine, I had people lining up to tell me that everything I was doing was wrong, wrong, wrong!
The torrent of criticism felt unceasing, and some of the messengers were filled with such spite and anger that I simply shut down.
I became defensive because I felt attacked, and I could not separate good suggestions from attempts to hurt me because it was all coming at once.
Eventually I was able to pull myself together and sort through what people were saying.
I had A LOT of room for growth, and I truly needed to improve. Some of the criticism I faced was warranted even though it was done in the wrong spirit.
I set out to learn my content better, be more prepared and read awesome books on teaching.
By my 4th year of teaching all the learning and growing paid off. I switched schools and received the highest evaluation score possible and was promoted to team lead for the next year! (So, there is a happy ending. Yay!)
I still struggle when receiving criticism, but I have found that the place of humility is the safest. When you humble yourself, God promises to be the one to exalt you!
1 Peter 5:6 says, “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.”
One of my favorite motivational speakers always says, “Fight fear with a plan!”
The plan I recommend is prayer first! Ask God for strength, and ask Him to lead you to the right people, places and materials to help you grow as a teacher!
Then I would recommend spending 20-30 minutes per day learning (or brushing up on) your content so that you feel confident to teach it.
I’d also recommend reading or listening to something motivational for teachers daily. There are so many great blogs and podcasts (like the one your reading) to encourage you when you feel beat up or afraid as a teacher.
- Give yourself grace, and don’t see failure as final!
Most would agree that teaching is one of the hardest professions on the planet. Anything difficult takes time to master.
Movies often give the impression that brand-new educators routinely walk into their first year of teaching with legendary skills that transform the toughest students instantly!
The truth is that champion teachers have mastered a complex set of skills that often took them years to develop. Don’t get discouraged (especially as a newer teacher) if you feel like you still have so much to learn and achieve.
Admittedly, administrators, parents and your students will probably have super high expectations for you (which is understandable), but you must give yourself grace when you make mistakes (because many people don’t think to give teachers grace).
Give yourself permission to learn and grow, and don’t think that failure is the final verdict on your teaching ability.
See failure as evidence that you are learning and remember that mistakes are normal.
Challenge yourself to learn from your missteps. I recommend keeping an informal journal where you write down mistakes that you don’t want to repeat along with the goals you want to implement next year.
- Place your identity in Christ and refuse to let anyone or anything define you but God!
I have battled with insecurity since childhood, and I found that the teaching field can be brutal on my identity if I’m not careful.
You may feel the temptation to see yourself through the eyes of parents, administrators and even students. There is pressure to make sure everyone thinks well of you. You may even want to be popular or everyone’s “favorite” teacher. I know I did!
When lots of people are affirming and encouraging you, it feels great, but the danger comes when you feel shame and accusation coming at you from all directions. Whether it is due to low test scores, a less than stellar evaluation, catty coworkers or critical parents and students, it is easy to internalize disapproval and wear condemnation and failure like a cloak.
This is why we should see ourselves, first, as a son or daughter of God! We will experience healing of our identity as we choose to dwell on God’s love for us!
We are declared righteous in God’s eyes because of Christ’s perfect report card given to us, not because of our own perfect works.
Head to www.teach4theheart.com/backtoschoolanxiety to download a PDF of Biblical affirmations that will remind you who you are in Christ. Read them aloud every day or meditate on them during your quiet time.
Join the Prayer Challenge Join thousands of Christian teachers in committing to pray for the new school year. We can't wait to see what God will do not only in our classrooms but in our own hearts as well.
Join the prayer challenge.
Starting at a new school can be intimidating and present a unique set of challenges. But with a little effort, administrators and teachers can make the transition a whole lot easier.
Join us as we discuss 8 ways administrators and teachers can help support new teachers at their school.
Pass along this episode to your principal: www.teach4theheart.com/support
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Find out more about CEAI: www.teach4theheart.com/insurance
The first day of school sets the tone for the whole year. Here are 10 things to avoid on the first day of school.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/firstday
Get the free classroom management minicourse at www.teach4theheart.com/minicourse
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What NOT to Do the First Day of School The bell rings and the students come pouring in to the first day of school. Excitement and a bit of chaos fill the air as well as some nervous anticipation – not just from the students but also from the teachers.
Yes, the first day of school is extremely exciting, but those first few hours with your students are also critically important. In fact, they can actually make or break the entire school year.
