Teacher Edition Podcast

Teacher Edition Podcast
  • 4.8 (26)
  • EDUCATION

Are you a Christian school educator looking for a podcast that’s fun, encouraging, and biblical? Look no further! The Teacher Edition podcast is a dynamic and engaging show that’s specifically designed for educators just like you. Join Jenny as she interviews fellow educators and other professionals to get insights and inspiration that will help you in the classroom. But they don’t just talk theory - they’re all about practical tips and ideas that you can use right away! Whether you’re looking for new instructional strategies, ideas for infusing technology into your lessons, help in working with struggling students, or ways to approach current events from a Biblical perspective, she’s got you covered. So if you’re ready to be encouraged, equipped, and entertained, join us on the Teacher Edition podcast! Head over to our website at TeacherEditionPodcast.com to subscribe and start listening today. Remember, as a Christian educator, you’re making a difference - and she’s here to support you every step of the way.

  1. 4D AGO

    Your Best Marketing Strategy Is Already in the Classroom | Cathy Dotson | Ep. 169

    “We spend money on brochures and ads, but the teacher can make it or break it.” - Cathy Dotson “We’re not just pulling people to our school—we’re pulling people to the Lord.” - Cathy Dotson As schools enter open house season, launch enrollment campaigns, and invest in marketing strategies for the year ahead, one truth often gets overlooked: your most powerful marketing tool is already inside your building. In this episode of Teacher Edition, host Jenny Copeland welcomes back Cathy Dotson, elementary principal at Wilmington Christian Academy, to unpack why teachers, not billboards, websites, or ads, are the true voice of a school’s story. Through real-life examples, practical insights, and hard-earned leadership wisdom, Cathy challenges both teachers and school leaders to rethink marketing, retention, and culture—starting in the classroom. Key Topics & Takeaways: Why teachers are a school’s most trusted and influential marketers How daily classroom interactions shape a family’s long-term perception The powerful connection between teacher morale and enrollment retention Why communication, warmth, and tone matter more than polished branding Best practices for teachers using social media responsibly and effectively Measuring success through re-enrollment, culture, and family trust “If parents feel heard and feel like their child is loved, they don’t want to go anywhere else.” - Cathy Dotson 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: Tools for Marketing:  ClassDojo – https://www.classdojo.com/ Google Classroom – https://sites.google.com/view/classrooms-workspace/ School Newsletters Social media (school & classroom-level) Re-enrollment tracking About Our Guest Cathy Dotson is a dedicated professional with over 30 years in full-time Christian service, primarily as a teacher and principal. Currently serving as the elementary principal at Wilmington Christian Academy in Wilmington, NC, Cathy's educational journey is marked by her unwavering commitment to Christian education. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education, a master's degree in educational leadership, and an Ed.D. in instructional leadership, a testament to her academic and professional accomplishments. Cathy's fervor for Christian education, coupled with her wealth of experience and wisdom, is truly infectious. She remains an active speaker on a diverse range of topics, consistently spreading her passion for Christian education and positively influencing those she encounters.   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. https://www.bjupress.com/ Have a question for the Teacher Edition podcast? We would love to hear from you. Please submit your questions at https://www.teachereditionpodcast.com/

    48 min

  2. FEB 10

    Redeeming the Time: Technology with Purpose in the Classroom | Doug Lay | Ep. 168

    “AI can help with efficiency, but it cannot replace the teacher.” - Doug Lay Technology isn’t slowing down… and neither is the pressure educators feel to “keep up.” In this episode, Jenny Copeland sits down with Doug Lay, administrator at Victory Christian School (Sylva, NC) and a former software architect/systems engineer with decades in IT. Doug brings a steady, Scripture-shaped perspective to a fast-moving world, reminding us that tools should serve the mission, not replace it. You’ll hear Doug’s path from pastoral ministry and Christian school leadership to a self-taught career in programming. Plus practical wisdom for navigating AI, student attention, screen time, and engagement without losing what matters most: the transforming power of teacher-student relationships. Practical Takeaways for Christian Educators: Use tech with purpose: evaluate it through mission, worldview, and real classroom need Keep videos short: even good content loses students if attention is stretched too long Don’t outsource your passion: AI can support prep, but it can’t replace teacher presence Protect relationships: the hallway, car line, gym, and classroom moments matter deeply Redeem time wisely: automate “informing” tasks so you can invest more in “transforming” ones “Fifteen minutes of real, personal engagement can matter more than a whole week of distracted learning.” - Doug Lay “The most important thing that happens in a school is the interaction between a teacher and a student.” - Doug Lay Resources Mentioned: BJU Press Trove (digital teaching tools/resources): https://www.bjupress.com/technology/trove ChatGPT / AI tools (used for lesson-plan pacing support) The Exchange Conference: https://www.bjupress.com/exchange About Our Guest: Doug Lay currently serves as the administrator at Victory Christian School in Sylva, NC.  Doug has theology degree and a degree in pastoral theology.  In addition to his work in Christian education, Doug has also taught in 2 Bible institutes, helped to start a church and has been a pastor.  He still continues to teach once or twice a year in a Bible Institute in southern India training men and women who are starting church in southern India.  Doug also has extensive experience in the area of technology.  In late 1982, he went to Manhattan, KS to serve as assistant pastor and principal of the church’s private Christian school.  During this period, he purchased his first personal computer.  He developed a fascination with technology and became a self-taught computer programmer.  After leaving Kansas and moving his family to Virginia he started a career in software development.  He spent 32 years in the IT business as a computer programmer, Systems Engineer, and Software Architect.  He retired from Lockheed Martin in October of 2020 after having spent 16 years with them as a Senior Systems Engineer doing systems architecture and design. 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. https://www.bjupress.com/ Have a question for the Teacher Edition podcast? We would love to hear from you. Please submit your questions at https://www.teachereditionpodcast.com/

