372: "What Do I Say When Students Put Me on the Spot About My Faith?"

LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com Understanding how to talk about faith in the classroom requires wisdom and prayerful answers. In this Teacher Talk episode, we unpack a teacher question on how to respond when students get curious about your faith. Linda and Sarah offer clarity, encouragement, and practical wording to help you respond with confidence and compassion! "What do I say when students ask me about my faith?" 00:00 Navigating Faith Conversations in the Classroom 03:47 Sharing Personal Experiences and Stories 06:47 Handling Difficult Questions with Grace 09:29 The Importance of Humility in Responses Links/Resources Mentioned:  Hope Renewed: https://teach4theheart.com/hope

LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/371 In Christian schools, we tend to assume everyone is on the same page about abortion, but recent surveys indicate this is not the case. Shockingly, in a recent Ohio election, 30% of Christian school graduates voted for abortion, revealing a deep failure to clearly teach and form a biblical worldview on this critical issue. In this episode, Linda and Troy McIntosh (OCEN) confront why we're falling short in this important area and how we can boldly, faithfully, and compassionately reclaim our responsibility to teach the truth. It is time to correct the course and equip students to stand firmly on a biblical foundation. 00:00 Understanding the Abortion Debate in Christian Education 02:32 The Ohio Abortion Ballot Measure and Its Implications 06:15 Key Findings from the Study on Christian School Graduates 12:23 Building a Pro-Life Ethic in Christian Schools 18:54 Practical Steps for Educators to Promote Pro-Life Values Resources/Links Mentioned: Center for Christian Virtue: https://www.CCV.org/ Hartshorn: https://hartshorn.ocen.org/ Ruah Woods: https://www.ruahwoodsinstitute.org/ Teach 4 the Heart +: https://teach4theheart.com/plus

LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/ In this Teacher Talk episode, Linda and Julie dive into a new teacher's concern and what it really looks like to grow as an educator without slipping into perfectionism or letting nonstop feedback wear you down. If you've ever felt mentally drained by constant observations, overwhelmed by improvement goals, or discouraged by your own expectations, this conversation will give you practical strategies and Christ-centered encouragement for when you feel inadequate. "How can a new teacher take care of their mental health while constantly reflecting and trying to improve, and getting feedback, while not taking it personal, and focusing on perfection? I get at least two formal observations a month and informal feedback at least once or twice a week. I find that focusing on areas of growth are causing me to feel inadequate, and are making me struggle with mental health. I am of the mindset that what you dwell on grows, and magnifies." 00:00 Navigating Teacher Evaluations and Mental Health 02:51 Finding Identity Beyond Performance 06:44 Embracing Weakness and Relying on God Resources/Links Mentioned: Hope Renewed: https://teach4theheart.com/hope Teacher Talk Question Submissions: https://www.teach4theheart.com/teachertalk Hope Renewed: https://teach4theheart.com/renew

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