Teacher Edition Podcast Teacher Edition Podcast

“If you burn the candle at both ends, it only lasts half as long.”- Brian Washburn
 
Having a “work life balance” is a term we commonly hear. Jenny Copeland, host of The Teacher Edition Podcast and veteran educator, Brian Washburn, discuss the topic of establishing balance in family, ministry and education.  Finding a balance, especially when working in ministry can be so tricky.  
 
How do you say no when it is ministry?
How do you meet the needs of your family when ministry is always there?
What is “having a life”?  
 
These are the dilemmas we face every day, yes, even in ministry. We want to work hard and give our best, but how do we do that in two places? And how do we navigate this dilemma with two groups of people who mean a lot to us? 
 
Jenny and Brian discuss: 
Brian’s journey into Christian education
The difference between ”at” church vs. “in” church
Maintaining balance outside of school hours
Defining and choosing what matters 
The dangers and consequences of imbalance
 
As educators, you may be feeling like you are at the end of your rope. Jenny and Brian share helpful tools so that teachers avoid burnout. Through examining ourselves spiritually, evaluating where you are being filled spiritually and relationally, and recognizing our own limitations encourages us to stay in a healthy work life balance.  
 
If you are weary and exhausted or find yourself on the brink of wanting to quit, please know there are ways to bring back peace in your heart, home, and within your classroom.  

"We are setting a trajectory of how our students will view ministry in their future."- Jenny Copeland
 
About Brian Washburn
 
Brian Washburn grew up in upstate New York and has been in Christian education for over 35 years, serving both as a teacher and an administrator.  He has a bachelors degree in Bible Education, a masters degree in Personnel Services, and a Specialist degree in Education.  His ministry in Christian schools began in Indianapolis, and since then he has served in Charleston, SC, and is currently at Temple Baptist School in Asheville, NC.  Brian and his wife have 2 children and 7 grandchildren.

“God placed this child in your classroom for some reason."-Anita Pleasants
Addressing extreme behaviors inside the classroom may not be a topic widely discussed but it is becoming more and more prevalent in the classroom.   If you know an educator who hasn’t been listening to the Teacher Edition podcast, here is your chance to share the show with him or her and know that it will be applicable no matter what grade or subject he or she teaches.
 
Jenny Copeland invites Anita Pleasants, a veteran educator of 25 years and current director for Child Evangelism Fellowship in Charlotte, North Carolina, to discuss her experience with extreme behaviors and her burden for these students.  Teachers may feel a sense of helplessness when they are confronted with these challenges with their students. 
 
In this encouraging episode, Jenny and Anita answer these tough questions you may be asking:
Where do you start as a teacher facing extreme behavior difficulties?
What are the foundational mindsets you need as a teacher to help a struggling student?
In what ways can you help the student’s situation? 
How can you partner with the parents to move forward?
 
If you are a teacher facing a similar situation, we know you will feel encouraged by this episode.  Jenny and Anita  help you to gain practical strategies for handling extreme behaviors and to be inspired by a compassionate approach to teaching. 
 
“Children are so perceptive. They read our frustration and that doesn't help the situation. For those who are really struggling, that could really be a final straw for them. God has allowed that child to be in our class for a reason. We want to fight for them.”- Jenny Copeland
About Anita Pleasants
Anita Pleasants has been a part of early education for 25 years.  With degrees in Early Childhood Education and Counseling, she held many different positions, such as lead teacher and preschool director.  Most recently, Anita became the director for Child Evangelism Fellowship in Charlotte, NC.  She works part-time at a Christian school in Matthews, NC and then helps churches organize Good News Clubs at public schools in the afternoon.  Anita has a special burden for children here in the states who are growing up learning nothing about the gospel or Biblical principles.  Her goal is to reach the children and their families through Bible clubs and training children's ministry workers in local churches.
 
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
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

 
 
Sponsored By
 
Now, more than ever, children need a learning exp

“With all the stuff that [middle schoolers] are going through…they struggle…they just want someone on their side. They want someone to love them and value them and show them they're important. So this retreat was twofold for me: it showed these students we're going to emphasize Christ.”- Caroline Anderson
In this heartwarming episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny Copeland sits down with dedicated middle school teacher and principal at Jacksonville Christian Academy, Caroline Anderson. Caroline shares her heart and mission behind creating a middle school retreat. After the 2020s impact on public schools, Caroline saw an increase in student enrollment in the private Christian school and recognized the need to create quick connections and establish biblical foundations to incoming students. By providing a more enriching community for the students and teachers at the beginning of the school year through implementing the retreat, Caroline has seen a deepening in students’ biblical understanding and connection to Christ.
Throughout the encouraging conversation, Jenny and Caroline discuss: 
Recognizing the need for a retreat
How do you prepare for a student retreat?
One of the most important keys to a successful retreat
Advice for schools thinking about starting a retreat for their school
 
Inspiring schools to consider implementing retreats, Caroline discusses the benefits at the high school, middle school and even elementary levels. She reminds us as educators that we play an important role in the minds and hearts of students.  Caroline’s strong commitment to her students and creating retreats emphasize that education extends beyond the classroom inspires teachers and administrators to do the same. 
 
“This is an event in which we want God to be honored and we want these students to see the love of Christ.” Caroline Anderson
 
About the Guest
Caroline Anderson is middle school principal and teacher at Jacksonville Christian Academy in Jacksonville, NC.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Missions and another in Secondary Education.  She also earned a Masters Degree in Education in Teaching and Learning. Caroline grew up in New Bern, North Carolina and enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, especially her nieces and nephew.  Her passion is communicating the Gospel and a Biblical worldview to her students.  
 
