Teacher Edition Podcast

The Heart of Teaching

“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 the way the teacher went out of their way to connect, invest, and truly care about you as a person. 
What does it take to be that kind of teacher, and how do we keep the passion for education alive year after year, especially when the challenges and discouragements come?
Jenny sits down with veteran educator, lifelong learner, and principal Randy Padgett for a heart-to-heart conversation around the true foundation of great teaching: love.  They dive into the calling of being a teacher, the daily challenges of even the most dedicated educators, and why your role matters more than ever.  
Key takeaways from this episode:
Authentic connection comes first: The best teachers are those who invest time in knowing their students as people, not just learners. 
Balance love and leadership: Walk the fine line between caring deeply and maintaining respect in the classroom.
Reignite your passion: When burnout strikes, stepping back, seeking God’s vision, and remembering your original purpose can help you fall in love with teaching again.
Whether you are in your first year or your fortieth, this episode will refresh your perspective and equip you to lead with heart.
“Loving students isn’t just about the subject matter—it’s about getting to know them, spending time with them, and showing them God’s love through your example.” — Randy Padgett
Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God's power and grace working in you. 
 
Go do what God has called you to do!
About Our Guest
Randy Padgett is an upper school principal with forty years of teaching in Christian education. Specializing in middle and high school math, he currently serves at Parkway Christian Academy in Lakeland, FL. Randy has been recognized with a Dedicated Teacher Award and two Who’s Who Among American Teachers honors. In 2001, he founded Heritage Educational Services which has been providing homeschool and tutoring services to the Lakeland community for nearly two decades. He holds a bachelor's degree in general studies from Bob Jones University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership. Outside of work, Randy enjoys spending time with his wife, Anita, and their four grown children and two grandchildren.
Sponsored By
Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. [bjupress.com]

Fine Arts: Shaping the Whole Student

“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 this episode of the Teacher Edition Podcast, Jenny sits down with Emily Nakamura, long-time educator and fine arts director, to find out why Christian schools need to continue to fight for fine arts programs within their schools. 
Emily shares insights such as: 
The value of fine arts competition 
The varieties of activities the music and arts program can offer
The impact of the arts programs reaching the whole student
Emily brings over twenty-six years of experience to the conversation and wraps up with very important words of wisdom and encouragement to teachers — God has placed you within your school for a reason, not just to be your students’ teacher within fine arts, but to impact and prepare students for what God has for them next.
Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God's power and grace working in you. 
 
Go do what God has called you to do!
About Our Guest
Emily Nakamura has taught at Raleigh Christian Academy in Raleigh, NC, for twenty-six years. Emily started her teaching career in the fourth-grade classroom. After taking a three-year break from teaching when her children were born, Emily returned to Raleigh Christian Academy as an English teacher and music teacher. Emily is currently the fine arts director for the school in addition to the school choir director, piano teacher, speech teacher, and high school English teacher. Emily has a passion for training our future church musicians.
 
Sponsored By
Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. [bjupress.com]

Spiritual Formation: Building Foundation and Transformation through Bible Class

“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. 
 
You’ll discover:
Staying mission-focused: How to align your Biblical curriculum with your school’s core mission instead of treating it as an add-on
Reimagining chapel: Fresh, intentional approaches to provide chapel services that are relevant and engaging to today’s students
Beyond box-checking: Why spiritual formation requires Holy Spirit’s work and authentic relationships, not just completed assignments
Everyday discipleship opportunities: Recognizing how lunchroom conversations, hallway interactions, and teachable moments in any subject can become powerful tools for spiritual formation 
 
We have one chance to impact these students for Christ, and we must stay focused on the mission. This podcast episode helps bring our attention back to where it needs to be and possibly even push a reset button as we prepare for another school year.  
 
Every day in the classroom is an opportunity to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace.
Go do what God has called you to do!
 
Resources Mentioned: 
Equipped for Impact with Nathan Deck and Luis Miranda 
About Our Guest
Nathan has spent nearly 15 years investing in the lives of students through a variety of ministry contexts — including summer camps, missions in Europe, youth ministry, and Christian education. He currently serves as the middle school principal at a Christian school in eastern North Carolina. Across every role, one passion has remained constant: helping students know and love the Word of God. Whether he’s teaching a Bible lesson, leading a robotics class, or having a conversation in his office, Nathan’s heart is to point students back to the truth and foundation of God’s Word — and to the God who gave it.
 