10 Things Not to Do on the First Day of School 1. Let the little things go. The biggest mistake I made during my first year of teaching was letting little things go. A little talking here, a student with their head down there – no biggie, right? Wrong. When we let the little things go, we give our students the impression that we either don’t notice or don’t care about their behavior. And the problem is that those little things won’t stay little; they’ll quickly escalate to full-blown problems. The answer? Simply address the small things with a simple statement such as “Greg, please sit up. Thank you.” Check out my post “The Tiny Mistake that Could Ruin Your Whole Year” for more details on this topic. 2. Lay down the law. My personality doesn’t lean this direction, but I’ve seen teachers, in an attempt to avoid letting the little things go, take the opposite extreme. They decide they need to lay down the law and show the kids who’s boss. So they jump on any small infraction and whack the kids with the biggest punishment possible to show them that they will not tolerate misbehavior. This isn’t a wise approach either. Yes, you need to address the little things, but often all that’s needed is a verbal correction. And if consequences are in order, give appropriate ones; don’t inflate them just to scare the students. Check out my posts “Should Teachers Lay Down the Law?” for more thoughts about this. 3. Make it a “fun day.” Okay, yes, the first day of school should be kind of fun and exciting. But you shouldn’t intentionally make it a “fun day” or a “party day.” If you do, you are setting a very bad precedent and are just asking for your students to be out of control. Instead, start off the school year as structured as possible. Then, once the students are used to structure you should be able to add in some fun activities without losing control. 4. Go over all your procedures. Please don’t torture your students by spending the whole class going over a sheet that contains all your procedures. This is so boring, and it’s probably also what every other teacher is doing. Yes, you absolutely need to teach your procedures, but you should teach them as they come up, not all at once on the first day. And if you have procedures written on a handout, just let your students read them for homework. (p.s. if you’re wondering how to teach procedures, check out my posts “How to Teach Procedures that Your Students Will Actually Follow.“) 5. Spend more than 30 seconds talking about fire drills. Okay, if you teach elementary you might be justified in taking more like 2-5 minutes. But for middle school and high school, please don’t. Just don’t. These poor students are hearing about fire drills in every class, and it’s not like they’ve never done one before. Furthermore, it’s not as if they’re going to remember exactly which direction they’re supposed to leave the building in each of their 8 classes. Instead, go over fire drill procedures as quickly as possible. Then later in the week you can go over them in more detail when the students’ brains aren’t being overloaded with procedures. 6. Dress down. Even if you typically dress somewhat casually, the first day of school is not the time to dress down. Your students only get one first impression of you, so the first day of school is the time to pull out the most professional outfit you have. Check out the posts “Do Teachers Really Need to Dress Professionally?” and “How to Dress Professionally on a Teachers’ Income” for more thoughts on when dressing professionally actually matters and how to do it on a budget. 7. Just wing it. If you try to wing the first day of school you will probably survive it just fine, but you’re also wasting an incredible opportunity to start the year off right. Instead, plan every minute so that you are prepared, confident, and organized. The best way to start class is to have some type of simple assignment ready for the students as they enter the class. This will keep them occupied while you deal with the inevitable confusions of the first few moments of class. 8. Let students choose their own seats. Even if you plan to allow students to choose their own seats at some point in the future, you still want to assign seats on the first day. Why? First, because it will help you learn their names more quickly. And, second, because allowing them to choose seats and then trying to figure out who is in which seat wastes a whole lot of time. In addition to having a seating chart ready, plan a way to tell students their seats as they enter class instead of after they’ve already sat down. For example, have the seating chart displayed on a smart board or projector. Or, have each students’ name and seat number on a post-it note on the wall so they can quickly find theirs and locate their seat. 9. Pass out textbooks one by one. This may not seem like a big deal, but it can really waste a lot of time to call your students out one by one to come up and receive their textbook. Instead, come up with a way to hand them out quickly. I typically had them set out at the end of each row, and the students would simply pick up their stack and pass them back. This means I invested time beforehand writing down all the #’s and putting each student’s name in their book, but it was worth it to help streamline the process.
Your goal should be to actually teach something in each class
- Waste a single moment. Plan through each procedure and activity and find the way to do it as efficiently as possible. Your goal should be to actually teach something in each class. And that’s not going to happen unless you’re very intentional about being incredibly efficient and focused.
Be Ready to Go on Day One Our FREE classroom management minicourse will help you prepare for the best start-of-school yet. Click here to start the minicourse.
The first week of school can make or break your entire year. Start off right, and it's (relatively) smooth sailing. But if you make some of these common mistakes, you'll pay for it all year long.
Listen as we discuss 5 common back-to-school mistakes - and how to avoid them.
Notes & links: www.teach4theheart.com/mistakes
Other Links:
Classroom Management 101: www.teach4theheart.com/cm101
Classroom Procedure that Will Save Your Sanity
How to Teach Procedures that Your Students Will Actually Follow
Christian Educators' Association International (professional liability insurance & more): www.teach4theheart.com/insurance
Classroom management is possibly the most challenging aspect of teaching today. But you don't have to end up with a disaster on your hands!
Join guest teacher Latrisha Lott as she shares 4 simple steps she's learned to help prevent classroom management disaster.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/disaster
Join our free Back-to-School Classroom Management Solutions live training at www.teach4theheart.com/backtoschooltraining
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It can feel like you’re navigating a maze blindfolded while carrying a 100-pound backpack and getting hit with paintball pellets (Ouch!).
I'm talking about classroom management - one the most challenging aspects of teaching today.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t think my teaching program did a fair job of letting me know what I would be facing as a teacher.
Textbooks and teacher preparation classes painted a picture of compliant, well-behaved students who couldn’t wait to learn. This may have been the experience of teachers 75 years ago, but it sure hasn’t been my experience or the experience of ANY teacher I know that is currently in the classroom.
I think it is time we be honest.
Now I am not saying you can't get your students to that place, but in my experience, a peaceful, focused on-task, classroom, filled with quality learning requires hard work and EXCELLENT classroom management that is applied with godly wisdom.
Let’s face the facts.
Society has changed.
Students have changed.
Parents have changed.
uh, oh!
Sadly, teachers don’t always have the trust and respect of those they serve, and as the morals and values of a society implode, public servants like teachers are often left to clean up the mess.
It is not your imagination.
A huge number of young people are more disrespectful and rebellious than ever before. Parents often want to excuse their kid's wrong-doing and blame you! Administrators are often pressured to avoid disciplining students, so they might place those pressures on you. The workload is heavier than ever.
You're not alone in these observations.
Teaching. Is. Hard.