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.
 
Watch or listen to more episodes below!
https://teachereditionpodcast.com/ 
 
Follow us online! 
https://www.tiktok.com/@teachereditionpod 
https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/ 
https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod

“Active classrooms are for education, period. It definitely belongs in the secondary world just as much as the elementary world.”- Brandon Risinger
Active classrooms are not just for the elementary level student. There is something for every age and stage- even seniors! Using active learning strategies will transform classrooms.  
 
In today’s Teacher Edition podcast, Brandon and Jenny continue to share the importance of incorporating movement and activity in the classroom.  As part two of the discussion on Active Learning, we encourage you to go back and listen to the first part of this conversation from last week.
 
Here are some highlights from this week’s episode:
-Practical tips for incorporating movement in the classroom 
-Setting the “what if’s?” aside and step out of our comfort zone
-Advise to administrators who want to implement active learning environments within your school
 
Whether you are a teacher or an administrator, we encourage you to take small steps towards creating an atmosphere that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.  Let’s all step out of our comfort zone and try some of these active learning strategies.
“As administrators, it's really important that we give the okay to active learning (within the classroom). We support it, we demonstrate it, and come alongside to take the teachers to those new levels.”- Jenny Copeland
About the Guest
 
Brandon Risinger is in his 15th year of Christian education and currently serves as the Principal of Greenville Christian Academy in Greenville, North Carolina. Christian education holds a very special place in Brandon’s heart as he is a product of Christian education. He is grateful for God’s calling to work with students and instruct young people with the same type of Christ-centered quality education that he received. Brandon holds degrees in elementary education and educational administration. He has served in a variety of capacities including a classroom teacher (both on the elementary and secondary levels), principal, and lead school administrator at various ministries in the Carolinas and Florida. Brandon has been married for 12 years to Karen, who is also an elementary teacher. Together they have a strong, shared passion to invest in both students and teachers to make learning enjoyable. Brandon loves spending time with Karen and their two amazing children and in their free time they love to explore new areas. 
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

 
 
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.
 
Watch or listen to more episodes below!
https://teachereditionpodcast.com/ 
 
Follow us online! 
https://www.tiktok.com/@teachereditionpod 
https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/ 
https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod

“A classroom needs to have active engagement, especially a classroom for today.”
- Brandon Risinger 
 
Are you a teacher or administrator looking to transform your classroom into an engaging, active classroom? 
 
This week on the Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny connects with Brandon Risinger, a friend, fellow educator and dedicated principal to share a common passion of developing teaching strategies where students are actively learning and engaged.    
 
Listen in as they discuss these key topics:
Defining what is active learning
Discovering the intersection of today’s gaming culture and engagement in the classroom
Unpacking specific examples in the classroom to promote student involvement
 
When it comes to making an effective learning impact on your students, Brandon will give you practical strategies to bring a fresh dynamic to your classroom.  Engaging the student’s minds and bodies are key to promoting a healthy learning environment no matter what classroom or age group.  We challenge you to identify ways you can incorporate active learning into your classroom and share them with us on our social platforms. 
 
If you have more questions surrounding this topic or other educational topics, please submit them to our website. 

“As Christian educators, it's very important that we look to God's Word, and we look to Christ for the best ways to serve our students."- Brandon Risinger
 
Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@teachereditionpod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod
About the Guest
 
Brandon Risinger is in his 15th year of Christian education and currently serves as the Principal of Greenville Christian Academy in Greenville, North Carolina. Christian education holds a very special place in Brandon’s heart as he is a product of Christian education. He is grateful for God’s calling to work with students and instruct young people with the same type of Christ-centered quality education that he received. Brandon holds degrees in elementary education and educational administration. He has served in a variety of capacities including a classroom teacher (both on the elementary and secondary levels), principal, and lead school administrator at various ministries in the Carolinas and Florida. Brandon has been married for 12 years to Karen, who is also an elementary teacher. Together they have a strong, shared passion to invest in both students and teachers to make learning enjoyable. Brandon loves spending time with Karen and their two amazing children and in their free time they love to explore new areas. 
Sponsored ByNow, 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]
 
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.
 
Watch or listen to more episodes below!
https://teachereditionpodcast.com/ 
 
Follow us online! 
https://www.tiktok.com/@teachereditionpod 
https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/ 
https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod

In the second part of Jenny’s conversation with guest Becky Teruel, they continue to unlock the secrets to cultivating a profound love for reading among students. Discover innovative strategies, such as literary "speed dating" and "book doctors" to implement in your classroom. Learn how to create an environment that breathes literature within the school, and unravel the pivotal role parents play in fostering a love for reading at home.
 
Should teachers use traditional reading logs? 
What advice can educators give to parents to encourage children to read at home? 
What impact do reading habits have on children’s academic performance? 
How can educators inspire a genuine passion for reading?
 
Discover the answers to these questions and more in this exciting episode of Teacher Edition! Tune in now to gain practical ideas, unravel surprising statistics, and be inspired to foster a lifelong love for reading in the young minds you influence.

About the Guest
 
Becky Teruel has bachelor's and master's degrees in education. She has been in education for over 20 years. She has taught various grades and subjects and has experience also as an early interventionist working with young children with deficits. She is currently serving as a national consultant with BJU Press, helping teachers and schools across the country.
 
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.
 
Watch or listen to more episodes below!
https://teachereditionpodcast.com/ 
 
Follow us online! 
https://www.tiktok.com/@teachereditionpod 
https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/ 
https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod