Christian Principals Podcast | Christian School Leaders and Administrators

Herzog Foundation
Herzog Foundation
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To provide immediately practical suggestions and start further conversations concerning various topics impacting acting building leaders of Christian schools!

  1. 2d ago

    241 - Teachers & Research Based on Mark's Article

    Summary: This episode looks at why teachers often struggle to engage with research and what school leaders can do to make that interaction more practical. Mark Zockoll shares findings from his article on Christian educators and research, while Matt George responds from an administrator’s perspective with examples from faculty support and professional development. We discuss the biggest barriers teachers name most often, including time, lack of administrative support, and resistance to change. We also cover how administrators can build margin, offer training, and model a culture of lifelong learning. Timestamps: 00:00 - Opening confusion and setting up the topic00:44 - Welcome to the Christian Principals Podcast00:58 - Why this article on teachers and research matters02:23 - Mark explains the publication and article background03:52 - Introducing the article topic and main question04:21 - How teachers usually respond to research and best practices06:14 - Lifelong learning as a core expectation for educators07:20 - Proverbs and the call to seek understanding08:46 - Research as more than just journals and academic articles10:12 - Podcasts and other media as ways to interact with research11:08 - The study basis: 28 master’s students and 92 forum posts12:31 - The first major theme: time constraints14:27 - Why time is the most common barrier for teachers15:14 - How administrators can realistically make time for research16:48 - The second theme: lack of administrative support17:31 - Policies and school structures that can hinder research18:27 - Why some Christian schools resist new ideas20:42 - The next theme: skepticism and resistance to change21:35 - DNP student examples and how professionals resist new practices24:10 - Lack of training and confidence in doing research25:37 - A simple example of a teacher using a podcast to stay informed27:16 - What teachers should do to engage with research28:14 - How administrators can protect time for research29:39 - Training teachers to understand and use research30:08 - A call for administrators and teachers to pursue excellence together31:07 - Prayer for Principal Brian Rinehart of Fairhaven Christian Academy Follow Us YouTube: Christian Principals Podcast Instagram: @cprincipalspod Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com X: @CPrincipalsPod LinkedIn: Christian Principals Podcast Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today! Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

    241 - Teachers & Research Based on Mark's Article

  2. 5d ago

    240 - Hold the Line - What Football's Defensive Line Teaches About Christian School Leadership

    Football becomes a blueprint for Christian education in this episode, and the lessons are sharper than you expect. Mark Zockoll and Matt George unpack six defensive line principles that school leaders, teachers, and administrators can put to work immediately—from holding the line and doing what is not pretty, to filling gaps, collaborating under pressure, and staying agile when everything changes.What starts as a football analogy turns into a practical framework for leading a school mission with clarity. You will hear how the defensive front mirrors the realities of Christian education: the people who absorb pressure, the roles that go unseen, the staff members who make everyone else stronger, and the need for teams to move in sync instead of working in silos.You'll discover: Why “hold the line” is more than a sports phrase and how it applies to classrooms, policies, and cultureHow “nothing pretty” reminds leaders that mission-aligned people may not fit a traditional mold, but still get the job doneWhy “the unders” matters for teachers and staff who do the heavy lifting without getting the creditHow “choreography” exposes the power of true collaboration across grade levels and departmentsWhy “filling a gap” is essential when one person has to absorb more than their fair shareHow “agility” helps schools respond when staffing, budgets, facilities, or responsibilities suddenly shiftMark and Matt also connect these lessons to real school-life challenges like staffing gaps, changing schedules, and supporting the people who quietly anchor the work. The result is a conversation that is equal parts practical, encouraging, and surprisingly useful for anyone leading in Christian education.Perfect for principals, teachers, pastors, and school leaders who need fresh language for teamwork, resilience, and mission-first leadership. If you are trying to build a stronger school culture without losing sight of the mission, this episode gives you a playbook worth borrowing.Follow UsYouTube: Christian Principals PodcastInstagram: @cprincipalspodEmail: info@christianprincipalspodcast.comWebsite: www.christianprincipalspodcast.comX: @CPrincipalsPodLinkedIn: Christian Principals Podcast Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at cpp.gradelink.com today! Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

