Staying Legal While Staying Creative: Copyright Compliance for Kingdom Educators

“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 internet, and fun movies shown during reward time. As educators, we are resourceful, but in our well-intentioned frugality, we may unknowingly violate copyright laws daily. While we would never steal a poster from a store, copyright infringement feels invisible — making it easy to use protected materials without permission. Yet copyright represents true ownership, and unauthorized use is theft, whether in a store or behind a computer screen.  

 

This episode is for everyone in your school. Copyright compliance is every educator’s responsibility. Jenny sits down with copyright attorney Jim Bagarazzi, who breaks down the copyright law in practical terms, helping educators make wise decisions that protect their schools and integrity. 

 

You will discover: 

• Common copyright violations in schools 
• Practical guidelines for using logos, images, videos, cartoons, and music legally
• When “educational use” protects you (and when it doesn’t)
• Simple steps to keep your classroom and school compliant
• How AI-generated materials can be used or fed copyrighted material

 

As Christian educators, we are called to operate with integrity in all areas of our work. Understanding copyright law isn’t just about legal compliance; it’s about honoring the creative work of others while effectively serving our students and communities. This episode equips you with the knowledge to make wise, ethical decisions that protect both your ministry and your integrity.

 

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 what you're doing is saving money, why is it saving money? It saves you money because you’re not paying the owner of the copyrighted work what they’re entitled to.” – Jim Bagarazzi

 

About Our Guest

With over forty years’ experience as a lawyer, Jim Bagarazzi has an undergraduate degree in physics and earned his law degree from George Washington University Law School. He has been admitted to the bars of South Carolina, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, the U.S. Claims Court, and the U.S. Supreme Court. He is a member of the Carolina Patent, Trademark, and Copyright Law Association (having previously served as the association president) and is also a published author.

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]