Teacher Edition Podcast

Discovering Science in the World Around You

“God has given us built-in senses to help us learn the world around us.” — Jamie Meachum
“You have all different types of learners, and it might just be the thing for one of those learners that makes something click for them.” — Jamie Meachum
 
Master teachers do a great job of cross-subject connections. In this episode, we explore the world of science — but not just limited to science class. Jenny welcomes fellow BJU Press consultant Jamie Meachum to discuss how every educator can help students discover the wonders of God’s creation through scientific thinking and observation.  
 
We’ll discuss topics such as:
Science as the Study of God’s Word
We Are All Scientists
Integrating STEM Without Overwhelm
Engineering Design Process
Practical Five Senses Applications
Cross-Subject Connections
 
Science naturally connects reading, math, writing, and other subjects. Jamie encourages teachers to look for those organic connections, further enriching students’ understanding.  
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 Jamie Meachum
With over twenty years of teaching experience, Jamie Meachum has been a classroom teacher in a private school, a substitute teacher in both public and private education, and a student teacher supervisor. She enjoys sharing ideas and strategies for making learning enjoyable in all forms of education. Jamie is currently a national consultant for 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]

Culture Shift: Understanding Students in a Post Charlie Kirk World

“We have held Christianity back in the public square for too long.” — Ben Schettler
Recently there have been a number of impacting events—events that have hit close to home and bear on the work educators do every day. The tragic killing of Charlie Kirk is one which particularly hits hard. Jenny sits down with former guest and host of The Biblical Worldview Podcast, Ben Schettler, who had a connection with Charlie and was able to attend the funeral. Courageously, Ben has had a frontline perspective and public square conversations with people, including a recent visit to New York City.
Critical Questions Addressed:
What are we seeing downstream after Charlie Kirk’s murder, and what will we see in the future?
How are educators teaching the virtue of courage today and instilling boldness in their students?
As educators, how do we avoid getting caught in the mundane routine and stay in a place of urgency?
This episode challenges teachers to consider how they’re preparing students for cultural engagement with courage rooted in biblical truth. Ben emphasizes the importance of not holding Christianity back in the public square and equipping students to be victors, not victims.
Ben reminds us of two important foundational truths from Scripture: 
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” – Ephesians 6:12 KJV
 
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth…” – Romans 1:16 KJV
Resources Mentioned:
Text ‘PREPARED’ to 33-777 to receive a free 14-day devotional, “Sharing the Truth in Love”
Use Code “CHARLIE” for a $100 coupon for the set of books
The Center for Truth in Love: https://www.thecenterfortruthinlove.org/
The Biblical Worldview Show Podcast: https://www.biblicalworldviewshow.com/
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 Ben Schettler:
Ben Schettler is the founder and CEO of The Center for Truth in Love. For over fifteen years, The Center for Truth in Love has been equipping churches to speak the Bible's truth in love to the difficult challenges facing culture. Ben is a frequent national conference speaker, hosts The Biblical Worldview Show Podcast and The Truth in Love Show—syndicated on Dish and Direct TV through the Christian Television Network. In addition to serving as the faith outreach advisor to Dr. Ben Carson, Ben is the author and producer of five cultural engagement curricula including Gospel Evidences, Lies Aren’t Love, and Love Chooses Life. Ben lives with his wife and son in Pensacola, Florida.
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]

Finding Purpose: Helping Students Discover Their Calling

 “You can’t be anything you want to be; you can be anything God wants you to be. You can be more of who God created you to be.” – Rebecca Weier
 
Many teachers have heard the question from students, “What’s the point?” Rebecca Weier, a teacher with more than thirty years of experience, joins Jenny on the podcast to help connect the dots between daily school work and their futures. Rebecca has a passion for helping students (and teachers) discover their purpose and calling so they can be more of who God created them to be.  
 
Rebecca shares some practical ways to empower students to develop realistic goals in order to walk out what they feel God has called them to do. She also shares some thought-provoking questions to spur on students’ ideas.  
 
Knowing there may be some educators who are wondering whether they are fulfilling their God-given purpose, as well, Rebecca’s wisdom and encouragement in this episode can help. 
 
