Teacher Edition Podcast

A Partnership Every Christian School Needs | Chris Lynch | Ep. 176

“We are not building our kingdom here. We are participating in building Christ’s kingdom.” - Chris Lynch
There are some partnerships in Christian education that we talk about all the time, like the relationship between school and home. But what about the church? More specifically, what about the youth pastor or youth ministry leader who is also speaking into the lives of our students week after week?
In this episode, Jenny Copeland sits down with Chris Lynch, assistant pastor with a focus on youth ministry at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Greenville, South Carolina, to talk about the connection between the Christian school and the church. 
Together, they explore the unique role of the youth pastor in the lives of students, the misconceptions and misplaced expectations that can sometimes exist between schools and youth ministries, and how both can better communicate, collaborate, and support one another.
Chris offers thoughtful insight into what youth pastors see in students, how church and school each stretch and shape young people in different ways, and why both must keep the gospel and a growing relationship with Christ at the center. 
“Christian schools are an asset, and we have to view them that way.” - Chris Lynch
“Our young people are going to see us both more as one voice than separate ones.” - Chris Lynch
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
After graduating with a degree in Youth Ministries, Chris and his wife, Laura, began serving on the youth leadership team at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Greenville. During that time he also completed a Masters degree in Church History. His ministry at Cornerstone expanded to include oversight of the annual children’s summer Bible Club ministry in addition to serving as a part-time intern. In 2011, Cornerstone called Chris to the position of full-time assistant pastor. He shares in the daily oversight and work of the ministry with a particular focus on the Scriptural edification of the church family at large. Chris also oversees Cornerstone’s Youth Ministry. Chris and Laura have two children.
Sponsored By
Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. https://www.bjupress.com/
Have a question for the Teacher Edition podcast? We would love to hear from you. Please submit your questions at TeacherEditionPodcast.com.
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Great Teachers Don’t Leave Healthy Schools | Dan Brokke | Ep. 175

“The mission may attract teachers, but the culture determines whether they stay.” - Dan Brokke
“People stay where they feel valued, encouraged, and strengthened.” - Dan Brokke
Spring always brings a certain buzz with it. For some, it is vacation plans and blooming trees. For schools, it is also the season of decisions. Families are thinking about next year, and so are teachers. Some are praying about whether to stay where they are. Some leaders are working through staffing needs for the fall. And all of it brings an important question to the surface: What makes teachers stay?
In this episode, Jenny sits down with Dr. Dan Brokke to talk about a statement that is both timely and thought-provoking: great teachers don’t leave healthy schools.
With more than 40 years of experience in Christian education, Dan brings deep wisdom to this conversation. He shares what truly makes a school healthy, why culture matters just as much as mission, and how leadership plays a critical role in whether teachers remain, grow, or move on. 
From communication and encouragement to discipleship and professional development, this episode offers practical insight for teachers and leaders alike.
Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace working in you. 
“Unhealthy schools are often filled with overwhelmed people who aren’t being supported.” - Dan Brokke
Go do what God has called you to do!
 
Resources Mentioned
Frederick Herzberg’s Motivation-Hygiene Theory
About Our Guest
Dr. Dan Brokke serves as the Executive Director of the West Virginia Christian Education Association and brings over 40 years of Christian education experience to the position. He has an Ed.D in Educational Administration, has taught on the elementary, secondary, and college levels, and has administered Christian schools for over 30 years. For the past 15 years, Dr. Brokke has served on the Accreditation Committee of the American Association of Christian Schools and regularly visits Christian schools on accreditation reviews.
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. https://www.bjupress.com/
 
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Depression and the Christian School Classroom | Dr. Bruce Meyer | Ep. 174

“Sadness is not sinful. But when we move into despair and hopelessness, now we’re in dangerous territory.” - Bruce Meyer
 
“The command in Scripture is not that we should always be happy. It’s that we should always be rejoicing in the Lord.” - Bruce Meyer
 
Dr. Bruce Meyer returns to the Teacher Edition podcast for a thoughtful and deeply practical conversation about depression. In a culture where the word depression is often used loosely, and where opinions about it can be strong and divided, this episode helps Christian educators think carefully, biblically, and compassionately. 
 