I have taught in a charter school, a private Christian school and a public school. I have taught primary and secondary school. I have taught students of millionaires and students that did not know if they would have dinner each night. The classroom management challenges have been very similar in each situation.
But there is hope!
If you are in the classroom now, you have a reason to believe that God has called you to be a teacher for such a time as this.
Students need godly teachers more than ever (in Christian schools and public schools), and He has called YOU!
You can be a better classroom manager. You can build more trust with students, parents, and administrators. You can touch and even transform lives.
However, there are some pesky roadblocks you may encounter, and it takes wisdom to avoid crashing into them!
The roadblocks are often both internal and external depending on your circumstances and environment, but being prepared for them will help your year run smoother and save you lots of time, energy and potential conflicts down the road.
Here are 4 simple steps I learned the hard way that will help you avoid classroom management disaster!
4 Simple Steps to Prevent Classroom Management Disaster 1. Don’t let students manipulate you with their emotions.
Have you had a student start bawling when you gave them a detention? Have you experienced a student’s explosive anger when they don’t get to go to recess?
Ever have a student protest vehemently that they should have been the student of the week and that you always pick the same kids for everything—hurtfully accusing you of showing favoritism?
When you give consequences or withhold rewards as a part of your classroom management plan, you will likely encounter pushback intended to cause you to feel guilty, second guess yourself or give in to the student’s demands. And this problem can be compounded when students band together against you.
Second guessing and giving in to demands are big mistakes, though, because students will realize they can turn on the waterworks, throw tantrums, or rope you into an emotional debate and control you through the sheer force of their feelings.
Many times the student’s emotions are genuine, but often times students will play up their emotions to see what you will do. The trick is to remain calm and stick to your consequences and rewards.
Once your students see that you will remain calm, resolute, and unshaken in the midst of the storm of their emotions, students will typically try those tactics less and less.
Use prayerful discernment to decide whether or not to console students in the moment or acknowledge their wounded feelings, but don’t by any means let their hurt or upset feelings change your pre-determined set of consequences or rewards.
Of course, there are rare circumstances where you truly feel led to cut the student a break or give them another chance, BUT this should be a rare exception. Otherwise, students will be confused and not know what to expect from you.
The goal is not to become an unfeeling automaton but rather a consistent leader that does the right thing for students even when it is unpopular.
Students ultimately respect someone they know they cannot manipulate.
- Document everything you can, and let the world know you are keeping track of everything!
A wise veteran teacher once told me to document everything, and this little gem of wisdom has proven true every time.
Sadly, your word alone as a teacher is often not enough. In our society, everybody wants proof, proof, proof! Oddly enough parents will often believe their kids over you (and kids lie….a lot)!
Surprised? I was! It's a strange day we live in, so we must be prudent!
When you call up little Johnny’s mom, it's better to say, “…this week I counted 37 blurts…” rather than “Johnny is being a little too chatty…”.
It is more effective to let the parents know exactly how many assignments their child is missing instead of merely saying their child is not getting work in on time.
Did a student say something (CRAZY?) —write it down word for word. Believe it or not, you will likely forget exactly what they said which leaves room for the student to deny it ever happened, and when you are in that parent-teacher conference, you are going to want to know exactly what was said and when.
You can document in any way that is easy for your personality type, organization level, and style. Just have a system!
It can be as informal as a documentation notebook you carry around everywhere to jot notes down. It can be as fancy as an excel spreadsheet with student names and different columns representing various behaviors and the number of times they occur.
I personally like carrying around a red clipboard with student names and boxes to give "checks" for the most common misbehaviors like talking without permission. When the students see me pick up the clipboard they know I am tracking and documenting their behavior, and it calms them down.
There are also amazing online programs and apps like Class Dojo that make tracking these things a cinch.
Time is in high demand for teachers, and it can feel too tedious to document, but this is one investment that pays dividends.
And the beauty is — students will behave better when they know you are tracking their behavior and documenting what happens day to day. There is instant accountability, and when you follow through with consequences, students will think more closely about their actions!
- Keep your expectations high, and don’t apologize for it!
This one is tough!
As a teacher, there are so many pressures that might tempt you to lower the bar, but don’t do it! Students may complain when you have high standards and parents may even complain, but true leadership involves holding on to godly principles that remain strong, time-tested and true in the face of adversity!
As society drifts farther and farther from God, the world’s standards and expectations sink lower and lower.
This naturally makes Christians seem all the more peculiar, which is a good thing, but also a challenge at the same time. You see, the most basic Christian standards look like high expectations to the world, and truly high expectations look impossible to the world.
So if you have high moral standards for your classroom, then you might find yourself at odds with a lot of people—even in a Christian school. (This happened to me, but that’s another story all together!)
But don’t give up!
Don't feel bad about expecting students to talk to you respectfully. Don't feel old fashioned when you stop students from using inappropriate language or off-colored jokes! Teach students the importance of honesty, hard work, and integrity!
Encourage modesty and enforce your school's dress code. You may be the only teacher that you know who's calling kids up higher, but you will be a massive blessing in a child's life, even if they are not yet a Christian. Even if they never become a Christian, you will have served them by speaking Biblical truth into their heart and mind.
This same principle remains true if you teach Christian students. Many Christian students are so inundated and brainwashed by the world, that Biblical truth sounds foreign. Christian students need strong, fearless teachers that won’t bend the truth of God’s Word. Speaking the truth and upholding truth might put you on a path of conflict, but don't shy away.
Truth is desperately needed in Christian and secular environments, and God has placed you at your school to be a beacon of light and a proclaimer of truth!