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
Rebecca Weier holds a BS in mathematics education, an MS in personnel services, and an EdD in higher education leadership. She has more than thirty years of teaching experience on the high school and university levels. She and her husband have four children and two grandchildren and serve in a variety of ministries at their local church. She is currently a national consultant for 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]
​​

Cyber Sense: AI Ready

“Don’t replace tasks that make you think or make your students think. Thinking is a good thing, and we don't want to replace that. Don’t replace the human connection. This is how God made us.” –Jenny Copeland 
The thing about AI is that it may just highlight what we as human teachers CAN do. AI needs teachers. Only educators can bring certain elements to the table. We can use it to be transformational inside our classrooms. Jenny explores where AI is headed and shares predictions from Big Tech companies, from the workforce and content creation to adapting inside the education system with academic and emotional support. Through the Gartner Hype Cycle, Jenny is hopeful that AI will reach a plateau of productivity where it will be helpful rather than a distraction.  
 
Great teachers will never be replaced by AI, but those who refuse to learn AI may be replaced by teachers who choose to embrace this tool. Only humans can bring the connection and relationship piece.  
 
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!
 
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]
Resources Mentioned:
“Control -Alt- Achieve” by Eric Kurtz 
“AI For School Leaders” by Vickie F. Echols
“How to Teach AI” by Rachelle Dene Poth
“Storytelling with Purpose” by Michael Hernandez
“Learning First, Technology Second” by Liz Kolb
“Learning Technology, “ by Liz Kolb
“From the Garden to the City” by John Dyer
 

Cyber Sense: Reimagining Assessments in an AI World

How do you assess when answers are readily available for students via AI? How can you detect whether a student has used AI on their assignments? Jenny challenges educators to stop chasing AI detection tools and instead redesign assessments that naturally resist misuse.
 
In this episode, Jenny reminds educators to remember the why behind assessments. Are we grading for growth or just filling gradebooks? AI forces us to examine whether our assessments have authenticity and connection, or if they have become busy work students want to shortcut.  
Jenny also discusses some key strategies for making assessments, as well as some essential policies to help clarify what is cheating and share what is permitted or prohibited within the classroom. She also shares some red flags to look for in a student’s work and how to encourage students to develop integrity in their work. 
Coming Next: The final episode—Being AI Ready.
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!
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]
 

Cyber Sense: The Scoop of Students Use

“In 2024, 66 percent of students reported using AI in some form for their studies. In 2025, 92 percent of students are reporting that they use AI in their studies. A 26 percent jump in usage in one year!” — Jenny Copeland
 
Are students using AI? How are students using AI? What tools are most popular? Jenny answers these questions with some eye-opening statistics about student AI usage and reveals how educators can shift the conversation from cheating to proper learning support.
Jenny discusses in further detail on this episode of Cyber Sense:
Statistics of AI usage inside and beyond classrooms
The mindset shift challenge -How to approach AI as a tutor
Practical applications for both student and teacher
Even if AI is banned at your school, students are using it. Rather than fighting reality, Christian educators have the opportunity to guide students toward appropriate, God-honoring use of these powerful tools.
Coming Next: Reimagining Assessments in an AI World
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!
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]

Cyber Sense: Tools for Teachers

“Think of these AI tools as super excited, exuberant, ready-to-help student teachers or interns. They’re right there, ready to help.” – Jenny Copeland
 
On this episode of Teacher Edition in our Cyber Sense series, Jenny gives us a high flyover view of various AI tools to help educators navigate the overwhelming landscape of options available today. Jenny shares three main ground rules for choosing your AI platforms: 
A tool that claims to be a solution for everything is probably not the best at anything.
ChatGPT does not equal AI.
Don’t feel the pressure to try or use them all. Find what works for you.
 