    32 min

  3. FEB 3

    Reading with Discernment: Teaching Biblical Thinking in the ELA Classroom | Lauren Wiggs | Ep. 167

    “We cannot teach our children how to think without helping them know what the standard of truth is.” - Lauren Wiggs Have you ever heard someone say, “What were you thinking?” Or maybe a student has looked at you and said, “I just wasn’t thinking.” In a world where AI and endless tools are eager to do our thinking for us, the skill of thinking, real, biblical, critical thinking, can feel like a dying art. In this episode, Jenny Copeland sits down with Lauren Wiggs, a middle and high school English Language Arts teacher and Secondary Supervisor at Matthews Christian Academy, to talk about what it actually looks like to teach students how to think, not just what to think. Key Takeaways: Why you cannot teach critical thinking without a clear standard of truth How Scripture shapes the difference between teaching what to think vs. how to think Practical ways to evaluate literature through a biblical lens (themes, worldview, motives, consequences) Why literature still matters in a screen-heavy culture, and how it trains depth and discernment The discipleship connection: you can’t disciple what you don’t know, and you can’t know what you don’t draw out “There is a huge difference between teaching students what to think and teaching them how to think.” - Lauren Wiggs “Literature is a safe place for students to wrestle with big ideas before they face them in real life.” - Lauren Wiggs 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: Lauren Wiggs has over ten years of experience teaching middle and high school English language arts. She currently serves at Matthews Christian Academy as a middle and high school ELA teacher as well as the Secondary Supervisor. Lauren is passionate about helping young people grow as thinkers, readers, and communicators. In addition to her work in the classroom, Lauren enjoys coaching sports at MCA, particularly the girls' volleyball team. Outside of school, she’s fueled by a genuine love of coffee and a lifelong enthusiasm for hockey.  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. https://www.bjupress.com/ Have a question for the Teacher Edition podcast? We would love to hear from you. Please submit your questions at https://www.teachereditionpodcast.com/

    34 min

  4. JAN 27

    Planting Seeds You May Never See | Amanda Cecil | Ep. 166

    “God often works in those small, unnoticed times.” - Amanda Cecil “It’s not our job to produce the results. It’s our job to be faithful with the opportunities He gives us.” - Amanda Cecil Some of the most powerful moments in education don’t happen during the perfectly planned lesson—they happen in the “ordinary” spaces: snack time, recess, transitions, a hallway conversation, a quiet prayer whispered at a student’s desk. Jenny Copeland welcomes Amanda Cecil for a conversation reminding every Christian educator of a steady truth: faithful planting seeds matters, even when you don’t get to see the harvest. Key Takeaways for Teachers: God often works in the ordinary moments. Some of the most meaningful spiritual conversations happen in unplanned spaces. Celebrate small wins. Small steps of obedience and growth are “mile markers” worth noticing and naming. Relationships open doors for gospel impact. Presence over perfection builds trust—and trust opens hearts. Faith can be integrated naturally. Conflict resolution, disappointment, and everyday challenges are opportunities to point students to Christ without forcing a “big moment.” Your example is always teaching. Students watch how you respond to frustration, interruptions, mistakes, and corrections—often more than they hear what you say. Don’t lose heart when you don’t see fruit. Your role is faithfulness; God handles the results—sometimes later, sometimes much later, sometimes in eternity. “When you impact one child, you’re going to impact everyone that they touch later in life as well.” - Amanda Cecil Resources Mentioned: Bible passages referenced: John 3:16 Ephesians (making the most of every opportunity) Galatians 6:9 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: Amanda Cecil is the Head of School at Liberty Christian Academy in Ohio. Amanda’s story with LCA is really special—she first enrolled as a third grader, graduated in 1994, and years later returned to invest in the same community that shaped her. She joined the LCA faculty in 2004 as a preschool teacher and went on to teach several elementary grade levels. Over time, she stepped into leadership as the Elementary Principal and eventually into her current role as Head of School. Her passion has always centered on helping young learners grow not only academically, but also spiritually and socially.  Amanda holds an undergraduate degree in Education and a Master’s in Educational Leadership.  Amanda and her husband have been married for 29 years, and they have four children—each of whom has attended Liberty Christian Academy.   Sponsored By BJU Press: 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.  https://www.bjupress.com/ Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com Instagram   / teachereditionpod   TikTok   / teachereditionpod   Facebook   / teachereditionpod

