369: Why Teachers Are So Overwhelmed (and What to do About It)

LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/369 Teachers everywhere are running on empty—but why? In this episode, Linda and Ashly break down the real reasons so many educators feel overwhelmed and exhausted. Listen in as we walk through practical, hope-filled steps you can take to regain clarity and peace. If you're feeling stretched thin, this conversation will help you understand what's going on beneath the surface—and what you can do starting today! 00:00 The Overwhelmed Teacher: A Bleak Reality 03:06 Setting Realistic Boundaries 05:56 Planning for Success 09:49 The Perils of Perfectionism 12:37 Finding Joy in Teaching Resources/Links Mentioned: Full Plate Training: https://teach4theheart.com/plate

Do you feel like there's too much on your plate? Join us for a free training and discover a realistic plan to lighten your load. Sign up for free at www.teach4theheart.com/plate.

Feeling drained and wondering if you can keep going? In our first "Teacher Talk" episode, Linda and Ashly respond to a veteran teacher who is running on empty. Join us as we unpack what's really behind this kind of burnout and share simple, practical steps to break the cycle. "I'm exhausted and I'm not sure what to do about it. I'm in my 24th year of teaching. I teach reasonable lessons, but I've always had trouble getting grading done. In the past year, the time I have usually spent on Saturdays planning and grading has greatly decreased due to family concerns. My concentration is shot. I stay up late trying to work, but it doesn't happen and then I lose sleep. The next day, I'm more tired and the same thing happens. Anyone ever been through this? Any ideas?" 00:00 Navigating Teacher Exhaustion 02:59 Strategies for Effective Grading 05:49 Embracing Grace and Realism in Teaching Resources/Links Mentioned: Full Plate Training: teach4theheart.com/plate Episode 48: https://teach4theheart.com/simple-way-grade-writing-quickly/ Episode 340: https://teach4theheart.com/8-best-grading-tips/  

LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/367 We all look forward to that much-needed break, but what happens when we come back expecting to feel magically refreshed, only to be met with opposite? In this episode, Linda and Julie discuss common mistakes teachers make after a break and how to avoid them. We talk about practical tips to help you reestablish order, refocus yourself and students, and ease the transition back into the classroom with confidence. 00:00 Returning to School: Mistakes to Avoid 03:08 The Importance of Change After Break 05:56 Managing the First Week Back 09:39 Revisiting Classroom Procedures 12:30 Building Relationships with Students 15:16 Seeking God's Guidance in Teaching Resources/Links Mentioned: Classroom Management 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101 Reclaim Your Time: https://teach4theheart.com/reclaim Hope Renewed: https://teach4theheart.com/hope CM 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101

LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/366 When we face conflict as a teacher, we can easily get bogged down and discouraged. That's when we must speak truth to our own hearts, renewing our minds in the Gospel. Join us as we walk through eight key truths that will reorient our thinking and allow us to serve with joy, even amidst conflict. 00:00 Navigating Conflict with Grace 23:30 Resources for Encouragement and Support Resources/Links Mentioned: Text Thread: Text T4TH to 1-833-258-5442 Hope Renewed: https://teach4theheart.com/hope Teach 4 the Heart +: https://teach4theheart.com/plus

LEARN MORE and GET YOUR FREE CLASSROOM JOBS LIST at http://teach4theheart.com/365 Do you want your students to take ownership and stay engaged all year long? Are you looking for a classroom economy system that truly works—one that ties together jobs, rewards, and consequences in a meaningful way? Listen as Linda speaks with Jonathan about how he uses a classroom economy to engage students, teach real-world skills, and simplify classroom management. You'll hear practical strategies, examples from his classroom, and tips you can use right away to help your students take responsibility and stay motivated all year long. 00:00 Introduction to Classroom Economy 02:54 The Importance of Student Responsibility 05:44 Implementing a Ticket Economy 10:07 Job Assignments and Responsibilities 12:54 Job Applications and Interviews 15:51 Pay Structure and Auction System 18:55 Prizes and Rewards 21:51 Accountability and Consequences 24:45 Final Thoughts and Advice Resources/Links Mentioned: http://teach4theheart.com/plus

LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/364 It's one thing to talk about biblical integration and Christian worldview standards—it's another to make them practical in everyday instruction. Listen in as Linda and Amanda unpack practical strategies for biblical integration, showing you how to bring a Christian worldview to life in your classroom. Learn simple, effective ways to weave biblical truth into lessons without feeling forced, so that students can see God's truth in every subject and in all of life. 00:00 Introduction to Biblical Integration in Education 02:12 Understanding the Importance of Biblical Integration 06:32 Living Out Biblical Integration: Actions Speak Louder 08:52 Practical Approaches to Biblical Integration 12:46 Framework for Integrating Scripture into Subjects 21:47 Final Thoughts and Recommendations for Teachers If you liked this episode, check out Episode 349 Biblical Integration Standards at https://teach4theheart.com/349

LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/363 Struggling to keep your art, music, Spanish, or PE class running smoothly? What works in a traditional classroom may not always translate to specials or elective classes. Listen in as Linda and a team member unpack proven classroom management strategies every specials teacher needs to create order, build relationships, and keep learning on track. 00:00 Introduction to Classroom Management for Specials Teachers 03:36 Understanding the Unique Challenges of Specials Classes 06:29 The Importance of Structure and Procedures 09:25 Effective Classroom Management Strategies 12:40 Dealing with Misbehavior in Specials Classes 16:23 Building Relationships with Students 19:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Specials Teachers Resources/Links Mentioned: Classroom Procedures That Will Save Your Sanity: https://teach4theheart.com/procedures Classroom Management 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101

LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/362 What if the key to a thriving school culture isn't control, but servant leadership? In this episode, we explore how the servant leadership model provides the relational and even spiritual groundwork needed to create high-capacity schools where both staff and students can flourish. Listen in as Linda sits down with Matthew Flippen from Gracelyn University to unpack how servant leadership reshapes the way we think about influence, trust, and community in education. 00:00 Introduction to Servant Leadership in Education 01:04 Building Trust and Relationships 03:52 Transformational Leadership Stories 11:10 Creating a Shared Vision 16:01 Empowering Teachers and Future Leaders 18:27 Gracelyn University and Teacher Training Resources/Links Mentioned: Win With Your Talent Pipeline: Ensuring All Children Have Incredible Teachers : https://www.amazon.com/Win-Your-Talent-Pipeline-Incredible-ebook/dp/B0FS9KFGPQ Transformational Educators Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformationalEducators Gracelyn University: https://www.Gracelyn.edu

LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/361 Children and teens face a tremendous amount of pressure from peers and culture to find their identity in their activities, feelings, or performance. This modern way of looking at identity can be challenging to navigate for teachers and parents who grew up with a traditional view of identity rooted in predetermined roles. Jonathan Holmes explores the five core areas of identity struggles most common to teens: sports, academics, moralism, sexual orientation, and gender confusion. He then provides practical ways to help children and teenagers find their identity in something that never never changes—God's grace. 0:00 Intro to Student Identity 2:00 Helping Students Find Their Identity 23:20 Linda's Final Thoughts Resources/Links Mentioned: Rise Up Summit: riseupchristianeducators.com Grounded in Grace: Helping Kids Build Their Identity in Christ: https://www.amazon.com/Grounded-Grace-Helping-Identity-Christ/dp/1645074641 Fieldstone Counseling: https://fieldstonecounseling.org/