Sponsored By
Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more.   [bjupress.com]
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The Real Learning Curve: Navigating the First Years of Teaching

“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 another school year. While veteran teachers face familiar routines with fresh challenges, a special group of educators are experiencing a mix of excitement and nervousness that comes with their first year in the classroom.  
 
In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny Copeland sits down with Cassidy Harwood, a fifth-year Christian educator, to hear about her experience and insights navigating the first years as an educator — from the moments that terrified her to the experiences that confirmed her calling.  
 
Cassidy’s advice for new teachers: “Go in with a big heart, and have so much fun. When you do your best, God takes care of the rest. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself — your students don't want perfection; they want authenticity.”
 
Whether you are a new teacher seeking encouragement or a veteran looking to support your colleagues, this conversation will bring valuable perspective.  
 
Key Takeaways:
Being prepared reduces stress and creates confidence in the classroom
Parent relationships thrive when approached as a team effort
Sometimes the best learning happens outside the lesson plan
Having mentors of different ages provides valuable perspective
Small, authentic moments create lasting impact on students
 
Every teacher will experience something different; however, hearing another teacher’s story is helpful. For some, there may be tears, and for some, laughter.  Hearing one educator's experience may help you before you start your first year, and for those more seasoned teachers, to remind us why we started teaching. Listen to Cassidy’s biggest takeaway, as it may inspire you to slow down and take time to have fun with your students. 
 
Every day in the classroom is an opportunity to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace.
Go do what God has called you to do!
Resources Mentioned:
Class Dojo for behavior management
Lakeshore Learning materials
Kahoot games for interactive learning
About Our Guest
Cassidy Harwood is from Asheville, NC, and came to know the Lord at the age of five.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 2019 and then became a K5 teacher at Calvary Christian School in Greer, South Carolina. Cassidy is also active at her church, where she works with the middle and high school girls. She loves shopping, time with friends, and family — and, like all teachers, catching up on sleep! 
 
Sponsored By
Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more.   [bjupress.com]
Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com
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Embracing the Awkward: Why Middle Schoolers Are Worth the Investment

“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 who sees her role inside the classroom as a mission field.
You will hear practical tips and encouraging insights for those inside the middle school classrooms, such as:
Building a calming, welcoming classroom environment
Encouraging students to ask questions and support each other as they grow in independence and confidence
Building relationships with students by investing in their interests both inside and outside the classroom
Seeing middle schoolers not just as “awkward” but as deeply impressionable young people searching for understanding, connection, and leadership
 
Even amidst the drama and unpredictability middle schoolers are facing, they are in the most formative years of their lives. Our role as educators is to walk alongside them as they discover who they are — helping shape their biblical worldview, supporting their growth, and pointing them to something bigger than themselves. 
 
Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God's power and grace working in you. 
 
Go do what God has called you to do!
About Our Guest
Courtney Wallace is a seventh- and eighth-grade teacher from Muncie, Indiana. She earned a degree in middle school education and has been teaching at Heritage Hall Christian School since January of 2023.
 
Sponsored By
Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. [bjupress.com]
Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/
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What Every Administrator Wishes Teachers Knew

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 wishes their teachers really understood, including:
Why relationships — not just policies — drive the heart of every school
A simple principle for effective communication that transforms school culture
How understanding the vision of the school leads to trust and unity, even when you disagree
What to do if you struggle to trust your leadership, and why it matters
 
When biblical principles such as humility, unity, and teamwork are combined, it creates a thriving school community. No matter whether you are a teacher or administrator, this episode will encourage you to seek understanding, build confidence in leadership, and encourage others to focus on the bigger mission within your Christian school. 
Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God's power and grace working in you. 
 