    25 min

  5. JAN 20

    The Real Challenges Facing Christian Education Today | Jeff Keaton | Ep. 165

    “I want schools and school associations to be vigilant… We need to do whatever it takes to maintain our ability to teach biblical truth at all costs.” - Jeff Keaton Christian education is growing, but growth brings new pressures. In this episode of Teacher Edition, Jenny welcomes back Jeff Keaton, founder and CEO of RenewaNation, for an honest, wide-angle conversation about where Christian schools are today and where they’re headed next. Drawing from decades of experience as a church planter, school planter, and national speaker, Jeff offers a candid “field report” on what he’s seeing across the country. From post-COVID enrollment shifts to deep worldview challenges, he identifies three critical pressures facing Christian schools right now: secularized parents, secularized teachers, and government funding. Key Themes & Takeaways: Why post-COVID enrollment growth is leveling off—and why that isn’t a bad thing The danger of prioritizing growth over culture How secularized parents influence school direction (often unintentionally) Why biblical worldview formation must be intentional, not assumed The challenge of secularized teachers—even inside Christian schools Why vetting, training, and ongoing formation matter more than ever Government funding: opportunity, caution, and vigilance Together, Jenny and Jeff unpack how schools can protect culture, strengthen biblical worldview formation, and lead courageously without compromising truth. ​​“The reason why I love the BJU textbooks so much is because they show in real time what biblical worldview thinking… actually looks like.” - Jeff Keaton “If they’re not studying outside of the classroom… they’re not going to have an overflow of 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: Saving Our Children In a World Gone Crazy by Jeff Keaton: https://a.co/d/2JeYUEp Website: https://www.renewanation.org/ RenewaNation Viewfinder: https://www.renewanation.org/the-viewfinder RenewaNation SEED Program: https://reap.renewanation.org/seed/ Authors referenced: Nancy Pearcey, Francis Schaeffer, Chuck Colson Scripture focus: Numbers 11:1–17 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. https://www.bjupress.com/ Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@teachereditionpod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod

    46 min

  6. JAN 13

    “I’m Not a Math Person”—Now What? | Katie Vance | Ep. 164

    “Math only works because it describes consistencies that God holds in place.” - Katie Vance “What type of class would you want to sit in? And then create it.” - Katie Vance Math doesn’t have to be the “necessary evil.” In this episode, Jenny Copeland sits down with Katie Vance—an experienced Christian educator who once struggled with math but learned to see God’s fingerprints all over it. Together, they explore why so many students (and even teachers) dislike math, what truly helps students engage and understand, and how math can point learners to a faithful, truth-telling God. Katie shares her honest journey from teaching math through memorization to embracing student-centered learning that invites curiosity, participation, and deeper understanding. Key Takeaways for Teachers If students hate math, it’s often because they don’t understand it yet, not because they “aren’t math people.” Teachers grow when they move from “teach what I know” to “keep learning alongside my students.” Math is a powerful place to disciple hearts: it can point students to truth, dependence on God, and a faithful Creator. The classroom isn’t just about grades; it’s an eternal investment. Katie encourages educators to take the pressure off perfection and simply take the next step in growing as teachers and learners. “Everyone’s a math person because our Creator is—and we’re made in His image.” - Katie Vance 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: Polypad (Mathigon) – A free, interactive online “math playground” and whiteboard tool Revealing Arithmetic Math Concepts from A Biblical Worldview by Katherine A. Loop Mathematical Mindsets by Jo Boaler About Our Guest Katie Vance has been in Christian education for 20 years – teaching at the same school she graduated from Gunnery Road Christian Academy Fort Myers, Florida. She currently teaches Bible and Math. She has an undergraduate degree in Women’s Ministries and a Master’s degree in Biblical Counseling. Katie is also a certified biblical counselor with ACBC. 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] Have a question for the Teacher Edition podcast? We would love to hear from you. Please submit your questions at TeacherEditionPodcast.com.

