Christian Principals Podcast | Christian School Leaders and Administrators

Herzog Foundation
Herzog Foundation
  • 5.0 (13)
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  • Updated Weekly

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

  1. 2d ago

    246 - The Cost-Saving Move That Could Make Schools Stronger: Administrators as SUBSTITUTES!

    Back in the Classroom: El Paso ISD’s Central Office Sub PolicyEl Paso ISD’s plan to have central office staff serve as substitutes is framed as a cost-saving measure, but the conversation goes deeper than budgets. Hosts Mark Zockoll and Matthew George discuss how getting administrators back into classrooms could strengthen school culture, sharpen decision-making, and reconnect leaders with the day-to-day realities teachers face.The episode also features the Christian Administrators Shout Out for David Fry of Frankfurt Christian Academy. Key topics El Paso ISD’s plan for central office staff to substitute teach about eight days a yearHow classroom experience can help administrators make better-informed decisionsWhy the hosts see potential benefits in a policy some employees may view as a drawbackHow Christian schools may already use administrators to teach or cover classesThe effect of declining enrollment and budget pressures on schoolsHow role-swapping days can build empathy and unity across a schoolThe Christian Administrators Shout Out for David Fry of Frankfurt Christian AcademyFollow 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!

    246 - The Cost-Saving Move That Could Make Schools Stronger: Administrators as SUBSTITUTES!

  2. 6d ago

    245 - Hosting Legislators at Your School

    Summary: Matt George and Mark Zockoll talk about why Christian schools should invite legislators onto campus early in the school year. They focus on a recent visit from Maryland State Senator Mary Beth Carozza to Faith Baptist School, why that relationship matters, and how these visits can shape future policy conversations. The episode is part practical strategy, part advocacy, and part encouragement to build real relationships with lawmakers before a crisis hits. It also closes with a Christian Administrator Spotlight on Todd Falk of Fishers Christian Academy in Indiana. Timestamps: 00:00 - Opening the case for inviting legislators to campus 00:58 - Why the school wanted a legislator visit in the first place 01:38 - Senator Mary Beth Carozza comes to Faith Baptist School 03:09 - Maryland Christian education and the pressure of recent legislation 04:33 - Why the goal is to shape lawmakers before votes happen 05:59 - Why bringing a legislator in early in the year matters 07:01 - Helping students see governance as real and local 08:56 - Legislators enter session with school issues already in mind 09:55 - Coalition building instead of tribal thinking 10:21 - The school is at its freshest in the first month 11:20 - Prayer, pledges, and the tone of the visit 13:54 - Matt’s decision to keep the school’s opening distinct 15:22 - Why praying with a legislator matters 16:21 - Relationship makes the invitation easier to extend 17:46 - Pastors, schools, and intentional prayer with legislators 18:31 - Start with one visit and do it respectfully 19:58 - Why even an opposing legislator benefits from seeing the school 21:24 - A legislator only needs a short window, not a full day 22:20 - What the public often misunderstands about Christian schools 24:14 - How a visit helps correct false assumptions 26:09 - Facilities, growth, and the practical realities schools face 27:07 - Going to Annapolis to defend freedom and education 28:32 - The gospel opportunity in public witness 28:33 - The direct call: get legislators into your building 29:50 - How to prepare for a legislator visit 30:45 - Start local if you need to build the connection 31:33 - Christian Administrator Spotlight: Todd Falk 32:01 - Prayer for Fisher's Christian Academy and its leadership 33:28 - Closing blessing and sign-off 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!

    245 - Hosting Legislators at Your School

  3. Sep 28

    244 - Reacting to the 2026 Southeast Christian School Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC! HUGE!