Go do what God has called you to do!
Listen to Matt Ticzkus’ previous episode: 
https://www.teachereditionpodcast.com/post/matt-ticzkus-ep-09
Resources mentioned within the episode:
Good to Great by Jim Collins 
 
About Our Guest
Matt holds a master’s degree in Christian school education and another master’s degree in Bible exposition, and he served for a number of years as a school administrator in Texas. Matt is currently the regional director for the mid-south region of the American Association of Christian Schools, where he is having a great impact with those schools and for Christian education. Matt stays busy outside that work as well. But by far his most important responsibility is his family. He and his wife have three children. He also founded and leads a small e-commerce company and actively serves on the city council where he lives.
Sponsored By
Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically.  BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more.  [bjupress.com]
Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@teachereditionpod
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Math: Biblical Worldview or Neutral

"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 by your worldview. Are there any areas in your life that are totally free of worldview influence?  
In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, host Jenny Copeland invites guest Cindy Dickinson to answer these questions, and even more specifically, the way math is often put into the category of “just math.” At first glance, math may seem devoid of worldview influences; however, Cindy challenges this common thought with specific examples from the classroom. 
 
Topics discussed:
The significance of integrating a biblical worldview in every subject, including math
Practical strategies for math teachers to weave biblical truths into their lessons
Early childhood as the prime years for shaping worldview, and why it’s never too early to begin
 
"When you're integrating these types of approaches into math education, it can really become a powerful platform for developing a worldview, because it's allowing students to see the subject not just as a collection of facts and numbers and figures and data, but as a reflection of the divine order of our all-powerful creator and a tool that we can use to live out our faith in really practical ways." — Cindy Dickinson
Every day in the classroom is your day to impact and inspire through God's power and also through his grace working in you. Go do what God has called you to do. 
Resources Mentioned:
Biblical Worldview Textbook https://www.bjupress.com/category/bible/biblical-worldview/5637160472.c
Raising Spiritual Champions by George Barna  https://a.co/d/2dNnEd2
About Our Guest
Cindy Dickinson brings over 30 years of extensive experience in the field of education, having honed her expertise on three different continents. In addition to her role as a dedicated teacher, Cindy spent several years in China, contributing to educational administration and the training of Chinese nationals in classrooms. Notably, she played a pivotal role in shaping the biblical worldview of students through her work with teachers. Presently, Cindy continues her impactful work with educators, serving as a national consultant with BJU Press.
 
Sponsored By
Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically.  BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more.  [bjupress.com]
Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/
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Fire Safety Beyond the Routine Drills in Schools

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 fire safety experts Stephen Campbell and Marty Phillips, inside the firehouse, to discuss fire safety in schools. 
 
Stephen and Marty share about the real causes of school fires, the importance of having an evacuation plan, and the important role each member plays in maintaining safety in the school. 
 
Gain takeaways such as:
Inviting fire personnel to be involved during fire training drills
Understanding the misconceptions surrounding fire safety 
Ensuring educators understand the preventative measures to avoid fire hazards
Making sure everyone knows the evacuation process
 
Going beyond the mandatory fire drills, educators can be proactive if a fire emergency occurs and can save lives. Stephen and Marty encourage schools to continue to stay in partnership with their school’s local fire departments and to continue to train and bring awareness to their students and staff. 
Preparedness can make all the difference. 
 
“If we can get these kids and teachers in school to know that a fire can happen at any time, when the real emergency happens, they won't even be thinking. They will just go through the motions of their training.” — Marty Phillips
Every day in the classroom is your day to impact and inspire through God's power and also through his grace working in you. Go do what God has called you to do. 
Resource Mentioned: 
YouTube: Modern Day Furniture Fires https://youtu.be/87hAnxuh1g8?si=lVpdo1kv9tULcHgB
About Our Guests
Stephen Campbell is a firefighter currently serving as an engineer. He has been in the fire service for around five years. He and his wife have three children. Stephen enjoys time with them and even finds some time for sports and woodworking occasionally. 
 
Marty Phillips serves as fire marshal. He has been in the fire service since 1997 and has served as a firefighter, engineer, lieutenant, and deputy fire marshal. He and his wife have two daughters. Marty enjoys woodworking in his time off.
Sponsored By
Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically.  BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more.  [bjupress.com]
Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@teachereditionpod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod
 

Personal Responsibility: Rooted in God’s Design

“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. Jenny sits down with Tim Berlin to talk about this specific character trait of personal responsibility, why culture today lacks this quality, and how educators are in a position to encourage students to do their best and take ownership.
 
