Teacher Edition Podcast

In Part Two, Jenny and Lauren tackle the practical implementation of gifted education programs. Many assume Christian schools are already challenging enough, or that skilled teachers can differentiate for all students. But even the most talented educators need support when serving truly gifted learners.

This episode addresses real-world questions: 

• How do you structure actual instruction? 

“These are students who are not just good students. Their brain thinks differently, and it is as simple as that. They need a space and a time where their brain doesn't just do more work. Using the brain God gave them, they are able to think differently.”  – Dr. Lauren Morrison

Supporting gifted and talented students is often an overlooked area in Christian education. While many Christian schools struggle to provide adequate support...

“Ask yourself the question: What am I doing? Am I copying? Am I distributing a copyrighted work to an audience that would co-opt the ability of the owner of a copyright to obtain money?” –  Jim Bagarazzi

“Educators are excellent borrowers,” but when does borrowing cross the line into stealing? 

Walk through any school and you will likely see cartoon characters traced from coloring books, sports logos downloaded from the interne...

“When parents come onto campus and they see teachers worshiping the Lord, they see the tenderness. The way our teachers interact with their child in an organic setting ... that builds a trust with our parents.” — Cathy Polyak

A very common topic Jenny hears in her conversations with educators and with podcast listeners is around chapel services. In this episode, Jenny sits down with Cathy Polyak, a Christian educator for twenty-s...

“A handbook is a tool to communicate agreed-upon expectations to create an environment that allows for disciple makers to direct students into God-glorifying relationships with their Creator.” — Paul Rebert

Every Christian school has a handbook or rule book, but are we using it correctly? 

In this episode of the Teacher Edition Podcast, Paul Rebert brings a refreshing biblical perspective to one of the most challenging aspects of C...

“I had a former principal share with me, ‘They will care how much you know when they know how much you care.’” — Randy Padgett

Have you ever met an educator whose love for teaching just radiates—someone who clearly enjoys their students, their subject, and the privilege of being in the classroom? Maybe you remember a teacher like that from your own school days. Chances are, it wasn’t the academic content that stuck with you, but th...

“Having your student involved in a fine arts and music program is so good for their academics because it teaches them to be disciplined and to work well with others.” — Emily Nakamura

We have seen a trend of fine arts programs being cut or downgraded due to budgeting issues, lack of personnel, and lack of interest. Perhaps as educators we should reevaluate this trend. Fine arts isn’t just about talents — it’s about so much more. In...

“It’s hard to have a Biblical worldview without Biblical knowledge.” 

Bible class is a given within any Christian school, but how do we make it more than just another class to fulfill as a requirement.  In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, Nathan Deck, currently a middle school principal, shares with Jenny his wisdom on spiritual formation built from over 15 years in youth ministry, missions, and Christian education. 

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“Learn as much as you can because as you’re learning, your students are learning.” — Cassidy Harwood

“These parents entrusted me with their money, their time, and their children — which is the most precious thing. And I need to do my best.” — Cassidy Harwood

Summer is just beginning, but before you know it, summer will be winding down, school supplies will start to fill the store shelves, and educators will begin preparing for anot...

“I wish people would see them as the little people that they are.” — Courtney Wallace

Middle school … it can be an awkward phase of life. 

Underneath it all, middle schoolers are a great group of students.  

Maybe you are a middle school educator navigating through these emotions, quirks, and awkwardness.  

In this episode of the Teacher Edition Podcast, Jenny welcomes Courtney Wallace, a passionate middle school educator ...

Have you ever wondered what your school administrators wish you really knew? Or vice versa? 

Do the decisions in your school’s leadership sometimes leave you feeling frustrated or confused? 

In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny sits down with Matt Ticzkus — regional director, former administrator, and long-time advocate for Christian education — to pull back the curtain on the four things almost every administrator...

"Math may seem like a neutral subject because people are like, well, it's just driven by numbers and facts and logic. But the very orderliness of math reveals a rational and orderly creator, a wonderful, powerful God." — Cindy Dickinson

How does your worldview affect your daily life — what you do, where you go, how you respond to culture and news? At the same time, think of areas in your life that are neutral — not at all touched b...

Did you know there are over 3,200 school fires in the U.S. every year? 

Do you think about the importance of fire safety beyond the routine drills at school? 

Have you ever considered the role you play as an educator in creating a safe environment for students and staff? 

Fire safety isn’t just a duty; it’s a necessity for schools. 

In this episode of Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny gets the unique opportunity to speak with ...

“To take the time to rest really needs to be purposeful, because it won’t just happen.” —Tim Berlin

“Inside of that purpose are defined roles that have responsibilities, and personal responsibility starts with understanding what it is that God designed.” —Tim Berlin

Working with youth for decades, Pastor Tim Berlin believes in excellence and Christlike character. More specifically, he is passionate about personal responsibility. ...

“The most priceless thing we have ever been given is a child.” –David Gibbs, Jr.

“The first priority of every Christian school and every Christian educator is to be sure that you lead every child to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.” –David Gibbs, Jr. 

“Listen, long after you're with the Lord in eternity, you will live on in those kids.” –David Gibbs, Jr.

In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, join host Jenny as ...

“It’s not a pleasant topic and one you would hope you wouldn’t or won’t need in Christian schools, but unfortunately, it is the world we live in.” – Peyton Snyder

Welcome back for Part Two of Teacher Edition’s conversation about the prevalence of alcohol and drug use in our society and, yes, inside our Christian schools. Peyton Snyder joins Jenny Copeland to answer more practical questions, such as how to handle disciplinary act...

“Even precious believers can be wrecked by substances. It’s critical to equip our kids with the right knowledge and support.” — Peyton Snyder

Are Christian schools immune from substance abuse challenges? 

Pressures are increasingly rising for our students, their families, and even among those working in Christian schools.

Jenny sits down with Peyton Snyder to discuss this eye-opening topic. Peyton’s extensive history in couns...

“Dip your toe into the pool; jump into the deep end. Over time, you will be surprised at how God will bless (the school’s fine arts program) and bring honor and glory to Him.” — Darren Lawson

In part two of our conversation around developing a successful fine arts program, Jenny Copeland and Dr. Darren Lawson have a more in-depth discussion around the impact of such a creative program.   

More key discussion points: 

Quotes:

“God chose storytelling to give us the Gospel.” — Darren Lawson

“The very act of creating is emulating an attribute of our God. So when we create, we are in essence worshiping our God with our gifts.” — Darren Lawson

Part One:

How do fine arts fit into a Christian school’s mission? In this episode, Dr. Darren Lawson, a seasoned fine arts educator and former university dean, shares the powerful impact fine arts can make in t...