    240 - Hold the Line - What Football's Defensive Line Teaches About Christian School Leadership

  3. Sep 10

    239 - Conversation With a Herzog Foundation Ambassador

    Summary: Micah joins Matt and Mark to explain how the Herzog Foundation Ambassador Program works, what she has learned in her first month, and why Christian school leaders should pay attention. We discuss how the program builds early-career connections, exposes ambassadors to Christian conservative organizations across the country, and gives them a front-row seat to the needs of Christian educators. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Micah and the Herzog Foundation Ambassador Program 00:57 - College of the Ozarks, public relations, and campus work 01:31 - Why the community at College of the Ozarks stands out 02:57 - How Micah heard about the ambassador program through Esther Ray 04:29 - The 10-person cohort and shared H Plex housing 07:04 - Early benefits: travel, networking, and national connections 09:02 - What past ambassadors have done after the program 09:34 - Majors represented in the cohort, including film and computer science 11:36 - September travel plans and first-time visits to major cities 14:30 - Helping with Herzog Foundation Institute trainings while learning 15:58 - Ambassadors as greeters, helpers, and active participants 17:11 - The capstone project and the big question facing Christian education 18:11 - Why Micah says the Herzog Foundation is an untapped resource 20:19 - Advice for a high school sophomore who wants to prepare for the program 22:10 - Possible next steps: communications, ministry, or classical Christian education 23:37 - Homeschooling, Classical Conversations, and STOA speech and debate 24:22 - Christian administrator spotlight and prayer for Mark Bollinger 25:22 - Closing prayer and final thoughts Follow Us YouTube: Christian Principals Podcast  Instagram: @cprincipalspod  Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com  Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com  X: @CPrincipalsPod  LinkedIn: Christian Principals Podcast Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today! Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

    239 - Conversation With a Herzog Foundation Ambassador

  4. Sep 7

    238 - Should Teachers Grade Homework? Matt's Blind Reaction! #pedagogy #teaching #homework

    Should teachers grade homework - or stop grading it entirely? Matt George and Mark Zockoll take on one of the most practical, debated questions in Christian education and land on a surprisingly nuanced answer: homework matters, but not always in the grade book. Recording this one on a walk, the hosts unpack what homework is actually for, when it becomes little more than a point-chasing exercise, and why "graded" does not always mean "better." They push through the tension between accountability and learning, asking whether homework should measure performance, build habits, surface confusion, or simply help students practice without fear of a bad score. You'll hear them break down:Why homework as "rote practice" can help some students and fail othersThe difference between grading for completion, effort, and real understandingWhen pass-fail homework makes sense and when it creates new problemsWhy certain subjects, like math, call for a different approach than section reviews in historyHow teachers can use homework to identify weaknesses before the test, not just fill the grade bookThe conversation gets especially interesting when they compare lower grades and upper grades, arguing that the kind of homework younger students do should be treated differently from the more critical-thinking work expected later on. Along the way, they land on a memorable principle: homework doesn't always have to be graded, but it does always need to be assessed.If you're a teacher, school leader, or parent trying to figure out what homework should actually accomplish, this episode gives you a thoughtful framework instead of a one-size-fits-all rule. It's a strong listen for anyone who cares about academic rigor, student growth, and building a grade book that reflects more than just compliance.Follow UsYouTube: Christian Principals Podcast Instagram: @cprincipalspod Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com X: @CPrincipalsPod LinkedIn: Christian Principals PodcastExplore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today!Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

    238 - Should Teachers Grade Homework? Matt's Blind Reaction! #pedagogy #teaching #homework