- Pray without ceasing!
Last but definitely not least, pray!
I have seen God do amazing things through prayer, but sometimes when we are the most stressed prayer seems like the last thing our flesh wants to do! In Matthew 26:41 Jesus says, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
One teacher’s temptations will be different than another's. You may be tempted to avoid disciplining certain students out of fear of their reaction or even their parent’s reaction, while another teacher may struggle with taking vengeance on a certain student due to their behavior.
On some days you may be tempted to yell and scream at your students while other days you may be tempted to simply disengage, hand out a worksheet and sit at your desk browsing your favorite online magazine with a mocha.
Often we are tempted to simply give up and coast until the end of the school year, but with the Lord's help, we can overcome all of these negative emotions.
I would recommend two types of prayer.
First, I believe it is important to have a daily prayer time where you pray over a list of things that are going on in your life and the lives of those you care about.
Second, I find "5-second" prayers throughout the whole day to be a lifeline! This is sometimes called "practicing the presence of God" popularized by Brother Lawrence. This concept mirrors the scriptural principle of praying without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
You simply talk to God all day.
Ask Him to help your observation go well. Ask the Lord to help you be patient today. Ask Him for more energy and focus.
He wants you to pray and walk with Him throughout your days. Ask Him to make you a better classroom manager and ask Him for courage!
God is more than willing to help you with any and everything you struggle with, and there is nothing too big or too small for him.
If your journey is anything like mine, God will often use teaching as the fiery furnace to burn off things that are displeasing to Him, so don't be surprised when yucky stuff rises to the surface.
Finally, don’t be discouraged by slow progress in your classroom management, and try not to make comparisons between yourself and others. Look for help wherever you can find it; then pray and ask God to help you implement what you learn.
You may not always feel like you are making a difference, but God is using you in the classroom even in spite of your weakness.
**Need more classroom management help? Join us in our upcoming FREE Classroom Management Solutions live training** where you'll learn how to start the school year off right - and the incredible difference it will make!
Sign up for the FREE Back-to-School Classroom Management Solutions training.
Getting your room ready for the school year can be extremely exciting. It’s also a whole lot of work. There are books to prepare, desks to arrange, decorations to create……The list seems never-ending.
What we really need to focus on, though, is functionality. Yes, it’s great if our rooms are cute and fun, but it’s more important that we be strategic in how we set things up so that we can maximize our efficiency.
In this episode, we examine 9 practical ways to set up your classroom to save time & help your students learn.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/settingup.
9 Areas to Include When Setting Up Your Room 1. A station for you. You need a place somewhere in the front of the room to stash all those supplies that you need to have handy while teaching. If your desk is at the front, that could work. But if it's in the back, you need a secondary station to keep your notes, pen, etc. 2. In/out bins. If you don't use in/out bins in your room, adding these can save a lot of time. I have one large in bin for group work. (After students pass in their papers, the last student paperclips them and puts them right in my in bin.) I then have separate in bins for each class for students to turn in late work or absent work - anything that's individual and not with the group piles. Finally, I have out bins for each class, and these save the most time. Instead of standing in front of class wasting time passing out papers, assign a student to pass them out for you. They simply go to their class's out bin, grab whatever's in there, and start passing them out. 3. Sample tests. Post a sample test and/or quiz (one for each subject if possible) in your room so that students can get a basic idea of how you will be testing them. Of course this sample shouldn't include the real test questions, but it should give them an idea of the length, style, etc. This can help allay the fears of students who experience anxiety over testing. (This fantastic idea is from The First Days of School.) 4. Post your classes on the door. If you have a self-contained classroom, this is as simple as posting your name and the grade level you teach. But if you teach multiple groups/classes, posting them outside the door will help students know that they are in the right place. 5. Absent folders. Have a system for getting absent work to students. A simple but efficient system is to give a student in each class the responsibility of recording what you do in class. This form then goes in the absent folder so that returning students can easily see what they missed.
Get an editable copy of the absence form here. 6. Decor. If you enjoy decorating your room to the nines and you have time, then go for it. But if you're getting overwhelmed (or it's just not in your wheelhouse), all you need to do is create a warm learning environment for your students. The easiest way is to simply put up motivational or instructional posters (like these) throughout your room. 7. To-do lists. No, not for you - for your students. Post lists such as what they should do at the start of class and what they should do if they finish an assignment early. 8. A place to post start-of-class assignments. If your'e wondering why a start-of-class assignment is so crucial, take a minute to read this post. But you also can't forget about having a place to post it - something consistent so it's in the same place every day and students know where to find it.
Oh and if you teach middle school math, you're in luck. Grab a set of middle school bellringers for free here. 9. A place to post homework. Have a consistent place that students can find their homework assignments. I found it extremely effective to create a poster board for each class that included the class name and then had a spot for each day of the week. I would then laminate these boards and put them up along one wall. I could then use a wet-erase marker to write the week's assignments and upcoming tests/quizzes. A spray bottle of water and paper towels easily cleaned them at the end of each week.
Get more tips & resources here.
Did you spend this past year stuck in the crazy cycle - overwhelmed, exhausted, and never able to quite get caught up?
Join us as we speak with Elizabeth Chapman, a high school English teacher and mom who knows first-hand just how crazy teaching can be.
We discuss why balance is worth fighting for & practical steps you can take right now to do just that.
Get the notes at www.teach4theheart.com/crazy.
Links mentioned:
- FREE balance training event: www.teach4theheart.com/balancetraining
- Angela Watson's 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club: www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher
Summer is a time to rest and refresh - but also to grow both professionally & personally.
Join us as discuss 10 ways to grow as a teacher this summer.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/grow.
Join one of our summer events at www.teach4theheart.com/events.
Other links:
Create Your Dream Classroom: www.teach4theheart.com/dreamclassroom
Classroom Management 101: http://academy.teach4theheart.com/p/classroom-management-101
Teach Uplifted: www.teachuplifted.com
Did you spend the last few months longing for the summer so you could get a break from your teacher anxiety? Are you already dreading those back-to-school signs that will bring it all back in full-force?
Whether you struggle directly with anxiety as a teacher or would simply label it "stress", this episode will help you examine the true root of these feelings - and how to teach without anxiety.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/anxiety
Join Teach Uplifted or our free live training at www.teachuplifted.com
What should you focus on RIGHT NOW to best grow as a teacher?
A seemingly simple question but one that’s not always easy to answer. With so many questions bouncing around in your head & so many challenges on your plate, it can be hard to figure out what to focus on next.
That’s why we’ve developed the Teacher Success Roadmap.
Get all the links at www.teach4theheart.com/roadmap.
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The Teacher Success Roadmap This roadmap is meant as a guide – a clear path towards success that will show you step-by-step what areas you need to focus on as you seek to grow as a teacher. As well as the resources you need in each area.
These steps are sequential. So take a look at each one in order. If you believe you’re doing pretty well with the first step, move on to the next – until you get to an area where you know there’s room to grow.
And that – right there – is the perfect spot to focus next. Don’t worry too much about the rest of the roadmap. Just take the next step. Once you’ve mastered that, you can come back and continue on the road to success.
**Step 1 | Walk with God**
Experience the power of a vibrant relationship with God as you spend time with Him and talk with Him throughout the day.
If you try to teach in your own strength, you may be a great teacher – you may even make a difference in your students’ lives. But you won’t have a fraction of the impact that you could have if God is working through you.
That’s why we must value our relationship with Him and make it a priority. We must realize that spending time with Him and talking to Him throughout the day is the most important work we can do – way more important than our never-ending to-do list.
If you haven’t yet developed the habit of spending time with God each day, then that’s where you should start. Here’s some great resources that can help you get started:
- Summer Bible study for teachers: Grace Changes Everything with Bonnie Kathryn Hunter
- FREE daily devotionals: Our Daily Bread
And if you don’t know God personally, I encourage you to start with this article here:
How (and why) to Have a Relationship with God
**Step 2 | Manage your classroom**
Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning.
It's tough to teach when your students aren't listening. That's why great classroom management is key to any successful classroom.
Think of it as the foundation - it's not really exciting, and it's not the most fun piece of the house to work on, but without it, everything else you build will eventually come crashing down.
If you're struggling with classroom management, this isn't something you can just ignore and hope it gets better. You have to make changes. You have to figure this out.
The good news? We’re here to help!
Free resources to get you started:
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Top Recommendation: Classroom Management MiniCourse: 3 Days to Regain Control
- Listen: Season 1 of the Teach 4 the Heart Podcast: Classroom Management
- Read: Classroom management articles
Go straight to the all-in-one solution:
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Join Classroom Management 101
Step 3 | Plan & execute effective lessons
Structure your lessons so your students truly understand and master key skills.
Are your students struggling in your class? Are you seeing way too many D’s and F’s and getting way too many confused looks?
Our default reaction is to blame the students for not trying, but the hard truth is that sometimes we’re not doing the best job explaining the concepts in a way students can actually understand.
We owe it to our students to be continually improving our teaching methods – always looking for better ways to create more of those lightbulb moments.
Need help planning & teaching effective lessons?
- Read: Blog posts on teaching effectively
-
Cult of Pedagogy instructional articles
(My friend Jennifer Gonzalez at Cult of Pedagogy has a wealth of helpful advice on how to teach effectively. Please be aware, however, that her advice is NOT from a Biblical perspective – so use discernment as you decide what strategies to adapt for your classroom.)Step 4 | Find balance
Don’t let teaching take over your life. Find balance by learning to teach in a way that is actually sustainable.
Are you overwhelmed by your workload, stressed by your mile-long to-do list?
You can’t let teaching take over your life or you’re headed straight for burn-out. Or, at the least, I’m-so-tired-and-stressed-I-can’t-think-straight-ville. Neither of which make you a very effective teacher.
The good news is that it IS possible to be an amazing teacher without working 24/7. But to achieve balance you must make it a priority and seek out creative solutions.
Which we’d love to help you with 🙂
Free resources to get you started:
- Watch: 5 Summer Secrets to a Stress-Free Fall by Angela Watson
- Watch: Teaching with Balance Video Series
- Listen: Season 2 of the Teach 4 the Heart Podcast: Balance & Time-Management
Go straight to the all-in-one solution:
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Join Angela Watson's 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club (accepting new members at the end of June)
Step 5 | Teach Uplifted
Teach with God’s peace and joy, even in the midst of challenges and frustrations.
So often as teachers we’re worried, frustrated, anxious, or discouraged.
But not only is this not what God intended for us, but we’re also not as effective when we’re distracted by these negative feelings.
Praise the Lord, He has something better. In learning to trust Christ, think Biblically, and surrender everything to Him, we can overcome anxiety and teach with peace and joy, even when everything around us seems to be going wrong.
And what a powerful testimony that can be!