Major AI Platforms Covered:
ChatGPT
DALL-E
Sora
Claude
Copilot
Gemini
Perplexity
Education-Specific Tools:
Curipod
Brisk
School AI & Magic School AI
Khanmigo
NotebookLM
TrekA
Tools Within Existing Platforms:
Canva
Padlet
EdPuzzle
Quizlet
Specialized Options:
Snorkl
Labster
Diffit
Jenny addresses the common concern about whether using AI tools is “cheating” as an educator, comparing AI to a vacuum cleaner. It’s simply a tool that helps you work more efficiently so you can focus on what only you, as the human, can do.  
Coming up next in our series, Jenny talks about students’ use of AI and guidelines for classroom implementation.
 
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:
https://chatgpt.com/
https://chatgpt.com/g/g-2fkFE8rbu-dall-e?locale=en-US
https://sora.com
https://gemini.google.com/
https://copilot.microsoft.com/
https://www.canva.com/
https://www.briskteaching.com/
https://schoolai.com/
https://www.magicschool.ai/
https://quizlet.com/
https://edpuzzle.com/
https://padlet.com/
https://www.khanmigo.ai/
https://trekai.org/
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]

Cyber Sense: Prompt Engineering

“The prompt is the key. That’s how you get where you’re going. That’s how you get to the endpoint that you’re looking for.” – Jenny Copeland
Have you ever been around a great baker or cook? They intuitively know how to tweak a recipe so the end product comes out just right. Jenny explains how this applies to AI and reveals the most important aspect of using AI effectively: the prompt.  
 
The prompt is the key to getting what you want and where you want to go with AI.  
 
Jenny discusses the six essential prompting tips:
Be clear and specific.
Include context.
Specify output format.
Break down complex requests. 
Provide reference materials.
Follow up as needed. 
 
The overarching golden rule is to assume that your prompt needs work, not the platform. Don’t blame AI for poor results; instead, refine your prompt. Jenny gives multiple examples with weak and strong prompts that will help you adjust your prompt engineering to produce more effective results.  
 
Coming next: Jenny looks at specific AI tools that are currently used in education.  
 
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!
 
“God has placed us right here, right now, for this. AI is not taking God by surprise. What a shame it would be to not take full advantage of the opportunity to speak into the lives of students in this area.” – Jenny Copeland
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]

Cyber Sense: Benefits and Cautions

 “You are the moral checkpoint, and that’s where we cannot hand that off to AI.” – Jenny Copeland 
 
“Think of it like an intern. AI is here to help.” – Jenny Copeland 
 
What can AI do for you as an educator or as an administrator? And what are some cautions around AI? In this episode, Jenny answers these important questions and shares many practical ways you can implement AI within the classroom.  
 
Jenny shares the benefits of AI through:
-Administrative tasks
-Teaching applications
-Subject-specific uses
-Student support
 
Sharing some cautions, as well, Jenny discusses:
-Technical concerns
-Ethical issues
-Overreliance on AI for creativity and critical thinking
 
Overall, remember that you have an incredible tool at your fingertips, and you are the one who adds heart and human touch. AI should be viewed as a starting point and partner, not a solution or endpoint.  
 
Coming next episode: Practical, hands-on exploration of specific AI tools and platforms for educators.  
 
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!
 
Referenced Episode Mentioned:
Bryan Smith’s Understanding Work Through a Biblical Worldview
 
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]

CyberSense: Myths, Misconceptions, and Mindsets

“AI is an assistant. It’s not the final product. See AI as a partner, not a solution. It’s a starting point. It’s not the end point.” – Jenny Copeland
 
Generative AI is here to stay, so what do we do as educators? How do we take advantage of this tool and switch our mindset around it?  In this episode, Jenny debunks some common AI myths and misconceptions that may be holding educators back from embracing this new technology. 
 
AI myths Jenny debunks:
AI equals robots 
More data equals smarter AI
AI can teach itself anything
AI understands like humans do
Machines are neutral
AI will leave humans unemployed
AI has no place in our world
 
Jenny encourages us to adjust our mindsets in four key areas as we approach AI to learn more and champion the benefits of it. It’s about moving beyond defensive reactions and recognizing the potential AI can bring to Christian educators and students.  
 
Coming up next in our Cyber Sense series, Jenny will share some practical applications within the classroom.  
 
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! 
 
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 your website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. [bjupress.com]