  5. Sep 3

    237 - Reacting to the Christian School Association Summit

    Summary: Matt George and Mark Zockoll recap a gathering of state Christian school association leaders held at the Herzog Foundation in August. They discuss the size of the room, the range of states represented, and the practical conversations that took place around school choice, funding, leadership, and starting new Christian schools.The episode is also a window into how different state associations are navigating very different realities. From tax credit provisions to Title funding and school-launch initiatives, the conversation centers on what Christian schools can do now and how leaders can learn from one another without pretending every state situation is the same. Timestamps: 00:00 - Christian school leaders gather at the Herzog Foundation01:14 - How Lydia Quick brought state associations together02:11 - More than 2,600 schools and 590,000 students represented03:06 - Connections with Iowa, Heartland, and Jeff Walton06:23 - First impressions of the Herzog Foundation campus07:50 - Dr. Daryl Jones on prayer and the foundation’s origins09:03 - Faith in Nations and student leadership opportunities10:28 - Lydia Quick’s quiet leadership and Iowa’s momentum11:39 - Why the room felt like a safe space for honest dialogue13:58 - Disagreement without division in a room of Christian leaders16:24 - Eleven states represented and wildly  Follow Us YouTube: Christian Principals Podcast  Instagram: @cprincipalspod  Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com  Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com  X: @CPrincipalsPod  LinkedIn: Christian Principals Podcast Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today! Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

    237 - Reacting to the Christian School Association Summit

  6. Aug 31

    236 - From Dirty Magazines to Smartphones - Psalm 51 and Protecting Student Eyes in 2026

    Psalm 51 hits differently when you realize how much more access to temptation today’s students have than David ever did. Mark Zockoll and Matt George unpack that sobering reality, drawing a straight line from David’s repentance after Bathsheba to the hidden battles young people face now.Mark shares the teaching moment that sparked the conversation, including how he framed Psalm 51 for a room full of students, parents, and church members. What started as a message on repentance quickly became a bigger warning about innocence lost, the early exposure kids now face, and why purity of heart is harder to protect than ever before.You'll discover: Why Psalm 51 still feels so personal and urgent in the age of phones, streaming, and instant accessHow Mark used real-life illustrations to help students think honestly about sin without shaming themWhy the old world of magazines, cable TV, dial-up internet, and smartphones changed the fight for purity at every stepWhat Matt and Mark think churches, parents, and Christian schools must do to guard students wellThis episode doesn’t stop at diagnosis. It challenges listeners to think carefully about what children and teens are seeing, how early they’re seeing it, and what faithful protection looks like in a world that normalizes exposure too soon.If you care about student ministry, Christian education, parenting, or simply want a clearer, more honest way to think about Psalm 51, this conversation is essential listening. It’s a reminder that repentance is still possible, grace is still real, and vigilance matters more than ever.Matt George is a host of the Christian Principals Podcast, bringing pastoral perspective and practical concern for schools, families, and students.Mark Zockoll is a host of the Christian Principals Podcast, known here for turning Scripture, teaching, and cultural awareness into a candid warning about the challenges facing the next generation. Follow Us YouTube: Christian Principals Podcast  Instagram: @cprincipalspod  Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com  Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com  X: @CPrincipalsPod  LinkedIn: Christian Principals Podcast Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today! Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

    236 - From Dirty Magazines to Smartphones - Psalm 51 and Protecting Student Eyes in 2026