Free resources to get you started:
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Live Training: Teach Without Anxiety: 3 Habits to Develop Now
- 3-Day Challenge: Renew Your Joy, Refresh Your Perspective
- Read: Encouraging blog posts
Go straight to the all-in-one solution:
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Join the next session of Teach Uplifted
Step 6 | Embrace Your True Mission
Fulfill your God-given mission to shine His light in the public school or make disciples in the Christian school.
Once you’ve gotten this far on the roadmap, you’ve mastered the basics and have overcome some key challenges. Now you’re ready to truly make a difference as you embrace your mission as a Christian teacher.
Public school teachers: If you teach in a public school, you may not be used to thinking of teaching as a ministry, but that’s exactly what God has called you to. He desires you to be a bright light pushing back the darkness all around you – and drawing others to Him.
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Shine Like Stars Bible Study by CEAI
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We’re also considering partnering with CEAI to produce a program that will help you teach with faith, not fear as you navigate the minefield of living out your beliefs as a Christian teacher in a public school. If you’d be interested in hearing more about this program as it becomes available, click here to request updates.
Christian school teachers: As a Christian school teacher, you have the privilege (and responsibility) of directly instructing students in God’s word – not just in Bible class but in every area of the classroom. You must intentionally disciple students and show them how to examine every topic through the lens of a Biblical perspective.
Resources:
- Online Course: How to Cultivate Biblical Discipleship Day by Day (FULL version)
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FREE LITE version of the course
Step 7| Inspire & lead your students
Make a lasting difference in your students’ lives as you learn how to inspire, motivate, mentor, counsel, and lead them.
At this point, you’re a strong teacher – ready to grow your influence and make a lasting difference in your students’ lives.
But how exactly do you best inspire them, motivate them, counsel, mentor, and lead them?
We’re hoping to develop more resources in the future to help with this final stage of the roadmap. But in the meantime, we hope you’ll find these helpful:
Resources:
- Read/Listen: 10 Traits of Impactful Christian teachers
- Book: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
One More Thing... In order to be most effective, all of these topics must be studied
1) From a Biblical perspective and
2) Within community
Biblical Perspective: The Bible is not just a wise book that helps us be good. It is the source of truth – the only thing we can be absolutely sure of. We must view every other topic through the lens of Scripture & allow its truths to shape how we think and act.
At Teach 4 the Heart, we strive to examine each topic from a Biblical perspective so that we aren’t simply running from one new idea to the next but are seeking to apply never-changing truths to every challenge.
Community: Too often we make the mistake of trying to learn & grow on our own, but that’s not the way God designed us. God created us to learn and grow together – in community with fellow believers.
At Teach 4 the Heart, we strive to connect Christian teachers in meaningful ways so that we can support & encourage each other. Community happens all over Teach 4 the Heart but most notably in our Facebook group, live trainings, prayer challenges, and premium programs.
Join Teach 4 the Heart.
Do you dread tackling that ever-growing stack of essays? Does it take you forever and a day to get through them?
In this episode, we give a simple & easy way to grade writing quickly - while still giving valuable feedback to students.
Get notes, links & a sample grading form at www.teach4theheart.com/gradequickly
You're tired, exhausted, wondering if you can make it to the summer. But what if instead of counting down the days, you could make these last days count!?
Join us as we discuss 6 tips to finish the school year strong.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/finishstrong
Students LOVE review games, but when we can't afford to spend more time on the game than we do on the review.
Fortunately, you can play a fun review game without taking time away from the actual review.
Join us as we discuss 7 review games that won't waste your time.
Get links & written explanations at www.teach4theheart.com/reviewgames
Ever think about flipping your classroom but not really know where to start?
Join us as we answer all your most questions about how to flip your classroom - and why you (and your students) will love doing so.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/flip.
Find out more about MathLight at www.mymathlight.com.
Blank stares, confused looks, bombed tests - these are all signs that your students just aren't understanding what you're teaching them.
Join us as we discuss practical tips to help your students understand concepts that they're confused about.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/understand
If you're thinking seriously about quitting teaching, you owe it to yourself, your students, and your families to make the right decision.
In this episode, we discuss 6 key questions to ask yourself when you're considering quitting teaching.
Get links & notes at www.teach4theheart.com/quitteaching.
Ever suspect a student of something but you're just not sure? Maybe you think they cheated - or that they're lying to you. But how can you proceed when you don't know for sure what happened?
In this episode, you'll discover a simple solution for those times you suspect a student but just aren't sure what happened.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/suspect.
Find out more about Classroom Management 101 at www.teach4theheart.com/cm101.
Are you struggling with classroom management? Is your class (just a little) out of control? If so, you won't want to miss these 10 classroom management changes you should make right now. (Yes, even if it's the end of the school year.)
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/10changes.
Sign up for our free live training at www.teach4theheart.com/training.
Dressing professionally can make a big difference in how your students perceive and respect you - especially if you are a younger teacher or if your students are older.
But how do you dress professionally on a limited teacher's income? That's what we're discussing in today's episode.
Get notes & links and see pictures of cute professional outfits at www.teach4theheart.com/dress.
A student's failing your class - what on earth do you do? Don't panic, don't take it personally, but don't throw your hands up in the air either.
Here are 9 practical ways you can help a failing student.
Get notes & additional resources at www.teach4theheart.com/failingstudent
Do you ever feel like you're alone as a teacher? Like you're facing all these challenges and there's just no one there to help you figure it all out?
In this episode, you'll learn how to connect with like-minded teachers who can encourage, support, and advise you.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/alone.
Find out more about Teach Uplifted at www.teachuplifted.com.
