Teacher Edition Podcast

STEM Education: Developing the Problem Solvers of the Future

“I would really think about STEM as solving real-world problems in a collaborative environment.” — Rachel Santopietro
 
In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny Copeland sits down with Rachel Santopietro, an educator and leader in instructional design who is passionate about students experiencing the joy of learning, specifically through STEM. STEM is a wide topic and term which influences schools in various ways. Rachel helps us to define what STEM means and discover the value of integrating STEM into our educational experiences. 
 
Questions answered and explored by Rachel and Jenny regarding STEM: 
What are the essential components of STEM?
What is the “engineering design process?”
How can teachers give students STEM experiences?
What are some examples of STEM experiences? 
 
Whether you are teaching preschool, elementary school, middle school, or high school, STEM can be experienced now and can benefit students in the future to prepare students for jobs in the future. STEM impacts students both in academics and in general life skills. Persistence in problem solving, community connections, and developing biblical worldviews are just a few examples of how STEM can influence 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!
“STEM activities teach students persistence, collaboration, and community engagement—qualities they’ll carry into their future careers and daily lives.” — Rachel Santopietro
 
Listen to Rachel’s previous episode on Teacher Edition https://teachereditionpodcast.com/rachel-santopietro-embracing-a-growth-mindset-working-the-brain-like-a-muscle-ep-03/
 
About Our Guest
Rachel Santopietro is passionate about helping students find joy in learning as they engage, learn, and create. And she wants this enthusiasm to be contagious. The same sense of wonder that sparked her curiosity in childhood spurred her to pursue a degree in chemistry, a master’s degree in education, and a doc­torate in learning design and technology. She wants to share her passion as she draws from her teaching and writing experience to oversee Instructional Design for writing teams at 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/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@teachereditionpod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod
 

You Asked: A Look at Questions from our Listeners

Each week Jenny encourages you, our listeners and educators, to connect with us by visiting our website to share your questions, stories, and insights. We have received many, and today’s episode is all about answering your questions. Each one is practical, thoughtful, and widely applicable to educators everywhere.  
 
In this episode, Jenny addresses key questions on the following topics:
 
- Admissions Testing
- Grading Practices
- Integrating Biblical Themes and Worldview in Math
- Balancing Grace and Discipline in the Classroom
- Effectively Engaging with Students
We value your questions on classroom strategies, parent collaboration, technology integration, and more. We look forward to hearing from you and answering your questions in future episodes.  
 
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]
Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@teachereditionpod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod
 

On the Front Line: Insights from the School Office Part Two

Some days the front office can be calm and some days it can be quite chaotic.  In part two of our interview with Linda DeGroot, veteran school secretary and registrar, she continues to share Scripture-centered approach and heart behind the heavy lifting and the catch-all of the front office.  She shares how secretaries can handle and juggle the activities with joy and patience.  
 
Topics discussed on this episode:
Avoiding the gossip trap 
Supporting teachers and administrators
Supporting secretaries and office personnel
 
Wrapping up the episode, Linda encourages the office staff by imparting they are not alone.  Linda reminds secretaries that God called us to be secretaries, and it is a ministry to God’s people.  Both encouraging and realistic, this conversation gives insight to what goes on in the front office of our schools. 
 
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
Linda DeGroot has been taking care of details in the school office at Bay City Christian School for almost thirty  years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a non-profit emphasis, and when she accepted the Lord as her Savior in 1992, she knew that God wanted her to use her skills in ministry where she could impact people for the Lord.
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

On the Front Line: Insights from the School Office Part One

Behind every school is a dedicated, hardworking team in the front office, working diligently to keep everything running smoothly and best partner with teachers and administrators . In this episode, Linda DeGroot joins Jenny to pull back the curtain on her experience as a school secretary, sharing the challenges and blessings that define a typical school day. Linda starts by sharing her foundational story of accepting Jesus as her Savior and how it impacted her journey in education. 
 