Jenny and Bruce unpack why depression is such a controversial topic, how it differs from ordinary sadness, and why worldview matters so much in how we define and respond to it. Bruce explains the difference between sadness, discouragement, despair, and hopelessness, while also helping listeners understand that not all sadness is sinful—and not every struggle can be reduced to a quick fix.
"Not all sadness is sinful. The question is: what do I do with that sadness?”
- Bruce Meyer
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How the term depression is often misused in everyday conversation
How a secular worldview and a biblical worldview approach depression differently
Whether believers can struggle with sadness or depression
The role of biblical counseling in helping those who are struggling
Thoughts on chemical imbalance, medication, and physical influences
Whether depression is always a physical issue
What Scripture says about sadness, rejoicing, and suffering
Why “quick fix” responses are often unhelpful
How educators can wisely and compassionately support students and colleagues
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!
 
“The doctor can do his work with the body, and I’m going to do my work with the spirit.” - Bruce Meyer
Resources Mentioned:
The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual): https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm
Bruce Meyer’s depression chart/handout: Helping Those Who Are Depressed
About Our Guest
Dr. Bruce Meyer holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bob Jones University and MDiv and DMin (biblical counseling) degrees from Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been in education since 1993 and in higher education since 2001. He has served as a school administrator, assistant pastor, and pastor. After 19 years at Maranatha Baptist University, he joined the seminary faculty at BJU in 2021. Bruce’s counseling specialties include abuse recovery, trauma, and addictions. Married to Kathy since 1987, together they have four children and four 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. https://www.bjupress.com/
Have a question for the Teacher Edition podcast? We would love to hear from you. Please submit your questions at TeacherEditionPodcast.com.
 
Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com
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Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing in Christian Education | Randy Scallions | Ep. 173

“We should be schools of excellence, but for a different reason — not to bring success, but significance.” - Randy Scallions
What is the true purpose of Christian education?
In this episode of the Teacher Edition Podcast, Jenny Copeland sits down with Randy Scallions for a timely and encouraging conversation about what it means to keep the main thing the main thing in Christian education. With nearly 40 years of experience serving as a teacher, administrator, head of school, professor, and now executive director of both the Tennessee Association of Christian Schools and the Bluegrass Association of Christian Schools, Randy brings a wealth of perspective to this important discussion.
Together, Jenny and Randy talk about the changes Christian education has experienced over the last several decades, the enrollment shifts surrounding COVID, and why Christian schools are more vital now than ever before.
Episode Highlights:
How Christian education has changed over the last 50 years
Why the mission of Christian schools matters more than ever today
What COVID revealed about families, schools, and enrollment trends
Why excellence matters in Christian education
The difference between teaching students to pursue success and significance
Characteristics of a quality Christian school
Why vibrant Bible classes and chapel programs matter
Whether Christian education is truly a calling
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!
“The only spiritual influence many students are getting is the time they spend in a Christian school.”  - Randy Scallions
“We’re not just trying to fill their heads with biblical knowledge. We’re trying to impact the way they think.” - Randy Scallions
Resources Mentioned:
Kingdom Education: https://kingdomeducationministries.com/
About Our Guest
Randy Scallions holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and a Master of Science in Educational Administration. Randy has served as a Christian school teacher, Christian school administrator, Christian school head of school, and college professor. He presently serves as the executive director of the Tennessee Association of Christian Schools and the Bluegrass Association of Christian Schools. He has served in Christian Education for 39 years.
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. https://www.bjupress.com/
Have a question for the Teacher Edition podcast? We would love to hear from you. Please submit your questions at TeacherEditionPodcast.com.
 
Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com
Instagram / teachereditionpod
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Facebook / teachereditionpod

Teaching Science with Clarity, Fun, and Faith | Bill Harmon | Ep. 172

“You have to meet students where they are… and then slowly bring them to where they need to go.” - Bill Harmon
Bill Harmon has spent 45 years helping students see that science and math aren’t “for the gifted”… they’re for learners! In this episode, Jenny Copeland sits down with BJU Press digital instructor Bill Harmon, beloved by students for making tough concepts clear, memorable, and even fun.
 
Bill shares practical ways to start class with momentum, build confidence in anxious learners, and keep both high-flyers and struggling students engaged. Along the way, he offers unforgettable teaching hooks (yes, including “metals lose electrons” on a graduation cap), simple differentiation strategies, and classroom ideas that make learning stick.
 
They also go deeper into biblical worldview shaping—moving beyond “tacking on a verse” to helping students see God’s order, consistency, and character reflected in the laws and patterns of creation. 
 
Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace working in you. 
 
Go do what God has called you to do!
 
“If you can make it memorable, they’ll carry it with them for years.” - Bill Harmon
 
“Two atoms walk into each other. ‘Are you okay?’ ‘No, I lost an electron.’ ‘Are you sure?’ ‘Yes, I’m positive.’” - Bill Harmon
About Our Guest
Bill Harmon serves as a digital instructor at BJU Press, teaching secondary math and science.  Originally from the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Bill spent many years in central Florida.  Bill accepted the Lord while in high school and went on to earn an undergraduate degree in Chemistry and a graduate degree in secondary education.  After teaching for several years in central Florida, Bill taught in a Christian school in South Carolina.  At BJU Press, Bill was a BJ LINC Chemistry and Physical Science teacher and now teaches for video courses – of which he currently has 10 ranging from Science 6 to Physics.
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. https://www.bjupress.com/
Have a question for the Teacher Edition podcast? We would love to hear from you. Please submit your questions at TeacherEditionPodcast.com.

On Mission with Foreign Language | Roxana Keiser | Ep. 171

“We are living in a very interconnected world. Learning another language helps students communicate with people who think, live, and act differently.” - Roxana Keiser
“Learning another language requires humility. You have to be willing to try, fail, and keep trying.” - Roxana Keiser
Think back to your own foreign language class. What do you remember most—the vocabulary lists, or the experience of being stretched, humbled, and pushed to communicate in a new way? In this episode of Teacher Edition Podcast, Jenny Copeland uses that shared memory to ask an important question facing many Christian schools today: If foreign language isn’t always required, why should schools intentionally include it?
Joined by Spanish teacher and ministry leader Roxana Keiser, this conversation reframes foreign language as far more than an academic checkbox. Together, they explore how language learning shapes students cognitively, spiritually, and relationally—and why it aligns deeply with a Christian school’s mission to prepare students to serve, communicate, and love others well in an increasingly connected world.
In this episode, they discuss:
Why foreign language classes matter even when they aren’t state-mandated
How learning another language strengthens critical thinking, memory, and problem-solving
The role foreign language plays in character development, humility, and perseverance
How language learning opens doors for ministry, service, and the Great Commission
Why offering a foreign language can strengthen a school’s academic profile and enrollment appeal
Practical guidance for choosing which language best fits a school’s location and mission
Encouragement for schools to refresh or reimagine existing foreign language programs
“Learning another language is one way we love our neighbor.” - Roxana Keiser
“Language learning helps students recognize patterns, compare structures, and adapt their thinking.” - Roxana Keiser
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 GuestRoxana Keiser is a Spanish teacher at Matthews Christian Academy, where she also teaches K4 and K5 music.  She was born in the beautiful city of Puebla, Mexico, but grew up south of Mexico City. She came to know the Lord at the age of 14 and dedicated her life to serve Him full-time at 19.  She studied at a Bible college in Sonora, and then went on to earn two masters degrees - in Administrative Education and in Church Music.  She then returned to Mexico and taught music and women's ministry classes at the Bible college for 5 years. At the end of those 5 years, her family moved to Greenville, SC, where she studied Music Education, and worked as a Project Manager at BJU Press. Her missionary journey started in 2010 when she married David, and they moved to Puerto Rico. They served seven years in Puerto Rico teaching at Puerto Rico Baptist College.  The Lord moved them to North Carolina, in the Charlotte area, where her husband has been planting a Spanish-speaking church for nine years now.  Roxana has had the privilege of teaching for fifteen years, teaching elementary through college.
Sponsored By BJU Press:
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. https://www.bjupress.com/
Have a question for the Teacher Edition podcast? We would love to hear from you. Please submit your questions at TeacherEditionPodcast.com.