If you're feeling overwhelmed and discouraged, surrounded by negativity, then this episode is for you.
Join us as we discuss 8 reasons you might be feeling discouraged as a teacher - and how to overcome them.
Join the free 3-day challenge for Christian teachers: Renew Your Joy & Refresh Your Perspective at www.teach4theheart.com/joy.
Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/discouraged.
When you lose your voice as a teacher, you'd do almost anything to get it back!
Join us as we discuss 5 effective methods to restore your lost voice.
Get notes & links at teach4theheart.com/voice
As a Christian teacher in a public school, you may be surprised to discover that religious discussions are not quite as taboo as you might think.
In fact, it is legal to teach about religion in the public school as long as you do it in an academic matter and don't try to convert your students.
Join us as we speak with Finn Laursen, director of CEAI, who shares with us his knowledge of what is and isn't legal for Christian teachers in the public school.
Get notes & links at teach4theheart.com/religion.
Next week we'll be discussing how Christian teachers can legally bring up God & religion in the classroom. But before we get there, we have to answer a very important question - should we?
In other words, is it morally or ethically right to talk about religion in a public school?
In this episode, we examine two common objections to religion in the classroom and see why they might not be quite as valid as so many tend to think.
Get notes & links at teach4theheart.com/objections
Tracking homework and trying to hold students accountable can quickly become a teachers' nightmare. But before you bang your head against the wall, try some of these simple tips to manage homework without going crazy.
Get links & notes at teach4theheart.com/homework.
When parents complain about you to administration, it's easy to get defensive, frustrated, and even discouraged.
But if you take the right approach, you can turn a parent complaint into an opportunity for growth and even increased cooperation moving forward.
Get notes at www.teach4theheart.com/complaining
Sometimes we think there's no way to escape the 24/7 teacher stress cycle. But that's just not true.
Join us as we discuss 5 simple but powerful techniques to reduce your stress and save your mental brainpower.
Get links & your Intentional Procrastination To-Do List System at www.teach4theheart.com/stress
Find out more about Angela Watson's 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club at http://teach4theheart.com/40hourteache
Imagine a teacher who was full of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. What a powerful testimony that would be!
But that’s exactly the work the Spirit wants to do in our lives & is our topic today as we discuss the 10th and final trait of impactful Christian teachers.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/season3
Do we trust God in our day-to-day lives, or yield to stress, worry, and anxiety? Join us as we discuss the 9th trait of impactful Christian teachers: releasing fear & trusting God.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/season3
Amidst all the confusion of our era, we must look to the Bible for wisdom and answers. Impactful Christian teachers seek wisdom and truth and make a habit of thinking Biblically.
Join us as we discuss this 8th trait of impactful Christian teachers.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/season3
Imagine being so close to God that you can hear His voice and direction day-to-day in your classroom. What a profound impact you would have!
That’s why a strong relationship with God is so important, and it’s the 7th of 10 traits of impactful Christian teachers that we are discussing this season.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/season3
If we want to make a real difference, we should be encouraging and edifying not only our students but the adults as well. In this episode, we discuss how to build up and support students, parents, fellow teachers, and even administrators.
This is the 6th of 10 traits of impactful Christian teachers that we are discussing this season.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/season3
We continue to examine 10 traits of impactful Christian teachers in this 3rd season of the podcast. Today, we discuss how being humble and genuine can open doors for incredible impact.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/season3
This season we’re discussing 10 traits of impactful Christian teachers. Today, we consider how the most impactful Christian teachers don’t just focus on outward behavior. They’re much more concerned with teaching for the heart.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/season3
Love is the most powerful force in the world, and as Christian teachers we are clearly called to love our students. But how do we show them God’s love on a day-to-day basis? In this episode, we’re discussing 12 practical ways to let your students know you love them.
This is the 3rd episode of our third season in which we’re discussing 10 Traits of Impactful Christian teachers.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/season3
Impactful Christian teachers strive for excellence because they know they are working for Christ, not for men. And they shun two dangers that seek to derail them: mediocrity and perfectionism.
This episode is part of our 3rd season in which we’re discussing 10 Traits of Impactful Christian teachers.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/season3
Join Teach 4 the Heart: www.teach4theheart.com/mission
Impactful Christian teachers know why they are in the classroom & have a strong sense of their mission.
This season we’re discussing 10 Traits of Impactful Christian teachers, and in this first episode we talk about what our mission should be as Christian teachers – whether we teach in public, private, or Christian schools.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/season3
Two members of the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek joins us today to discuss their experience, share time-saving advice, and give you a unique insider look at this life-changing program.
Join us in this final episode of the Balance & Productivity season as we dive deeper into the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club & discuss why it’s helped so many teachers and how it can help you too.
Find out more about the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/podcast20.
Angela Watson of the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek joins us today to tell us a little more about the training & share 6 secrets of real teachers who are reducing their workload with the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club.
Join us in this 7th episode of the Balance & Productivity season as we speak with Angela about how to finally find balance.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/podcast19
Find out more about the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club at www.teach4theheart.com/40hourteacher
Many teachers have convinced themselves that they must keep giving until there’s nothing less, but that is not a good idea.
In this 6th episode of the Balance & Productivity season, we’re discussing why you can’t keep up a frantic pace and the very real consequences that will ensue if you try to.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/podcast18
Get your free guide to controlling your work hours at www.teach4theheart.com/balance
We’ve all heard of budgeting your money, but have you ever thought about budgeting your time?