  7. Aug 27

    235 - Tribalism Amongst Christian Schools and Their Associations

    Summary: This episode explores how Christian schools, associations, and advocacy groups can work together without losing their theological convictions. Matt George and Mark Zockoll discuss the history of Christian education, the growth of school associations, and why political cooperation matters more than tribal separation when the goal is protecting schools and students. They also unpack a strong statement heard at a state association summit: tribalism in Christian education needs to end. The conversation broadens into practical examples from state lobbying, local school relationships, and coalition work across denominational lines. Timestamps: 00:00 - Opening on desiloing Christian education and getting along better 00:38 - Early-morning banter and the unusually odd recording time 01:55 - Sponsors and transition into the day’s main topic 02:28 - Why the Christian School State Association Summit mattered 03:21 - A short history of Christian education and the rise of Christian schools 05:04 - Prayer in schools, Christian school beginnings, and the movement’s roots 06:55 - Growth in the 1980s and the modern era of school choice 08:16 - Accreditation, funding, and why associations still matter 09:14 - The broader association landscape across states and denominations 10:47 - AACS, ACSI, CSI, and other association alignments 12:06 - Why joining state and national associations can be valuable 13:40 - Who made the tribalism comment at the summit 14:55 - The claim that tribalism in Christian education needs to stop 16:22 - Shared goals and the case for cooperation across lines 18:30 - Separatism versus political cooperation 20:16 - Personal examples of political alignment and religious division 23:03 - Why “be not unequally yoked” is often stretched too far 24:27 - Jesus, Pharisees, and the limits of isolationism 25:47 - Working with Catholics, Muslims, and other allies on school issues 27:07 - Should Christian school students be encouraged to enter politics? 28:41 - Practical advocacy and why legislators should visit schools 30:39 - Local community partnerships and public awareness 33:14 - Coalitions are stronger than fragmented associations 34:23 - March for Life as an example of broad coalition action 36:00 - Local government and community reputation matter too 38:25 - More people in the room and the reality of state advocacy 41:15 - Why anti-message organizations eventually collapse 44:22 - Christian administrator spotlight: Heather Daniel of Emmanuel Christian School 45:48 - Closing prayer and outro Notable Quotes: “Tribalism is over. It needs to be over.” “When a coalition is able to go before the state and say, we are a million strong and we hold in this way the same value.” “There has to be more people in the room.” Christian Administrator Spotlight: Heather Daniel, assistant principal at Emmanuel Christian School in Wabash, Indiana Follow Us YouTube: Christian Principals Podcast  Instagram: @cprincipalspod  Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com  Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com  X: @CPrincipalsPod  LinkedIn: Christian Principals Podcast Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today! Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

    235 - Tribalism Amongst Christian Schools and Their Associations

  8. Aug 24

    234 - STATE OF THE POD VII: Season 3 Intro, 123 Hours of Christian School Wisdom and We Still Have More to Say

    The State of the Pod is in, and the numbers tell a bigger story than downloads. Two hosts, one studio, three upcoming conference appearances, and a growing mission to get the Christian Principles Podcast into the ears of every Christian school leader in America.Matt George and Mark Zonko celebrate what God has done through the Herzog Foundation and GradeLink Student Information Systems, then pull back the curtain on where the show is headed next - from Myrtle Beach to Old Dominion to Fort Lauderdale. Along the way, they share why this project has become more than a podcast, how listener feedback has shaped episodes, and why a single viral clip, a first-time in-person listener encounter, and a growing network of principals keep reminding them this work matters.You'll hear: How the Herzog Foundation has become a major partner and why this episode was recorded on-site at their studioHow GradeLink featured the podcast in a school flyer and what that says about the show’s reachThe upcoming conference lineup, including the Southeast Christian School Convention, ODACS, and Schools UnitedThe latest audience growth, including Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and total playsWhy the hosts are still committed to practical, fast-moving, Monday-and-Thursday episodes for Christian school administratorsMatt and Mark also revisit the value of feedback, the importance of sharing episodes with other leaders, and the encouragement that comes from hearing that the podcast is actually helping real schools solve real problems. If you’re a Christian school administrator, educator, or leader looking for practical support, honest reflection, and a little behind-the-scenes joy, this one is for you. Follow Us YouTube: Christian Principals Podcast  Instagram: @cprincipalspod  Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com  Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com  X: @CPrincipalsPod  LinkedIn: Christian Principals Podcast Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today! Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

    234 - STATE OF THE POD VII: Season 3 Intro, 123 Hours of Christian School Wisdom and We Still Have More to Say
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To provide immediately practical suggestions and start further conversations concerning various topics impacting acting building leaders of Christian schools!

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