Dyslexia Demystified: Practical Help for Christian Educators | Cindy Hall | Ep. 170

“One person in five has dyslexia. That means if you have a classroom of 20 students, you probably have three to four students on that continuum.” - Cindy Hall
Every classroom includes students who learn differently, and many teachers feel unsure how to support them well.
In this episode of Teacher Edition, Jenny Copeland sits down with Cindy Hall, founding director of the Dyslexia Center at Lindsay Lane Christian Academy, to talk honestly and practically about dyslexia in Christian schools. Cindy brings decades of classroom experience and a deep passion for helping teachers understand how small, intentional shifts can make a world of difference for dyslexic learners.
Together, they explore what dyslexia really is (and what it isn’t), how common it is in Christian school classrooms, and why many students with dyslexia are often misunderstood or overlooked. 
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Why 1 in 5 students may fall somewhere on the dyslexia continuum
A clear, teacher-friendly definition of dyslexia
Common classroom signs and struggles teachers often miss
Strengths that dyslexic students frequently bring to the classroom
How dyslexia impacts confidence, behavior, and emotional well-being
Practical, manageable classroom strategies that help all learners
Simple, low-cost materials that support memory, reading, and comprehension
Where teachers can go for trusted resources and professional development
“When children feel that their teacher is on their side, their shoulders go down—and then they’re able to learn.” - Cindy Hall
“Being kind to struggling students teaches the rest of the class how to be kind to everyone.” - Cindy Hall
Resources Mentioned:
The Reading Well has a wonderful summary article of what the Orton-Gillingham approach is, where it originated, details of what sets it apart and list of branded programs that are based on the Orton-Gillingham approach. https://www.dyslexia-reading-well.com/orton-gillingham.html
The Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators website: https://www.ortonacademy.org/ 
The International Dyslexia Association: https://dyslexiaida.org/
Five-minute overview of dyslexia TED talk by Kelli Sandman-Hurley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zafiGBrFkRM 
Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity: https://dyslexia.yale.edu/
AACS Continuing Education recording of Cindy teaching about dyslexia. 10 clock hours long, cost is $40: https://www.aacs.org/services/staff/continuing-education/
For information on Cindy’s professional development packages and workshop descriptions, or to follow Cindy’s blog for curated articles on topics related to dyslexia as well as stories both funny and poignant from Cindy’s interactions with her beloved students and staff, visit her website at www.cindyhallconsulting.com
Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz is the seminal work on dyslexia, a must-read for educators looking into dyslexia. Fish in a Tree by Linda Mullaly Hunt is a middle grade level novel, and a great way to introduce dyslexia to a class or to one student. This is not a Christian author, and some themes in the book may not be appropriate for all students.
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 GuestCindy Hall, the founding director of the Dyslexia Center at Lindsay Lane Christian Academy, has 17 years of teaching experience with elementary students in the Christian school setting, and another 20 years focused on teaching specifically dyslexic learners. She is a graduate of Faith Baptist Bible College with postgraduate work in special education at Iowa State University as well as many training hours in the Orton-Gillingham approach for dyslexic learners. Cindy opened her private tutoring practice focused specifically on individuals with dyslexia in 2005 and was hired to develop and implement a dyslexia center at Lindsay Lane Christian Academy, a Christian school in her area. Cindy served as the director of that center for 10 years, growing it from the 5 initial students to serving over 50 students daily in small groups and in twice weekly 1:1 tutoring. After retiring from daily school life in 2020, Cindy returned to her private tutoring practice and providing professional development for teachers. After spending a decade developing dyslexia friendly classroom practices in the school where she directed the dyslexia center and seeing the positive impact that environment had on the entire school, it is her passion to help teachers understand how best to foster success in the dyslexic students sitting in their classrooms through sharing characteristics and best practices which are good for all learners but vital for those with dyslexia.
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. https://www.bjupress.com/
 
Have a question for the Teacher Edition podcast? We would love to hear from you. Please submit your questions at TeacherEditionPodcast.com.
 

Your Best Marketing Strategy Is Already in the Classroom | Cathy Dotson | Ep. 169

“We spend money on brochures and ads, but the teacher can make it or break it.” - Cathy Dotson
“We’re not just pulling people to our school—we’re pulling people to the Lord.” - Cathy Dotson
As schools enter open house season, launch enrollment campaigns, and invest in marketing strategies for the year ahead, one truth often gets overlooked: your most powerful marketing tool is already inside your building.
In this episode of Teacher Edition, host Jenny Copeland welcomes back Cathy Dotson, elementary principal at Wilmington Christian Academy, to unpack why teachers, not billboards, websites, or ads, are the true voice of a school’s story.
Through real-life examples, practical insights, and hard-earned leadership wisdom, Cathy challenges both teachers and school leaders to rethink marketing, retention, and culture—starting in the classroom.
Key Topics & Takeaways:
Why teachers are a school’s most trusted and influential marketers
How daily classroom interactions shape a family’s long-term perception
The powerful connection between teacher morale and enrollment retention
Why communication, warmth, and tone matter more than polished branding
Best practices for teachers using social media responsibly and effectively
Measuring success through re-enrollment, culture, and family trust
“If parents feel heard and feel like their child is loved, they don’t want to go anywhere else.” - Cathy Dotson
Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace working in you. 
Go do what God has called you to do!
Resources Mentioned:
Tools for Marketing: 
ClassDojo – https://www.classdojo.com/
Google Classroom – https://sites.google.com/view/classrooms-workspace/
School Newsletters
Social media (school & classroom-level)
Re-enrollment tracking
About Our Guest
Cathy Dotson is a dedicated professional with over 30 years in full-time Christian service, primarily as a teacher and principal. Currently serving as the elementary principal at Wilmington Christian Academy in Wilmington, NC, Cathy's educational journey is marked by her unwavering commitment to Christian education. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education, a master's degree in educational leadership, and an Ed.D. in instructional leadership, a testament to her academic and professional accomplishments.
Cathy's fervor for Christian education, coupled with her wealth of experience and wisdom, is truly infectious. She remains an active speaker on a diverse range of topics, consistently spreading her passion for Christian education and positively influencing those she encounters.
 
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. https://www.bjupress.com/
Have a question for the Teacher Edition podcast? We would love to hear from you. Please submit your questions at https://www.teachereditionpodcast.com/

Redeeming the Time: Technology with Purpose in the Classroom | Doug Lay | Ep. 168