In this 5th episode of the Balance & Productivity season, we draw important parallels between budgeting money and scheduling time and realize that wise management of our time can make us truly rich.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/podcast17
Get your free guide to controlling your work hours at www.teach4theheart.com/balance
If you want to have time for what’s important, you’ve got to redeem that time somehow.
In this 4th episode of the Balance & Productivity season, we’re discussing 25 specific tips to help you save time & take home less work. See which ones resonate most with you & try them out because over time little changes add up to big results.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/podcast16
Get your free guide to controlling your work hours at www.teach4theheart.com/balance
Distractions & disruptions are all too common during teachers’ planning periods, but if we’re going to find balance, we have to figure out how to reduce them.
In this 3rd episode of the Balance & Productivity season, we’re discussing 9 simple ways to reduce distractions & disruptions during planning periods so that you can actually get stuff done.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/podcast15
Get your free guide to controlling your work hours at www.teach4theheart.com/balance
If we’re going to find balance, we need to embrace 6 time-saving principles.
This season we’re discussing balance & productivity tips, and in this 2nd episode we’re discussing 6 key principles that will help us save time, be more productive, and finally find balance. Thanks to Angela Watson, creator of the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club, for sharing these principles.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/podcast14
Get your free guide to controlling your work hours at www.teach4theheart.com/balance
As teachers we’re often overwhelmed & stressed by all there is to do, and sometimes we might even feel like it’s taking over your life.
This season we’re discussing balance & productivity tips, and in this first episode we’re tackling 8 lies we teachers tell ourselves about our workload and the corresponding truths that will set us on the track to finally achieving work/life balance.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/podcast13
Get your free guide to controlling your work hours at www.teach4theheart.com/balance
Wish your classroom ran more smoothly?
In this final episode of our classroom management series, we’re discussing 10 (actually 11) procedures that just might save your sanity and help things run a little more smoothly.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/podcast12
Get my free classroom management minicourse at www.teach4theheart.com/minicourse.
Whole Brain Teaching is an exciting new teaching system that is revolutionizing classrooms across the world.
In this 11th episode of our classroom management series, we take a look at whole brain teaching and discuss some of its best aspects and how they can make a difference in your classroom.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/podcast11
Get my free classroom management minicourse at www.teach4theheart.com/minicourse.
Great classroom managers don’t just know how to deal with discipline problems; they know how to prevent them.
In this 10th episode of our classroom management series, we discuss 10 strategies for preventing discipline problems from happening in the first place.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/podcast10
Get my free classroom management minicourse at www.teach4theheart.com/minicourse.
We all have that student who’s about to drive us crazy. And pity the teacher who has 2 or 3! But these students are actually the ones who need us the most, and sometimes they can even turn out to be our greatest blessing.
In this 9th episode of our classroom management series, we discuss 9 tips for dealing with your most challenging students. And don’t miss my story of an amazing turn-round that still has me smiling to this day.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/podcast9
Get my free classroom management minicourse at www.teach4theheart.com/minicourse.
What are you supposed to do when students complain, backtalk, or argue with you? Should you ignore it, engage it, or somehow try to avoid it?
Those are the questions we’re discussing in this 8th episode of our classroom management series. Join us and learn six tips for handling students’ complaints and not-so-sincere questions.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/podcast8
Get my free classroom management minicourse at www.teach4theheart.com/minicourse.
If you want to make a real difference, just handing out consequences isn’t going to cut it. Instead, you need to get to the root of the problem – and that means talking to your students.
In this 7th episode of this classroom management series, we discuss some key insights you’ll need to have meaningful conversations with your students that reach their hearts, deal with the real problems, and produce lasting and meaningful change.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/podcast7
Get my free classroom management minicourse at www.teach4theheart.com/minicourse.
As important as rapport is in the classroom, it’s so easy for us as teachers to destroy it.
In this 6th episode of this classroom management series, we discuss some common mistakes to avoid if you want to build strong rapport with your students.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/podcast6
Sign up for the free Classroom Management Live Training at www.teach4theheart.com/training.
Get my free classroom management minicourse at www.teach4theheart.com/minicourse.
As teachers, we often struggle with whether we should be nice or strict. Some may be told they’re being too nice. Others worry they’re being too strict.
But maybe, just maybe, we’re missing the whole point.
In this 5th episode of this classroom management series, we discuss why you need to be both kind AND strict, and how to find the right demeanor as a teacher.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/podcast5
Sign up for the free Classroom Management Live Training at www.teach4theheart.com/training.
Procedures are key, but if you just tell your students your procedures, chances are they won’t actually follow them.
In this 4th episode of this classroom management series, we discuss the 4 steps to teaching procedures so that your students will actually follow them.
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/podcast4
Get my free classroom management minicourse at www.teach4theheart.com/minicourse.
In the 3rd episode of this classroom management series, we discuss how to create a Classroom Shake-Up to get your students’ attention and show them that things are going to be different.
We’re discussing:
- Why do you need a classroom shake-up?
- What exactly is a classroom shake up?
- How do you create one?
- What do you do afterwards?
Get links & additional info at www.teach4theheart.com/podcast3
Get my free classroom management minicourse at www.teach4theheart.com/minicourse.
If your classroom's a bit out of control, you definitely don't want to miss this episode. We're discussing a step-by-step plan to regain control of your classroom and get back on track.
For links & notes visit www.teach4theheart.com/podcast2.
Get my free classroom management minicourse at www.teach4theheart.com/minicourse.
Season 1 of the Teach 4 the Heart Podcast is all about classroom management.