Topics discussed:
Understanding the role and purpose of the school secretary
The most rewarding and challenging aspects of working in the front office
Common misconceptions teachers and staff may have around school secretaries
 
Linda provides valuable insights that can help educators appreciate the important role the front office plays at every school. Stay tuned for Part Two, where we will discuss managing chaotic office moments, creating a positive atmosphere, and ways teachers and administrators can best support the school office. 
 
Every day 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
Linda DeGroot has been taking care of details in the school office at Bay City Christian School for almost thirty  years. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a non-profit emphasis, and when she accepted the Lord as her Savior in 1992, she knew that God wanted her to use her skills in ministry where she could impact people for the Lord.
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
 

Effort Well-Made: Building Positive Parent-Teacher Relationships Part Two

“Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.” - Sarah Barker
 
Welcome back to part two of Jenny’s heartfelt conversation with Sarah Barker, former educator and current administrator. In the first part of Jenny’s conversation, Sarah shared invaluable insights on the common misconceptions and essential elements of building positive parent-teacher relationships. In this second part, Sarah and Jenny continue the conversation, diving deeper into practical strategies and real-life examples that teachers can implement to foster long-lasting, positive relationships with parents.
 
Highlighted Topics:
Maintaining connections over time
The significance of flexibility in teaching and relationships
Balancing discipline with engagement and celebration
The impact of positive communication with parents and students
Sarah's personal journey and her transition from teacher to administrator
Building a supportive atmosphere through everyday interactions
 
Sarah emphasizes the importance of not only communicating successes but also approaching challenges with humility and open-mindedness. The discussion also covers how modern communication tools can help in maintaining good relationships, and recognizing when flexibility and adaptability are needed to achieve the best outcomes.
 
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
Sarah has ministered at Raleigh Christian Academy in Raleigh, NC, for twenty-one years. She attended RCA from kindergarten until graduation in the year 2000. She was a full-time classroom teacher for eighteen years in the areas of kindergarten, elementary, middle school, high school, and music.  She then moved into administration and has been the elementary principal for three years.  Sarah also serves as an adjunct professor in the education department of a local Christian college.  It is her heartbeat to encourage teachers to have a passion for excellence in all that they 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]
Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@teachereditionpod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod

Effort Well-Made: Building Positive Parent-Teacher Relationships Part One

“To us, a student is one of many. But to a parent, their child is their world.” — Sarah Barker
 
Part One
As educators we have all had the opportunity to work with a parent who is difficult in one way or another.  It can be exhausting and stressful and honestly disruptive to what we are trying to accomplish as an educator.  Sarah Barker, an experienced educator and now administrator, joins Jenny Copeland on the Teacher Edition podcast to discuss navigating parent-teacher relationships.  Regardless of grade level taught, teachers need to interact with parents and cultivate those relationships.
 
Highlighted topics: 
Common misconceptions in regards to dealing with parents
Elements of building a good relationships with parents
Different ways to encourage the individual child
Sarah also mentions that educators need to know how to communicate with parents—letting them know what is happening within your classroom, both for positive and negative feedback. We are humans, but God has put us right where we are to serve with and partner with these students—and their parents.
 
Curious about more actionable tips and real-life examples on fostering these crucial relationships? Tune in to the next episode, where Sarah dives deeper into how to maintain these connections over time, the importance of flexibility, and the impact of positive communication. 
 
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
Sarah has ministered at Raleigh Christian Academy in Raleigh, NC, for 21 years. She attended RCA from kindergarten until graduation in the year 2000. She was a full-time classroom teacher for eighteen years in the areas of kindergarten, elementary, middle school, high school, and music. She then moved into administration and has been the elementary principal for three years. Sarah also serves as an adjunct professor in the education department of a local Christian college. It is her heartbeat to encourage teachers to have a passion for excellence in all that they 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]
Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@teachereditionpod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod
 

Cliques, Clowns, Toughies, and Tattletales Part Two

“Many times it has nothing to do with the teacher. It has something to do with their heart and their needs inside that need to be met." — Katie Klipp
 
Welcome back to Part Two of our conversation with Katie Klipp. Dealing with trying behaviors in the classroom can feel overwhelming; however, Katie, a veteran teacher, offers us a plethora of tools to help combat tricky behaviors. Katie emphasizes the importance of empathy, relationship building, and proactive teaching techniques.  
 
Discover how every child’s behavior is a reflection of deeper needs and how to implement methods to support students facing emotional and academic struggles. Katie shares her personal experiences and how they had a deep impact on her teaching philosophy.  
 
Key Takeaways:
Approach every child with empathy, remembering they are "somebody's whole world."
Build positive relationships and understand the deeper issues behind student behavior.
Utilize proactive strategies and engaging activities to maintain classroom order.
Implement practical behavior management techniques to foster a supportive learning environment.
Embrace your role as a teacher, knowing you are not alone in your struggles and have the power to make a significant impact.
Teachers are more than educators; they are leaders, mentors, and a lifeline for their students.  You may feel you are at the end of your rope. You are not alone in your struggles within the classroom. You have an impact. Stay in the fight. Stay in the race. And remember to stay PRO-active, not RE-active.  
 
Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire — not in your own strength — but through God's power and his grace working in you. 
Go do what God has called you to do!
About Our Guest
Katie holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in elementary education and has taught first grade at Bob Jones Academy in Greenville, SC, for twenty years. She also assists at BJUPress in writing, revising, and consulting. She enjoys hosting workshops for teachers and assisting teachers with classroom management, technology, and creative instruction.
 
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

Cliques, Clowns, Toughies, and Tattletales Part One

"We want to have our tool belts full of resources and strategies that we can use with these students. And that's where we fall short sometimes." — Katie Klipp
 
Have you ever had a day in your classroom where you felt like you spent more time dealing with behavior and shaping character than on any academic lessons? Managing disruptive behaviors can be exhausting and all-consuming. What do you say to the class clown, the incessant tattler, the student who just prefers to be disinterested in your class, or the non-stop bragger?  
 
On this practical, in-the-trenches episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny sits down with Katie Klipp, a veteran teacher, to give you strategies on how to best deal with these and other behaviors and to hopefully give you a new understanding and a fresh approach to reaching these students. We see disruptive behaviors in students of all ages. Educators might run away from this kind of topic (and maybe even away from these kinds of students!), but in this episode we are facing it head on.  
 
Key highlights:  
Proactive vs. Reactive Classroom Strategies:  Highlighting the value of proactive management, Katie shares tools for creating a cooperative and positive classroom environment.  
Tackling Teasing and Bullying: Katie shares how students mimic behaviors seen from media and stresses the importance of modeling empathy and setting clear expectations within the classroom.  
Tattling vs. Reporting: Introducing tools to help students manage conflicts and teaching problem-solving skills to ensure students know when to ask for help and when to handle things independently.  
"Creating a culture of care means immediate and thoughtful responses to unkind behaviors, nurturing both the victim and the aggressor."
Katie offers some valuable insights and tips for us educators. Don’t miss Part Two of this discussion, where we will talk about working with defiant and tough students, as well as the class clown.  
 
Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire — not in your own strength — but through God's power and his grace working in you. 
 
Go do what God has called you to do!
Resources Mentioned:
The Power of Our Words by Paula Denton  https://a.co/d/3XujM5P
Tattling, Teasing, and Defiance and More by Margaret Wilson https://a.co/d/5KV77v4
https://www.responsiveclassroom.org/
About Our Guest
Katie holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in elementary education and has taught first grade at Bob Jones Academy in Greenville, SC, for twenty years. She also assists at BJUPress in writing, revising, and consulting. She enjoys hosting workshops for teachers and assisting teachers with classroom management, technology, and creative instruction.
 
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

A Backstage Look at a New Resource, “Saving Our Children in a World Gone Crazy”

"We must give them a biblical worldview, because the biblical worldview is the only worldview that works out in the real world. And it's the only worldview that will give our children and grandchildren true happiness and success in this world." — Jeff Keaton
 
Spending seven hours a day or over sixteen thousand hours in total with our students allows us educators to make an impact in their lives. As educators and administrators, we need to acquire the best tools on how to come alongside students and learn about what this generation is going through and experiencing. On this unique episode, Jenny Copeland sits down with Jeff Keaton, author and church and school planter, to discuss his new book, “Saving Our Children in a World Gone Crazy.”
 