    29 min

  7. JAN 6

    Teaching Beyond the Classroom: The Heart of Christian Education | Curtis Tomlin | Ep. 163

    “Pray for your students — that they are doing well, that they know they matter, and that God is working in their lives.” – Curtis Tomlin   What separates good teaching from transformative teaching? In this episode, Jenny sits down with Curtis Tomlin to explore what it truly means to teach beyond the classroom walls. Curtis shares his passion for Christian education that extends far past lesson plans and academic standards. He emphasizes the critical importance of building genuine relationships with students — making those phone calls, checking in during difficult seasons, and showing students they are valued as individuals created in God’s image. In this episode, Curtis and Jenny discuss: The difference between teaching content and investing in lives Why relationships matter more than we realize in education Practical ways to connect with students beyond classroom hours The power of a simple phone call or text message Praying for students and their individual needs Creating a culture where every student feels seen and valued Balancing academic excellence with personal investment Curtis challenges educators to remember that their influence extends far beyond test scores and curriculum standards. When teachers invest in the whole child academically, emotionally, and spiritually, they create environments where students can truly thrive and discover their God-given purpose. This conversation will encourage every Christian educator to see themselves not just as instructors, but as life-shapers who have the privilege of pointing students toward Christ through authentic relationship and genuine care. 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!   “Christian education isn’t just about what happens during class time; it’s about investing in the whole child.” – Curtis Tomlin About Our Guest Curtis Tomlin currently serves as the administrator of Hidden Treasure Christian School in Taylors, SC. He has an undergraduate degree in music education and a masters in education. He and his wife have been serving in Christian education for 30 years. God has given them a vision and ministry to help struggling traditional schools to build their programs as well as help them begin a resource program that would best work with their education needs. Curtis is also a musician, playing several instruments. He and his wife have two adult children.   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]

    32 min

  8. 12/30/2025

    Resilient Teachers: Practical Ways to Deal with Stress | Dana Davis | Ep. 162

    “Resilient teachers practice gratitude and know how to reframe situations.” – Dana Davis   “Happiness is contagious – when teachers prioritize their health, students benefit, too.” – Dana Davis   This episode is for EVERY educator, especially as we head into the new year. Jenny’s guest, Dana Davis, brings a diverse education experience and a passion to encourage educators as whole people, with a focus on building genuine resilience.     As teacher turnover rates continue to climb, Dana addresses the contributing factors, particularly the lack of control many educators feel and the physical toll that chronic stress takes on their bodies. She unpacks the impact of elevated cortisol levels and offers practical, actionable strategies for managing stress and reclaiming joy in the classroom.    In this episode, Jenny and Dana also discuss: The power of health: exercise, sleep, and diet as stress relievers Promoting a culture of health within schools Practicing gratitude and reframing negative situations Learning to say “no” and set healthy boundaries Getting organized to reduce overwhelm Finding joy through laughter and fun with students   This conversation offers hope and practical wisdom for educators seeking to thrive in, not just survive, their calling.     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 Book: 17 Things Resilient Teachers Do by Bryan Harris Available on Amazon About Our Guest Dana Davis leads the faculty of Maranatha Baptist University in online pedagogy as MBU’s Assistant VP of Online and Distance Learning. As an educator, Dana is experienced in several diverse environments, currently teaching courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in MBU’s School of Education. In addition, Dana has previous experience serving as a junior high public school teacher, a fourth-grade Christian school teacher, and a homeschool mother. Dana completed a BS in elementary education from Southern Illinois University and a master of education with a concentration in reading from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Dana is a licensed reading teacher. Dana is married to Dr. Matt Davis, Chief Executive Officer at Maranatha Baptist University. They live in Watertown, Wisconsin. 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]   Have a question for the Teacher Edition podcast? We would love to hear from you. Please submit your questions at TeacherEditionPodcast.com.

    38 min
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4.8
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

Are you a Christian school educator looking for a podcast that’s fun, encouraging, and biblical? Look no further! The Teacher Edition podcast is a dynamic and engaging show that’s specifically designed for educators just like you. Join Jenny as she interviews fellow educators and other professionals to get insights and inspiration that will help you in the classroom. But they don’t just talk theory - they’re all about practical tips and ideas that you can use right away! Whether you’re looking for new instructional strategies, ideas for infusing technology into your lessons, help in working with struggling students, or ways to approach current events from a Biblical perspective, she’s got you covered. So if you’re ready to be encouraged, equipped, and entertained, join us on the Teacher Edition podcast! Head over to our website at TeacherEditionPodcast.com to subscribe and start listening today. Remember, as a Christian educator, you’re making a difference - and she’s here to support you every step of the way.

Information

  • Creator
    Teacher Edition Podcast
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    170
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Teacher Edition Podcast

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