Enjoy the practical answers to these questions:
What is personal responsibility? 
What is it that God designed, and what is my role within that design? 
How do we teach personal responsibility? 
 
And discuss these important topics: 
The root of the lack of personal responsibility
The power of accountability
The key drivers behind playing the victim card
Part of teaching personal responsibility is explaining expectations through accountability. Through prayer, ask God to help you see what you need to see inside and outside the classroom. He will help you make a difference in your students’ lives every day. 
 
“Our culture is begging for children to learn to do their best, and it’s unacceptable to do just enough to get by.” —Tim Berlin
Every day in the classroom is an opportunity to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace.
Go do what God has called you to do!
About Our Guest
It was during a revival meeting that Tim Berlin realized his sin would eternally separate him from God, and he accepted Christ as his Savior at age eight. Growing up in Columbiaville, MI, Tim earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education and Bible from Maranatha Baptist Bible College. He then went on to complete his master’s degree from Northland Baptist Bible College. He also received an honorary doctorate from Alabama Baptist Seminary. He has previously served as a youth pastor for fourteen years, and eight years as senior pastor in Logansport, IN. In October 2011, Pastor Berlin accepted the call to become senior pastor at Faith Baptist Church. He also serves as the superintendent of Faith Christian School. Tim and his wife, Michelle, have four sons and a growing crew of grandchildren.
 
Sponsored By
Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more.  [bjupress.com]
Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com
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Christian, Sure, But What About Distinctively Biblical?

“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 she welcomes the founder and president of Christian Law Association. On bended knee and in prayer many years ago, David Gibbs, Jr. and his wife asked this question, “Could God use a lawyer for a ministry?” The answer came swiftly and multiplied quickly. David Gibbs Jr., has stood in hundreds of courtrooms facing battles for religious liberties for many years. In this episode Attorney Gibb’s wise words will inspire you to keep standing in freedom and teaching the children God has placed in your classroom. 
 
Christian schools and educators are facing more and more pushback defending Biblical principles in the United States. Attorney Gibbs’ extensive legal experience supporting and representing thousands of people in the courtroom has led him to recognize eight distinct characteristics in the heart of every Christian school and Christian educator. 
 
Lead every child to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. 
Developing a knowledge of the word of God. 
Teach every student how to lead others to Christ.
Learning the fear of God.
Teach every child to be holy. 
Understand the stewardship of life. 
Teach them biblical excellence. 
Teach them how to worship God.
 
Each of these characteristics asks of us if we are exuding these qualities in our hearts and throughout the day in the classrooms. As educators, we have the honor and privilege of teaching the future generation with a Biblical foundation. Dr. Gibbs, Jr. helps fight for and maintain these rights for Christian educators, especially in a world that is saying to tone it down. 
 
“Our courtrooms are here not the answer…You are the answer for the whole future of America.” –David Gibbs, Jr.
 
Every day in the classroom is an opportunity to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace.
Go do what God has called you to do!
“When we lose the right to have Christian education, you have lost the future of a country.” –David Gibbs, Jr. 
 
Resources:
The Legal Alert Radio Program
 
“Standing is our part; winning is God's part.” –David Gibbs, Jr. 
About Our Guest
Attorney David Gibbs, Jr. is the founder and president of Christian Law Association, an organization committed to providing free legal counsel to Bible-believing churches and Christians who are experiencing difficulty in practicing their faith because of governmental regulation, intrusion or prohibition in one form or another. The CLA receives thousands of requests annually. Gibbs & Associates Law Firm represents over 10,000 ministries nationwide, and Dr. Gibbs has appealed and argued before fifteen different State Supreme Courts in defense of religious liberty. When he isn’t defending or counseling, he can be found preaching, speaking, or preparing for his daily radio program and a monthly newsletter – both entitled The Legal Alert. He and his wife have four children and eight grandchildren. 
 
Sponsored By
Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more.  [bjupress.com]
Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@teachereditionpod
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