Keaton’s mission is for parents and educators to catch the vision and raise children with a true biblical worldview. 
 
Key encouraging takeaways for school teachers and parents:
Preparing our children to thrive in Babylon
Eliminating negativity in our perspectives in this day and age
Reminding us of the importance of biblical worldview education
Winning the hearts of our children to win their minds
 
As educators and parents, this episode serves as a powerful reminder that our role extends far beyond the classroom. It's a call to intentionally integrate a biblical worldview into our children’s lives, ensuring they are prepared to thrive in any environment. Jeff Keaton's insights inspire us to be diligent and purposeful in our efforts, shaping a generation that not only understands God's truth but lives it out in every area of life.
 
"I want to remind parents that this is the greatest trust you could ever be given in this world. We better take it very seriously, because we're going to give an account to God for it." — Jeff Keaton
 
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:
www.renewanation.com
https://shop.renewanation.org/products/saving-our-children-in-a-world-gone-crazy
About Our Guest
As a successful pastor, church and school planter, and ministry entrepreneur, Jeff Keaton has spent his adult life believing that through Christ anything is possible. As the founder, chairman, and CEO of RenewaNation, he now speaks across America, challenging the church to reach the world for Christ and to get involved in the great cause of giving children a Christian world­view education.
 
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

Integrating Orton-Gillingham for Effective Reading Instruction: Core Principles, Practical Application and Classroom Implementation

"There was a big gap between what they could do and what I was supposed to be teaching them." — Dr. Christina Franco
 
Have you ever been trying to help a student and you just feel like your collection of tools and tricks is running out? You feel like you just need something else to help this student? I think we have all been there at one point or another … and maybe you are currently sitting with your head on the desk racking your brain for another way to reach out and break through with a child to help them understand and learn. Well, in this episode, we talk about some tools that might just be that needed help to you or to a struggling colleague.
 
Christina Franco has a heart for helping students of all abilities learn — and specifically learn to read. Utilizing Orton-Gillingham method, Christina has developed a way to marry this method with the reading materials already used inside the classroom.  
 
Jenny sits down with Christina to explore these questions:
 
What is Orton-Gillingham and how was it developed?
How do you implement Orton-Gillingham teaching methods inside the classroom?
Specifically, how do you practically bring these principles into a reading lesson? 
 
Christina shares even more valuable resources to help further train us educators. Through her own training and preparation, we can all better support our students inside the classroom.  Whether you are a seasoned teacher or new to the field of education, this episode is packed with practical insights and tools to help you.  
 
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:
Orton-Gillingham https://www.orton-gillingham.com/
 
Science of Reading: The Podcast 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/science-of-reading-the-podcast/id1483513974
 
Melissa & Lori Love Literacy https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/melissa-lori-love-literacy/id1463219123
 
The History of the Science of Reading
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-novel-idea-the-history-of-the-science-of-reading/id1689593657
 
The Multisensory Classroom, Christina Franco
https://themultisensoryclassroom.com/
 
The International Dyslexia Association
https://dyslexiaida.org/
About Our Guest
Dr. Christina Franco is an educator, consultant, and business owner with a passion for helping students become successful readers. She teaches at Camperdown Academy, a school specializing in supporting students with dyslexia, and leads The Multisensory Classroom, an online platform where she shares the structured literacy content she develops for small group and classroom instruction. With a doctorate in curriculum and instruction, Dr. Franco applies her expertise to create effective, research-based literacy materials that address the diverse needs of students. Through The Multisensory Classroom, she and her team provide educators with practical guidance on implementing the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach, a structured literacy method, across various teaching contexts. Dr. Franco has also been instrumental in starting and managing several reading resource programs, and she offers consulting services to schools looking to establish their own literacy support programs. Outside of her professional work, Dr. Franco loves spending time with her husband and two children. Together, they enjoy outdoor activities like running and cycling, and they value quality time spent talking about their day.
 
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