“AI can help with efficiency, but it cannot replace the teacher.” - Doug Lay
Technology isn’t slowing down… and neither is the pressure educators feel to “keep up.” In this episode, Jenny Copeland sits down with Doug Lay, administrator at Victory Christian School (Sylva, NC) and a former software architect/systems engineer with decades in IT. Doug brings a steady, Scripture-shaped perspective to a fast-moving world, reminding us that tools should serve the mission, not replace it.
You’ll hear Doug’s path from pastoral ministry and Christian school leadership to a self-taught career in programming. Plus practical wisdom for navigating AI, student attention, screen time, and engagement without losing what matters most: the transforming power of teacher-student relationships.
Practical Takeaways for Christian Educators:
Use tech with purpose: evaluate it through mission, worldview, and real classroom need
Keep videos short: even good content loses students if attention is stretched too long
Don’t outsource your passion: AI can support prep, but it can’t replace teacher presence
Protect relationships: the hallway, car line, gym, and classroom moments matter deeply
Redeem time wisely: automate “informing” tasks so you can invest more in “transforming” ones
“Fifteen minutes of real, personal engagement can matter more than a whole week of distracted learning.” - Doug Lay
“The most important thing that happens in a school is the interaction between a teacher and a student.” - Doug Lay
Resources Mentioned:
BJU Press Trove (digital teaching tools/resources): https://www.bjupress.com/technology/trove
ChatGPT / AI tools (used for lesson-plan pacing support)
The Exchange Conference: https://www.bjupress.com/exchange
About Our Guest:Doug Lay currently serves as the administrator at Victory Christian School in Sylva, NC.  Doug has theology degree and a degree in pastoral theology.  In addition to his work in Christian education, Doug has also taught in 2 Bible institutes, helped to start a church and has been a pastor.  He still continues to teach once or twice a year in a Bible Institute in southern India training men and women who are starting church in southern India.  Doug also has extensive experience in the area of technology.  In late 1982, he went to Manhattan, KS to serve as assistant pastor and principal of the church’s private Christian school.  During this period, he purchased his first personal computer.  He developed a fascination with technology and became a self-taught computer programmer.  After leaving Kansas and moving his family to Virginia he started a career in software development.  He spent 32 years in the IT business as a computer programmer, Systems Engineer, and Software Architect.  He retired from Lockheed Martin in October of 2020 after having spent 16 years with them as a Senior Systems Engineer doing systems architecture and design.
Sponsored ByNow, 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. https://www.bjupress.com/
Have a question for the Teacher Edition podcast? We would love to hear from you. Please submit your questions at https://www.teachereditionpodcast.com/
 

Reading with Discernment: Teaching Biblical Thinking in the ELA Classroom | Lauren Wiggs | Ep. 167

“We cannot teach our children how to think without helping them know what the standard of truth is.” - Lauren Wiggs
Have you ever heard someone say, “What were you thinking?” Or maybe a student has looked at you and said, “I just wasn’t thinking.” In a world where AI and endless tools are eager to do our thinking for us, the skill of thinking, real, biblical, critical thinking, can feel like a dying art.
In this episode, Jenny Copeland sits down with Lauren Wiggs, a middle and high school English Language Arts teacher and Secondary Supervisor at Matthews Christian Academy, to talk about what it actually looks like to teach students how to think, not just what to think.
Key Takeaways:
Why you cannot teach critical thinking without a clear standard of truth
How Scripture shapes the difference between teaching what to think vs. how to think
Practical ways to evaluate literature through a biblical lens (themes, worldview, motives, consequences)
Why literature still matters in a screen-heavy culture, and how it trains depth and discernment
The discipleship connection: you can’t disciple what you don’t know, and you can’t know what you don’t draw out
“There is a huge difference between teaching students what to think and teaching them how to think.” - Lauren Wiggs
“Literature is a safe place for students to wrestle with big ideas before they face them in real life.” - Lauren Wiggs
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:Lauren Wiggs has over ten years of experience teaching middle and high school English language arts. She currently serves at Matthews Christian Academy as a middle and high school ELA teacher as well as the Secondary Supervisor. Lauren is passionate about helping young people grow as thinkers, readers, and communicators. In addition to her work in the classroom, Lauren enjoys coaching sports at MCA, particularly the girls' volleyball team. Outside of school, she’s fueled by a genuine love of coffee and a lifelong enthusiasm for hockey. 
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. https://www.bjupress.com/
Have a question for the Teacher Edition podcast? We would love to hear from you. Please submit your questions at https://www.teachereditionpodcast.com/