    The largest Christian school conference they’ve ever attended turned into a real-time reaction episode, complete with candid voices, big names, surprise connections, and teachers eager to shout out their favorite principals.Matt George and Mark Zocko share their experience at the Southeastern Christian School Conference in Myrtle Beach—from the energy of an 1,800-person gathering to hearing teachers describe what makes their administrators exceptional. If you lead a Christian school, teach in one, or support one, this episode offers a front-row seat to the conversations, relationships, and encouragement that make the work worthwhile.Hear about the conference atmosphere, the packed vendor hall, the new dot card technology they tested on the fly, and what it was like to attend a conference without presenting a workshop. Matt and Mark also reflect on the leaders they met, the schools represented across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and why the event felt both exhausting and deeply encouraging.In this episode, you’ll hear: Why this conference felt different from others they’ve attendedWhat happened when they jumped into networking between major boothsHow the dot card worked in the wild—and why the card beat the bandWhat teachers shared in quick-fire shoutouts to principals and administratorsWhy small interactions at conferences can matter as much as the big sessionsThey also talk candidly about serving a community of Christian school leaders seeking encouragement, connection, and practical support. It’s a reminder that the work matters, the people matter, and time spent together can strengthen the mission.Perfect for Christian educators, administrators, school founders, and anyone curious about what happens when a podcast team takes its message on the road and meets the people it serves.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!

    244 - Reacting to the 2026 Southeast Christian School Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC! HUGE!

  4. Sep 24

    243 - Matt is Human Too! A Crazy 2026 Summer! Modulars, School Board Support, Enrollment Fluctuation, and More!

    Summary: This episode follows Matt George and Mark Zockoll as they unpack a summer that was anything but routine for a Christian school administrator. The conversation centers on building out temporary modular classrooms, managing enrollment changes, and staying faithful under pressure while preparing for a new school year. Matt George shares what it looked like to balance ministry, family, staffing, and a major campus project while also leading into a new middle school program. Mark Zockoll frames the discussion around the reality of school leadership and how God’s provision showed up through people, timing, and support. Timestamps: 00:00 - Matt’s summer setup and the real topic of the episode 00:21 - Why the hosts wanted to talk about a summer in school leadership 01:12 - Last year’s record enrollment and why that matters 02:05 - The usual rhythm of an administrator’s summer 03:36 - Family travel, office time, and the shift back into school mode 07:19 - What changed this summer and why it was different 08:30 - Launching a new middle school program 09:00 - The modular classroom project begins 09:59 - Why the project consumed nearly every school day 10:57 - Final inspection and the race to the finish line 12:33 - Talking honestly about office hours and working from home 14:49 - The first building project versus this one 17:14 - Balancing temporary classrooms with long-term ministry goals 18:09 - Expansion to maintain enrollment, not just to grow 19:33 - God’s provision in moving and placing the modulars 21:01 - Floors, HVAC, and the limits of one administrator’s skill set 22:24 - Learning to rely on specialists and trust the process 23:32 - Cost, quality, and why the finished classrooms exceeded expectations 25:24 - Late-summer enrollment changes and the stress they created 28:24 - Prayer, uncertainty, and families coming in at the last minute 30:21 - Why the new classrooms were justified by the size of the incoming classes 31:10 - School board, pastor, and administrative team support 34:34 - Faculty pitching in with painting and practical help 35:17 - When the school year finally feels easier again 36:27 - The “jumping off a cliff” metaphor for the summer grind 37:29 - Gratitude, encouragement, and prayer for a fellow principal 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!

    243 - Matt is Human Too! A Crazy 2026 Summer! Modulars, School Board Support, Enrollment Fluctuation, and More!

  5. Sep 21

    242 - Hope for the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship in Maryland and a Reaction to the MACS General Meeting

    The federal scholarship tax credit could reshape Christian education, and this episode explains why the biggest shift may happen faster than most people expect. If you care about tuition relief, school funding, or what’s coming next for Christian schools, this conversation gives you the clearest read yet.Fresh off the Maryland Association of Christian Schools meeting, the hosts unpack what they learned from the AACS National Legislative Conference and from Randy Melchert, who leads the Accord Kids Scholarship Granting Organization. The big headline: a new federal tax credit scholarship offering up to $1,700 per taxpayer could turn tax dollars into direct support for Christian education, with real momentum building behind it.You’ll discover: How the federal tax credit scholarship works on a dollar-for-dollar basisWhy the ability to direct money to a specific Christian school changes everything for families and donorsWhat happens when states opt in, and why even blue states may feel pressure to joinWhy the hosts believe public schools may also push to participate once the money is on the tableHow this could benefit Christian schools without forcing them to compromise their missionMatt George and his co-host Mark Zockoll break down the practical impact, the political implications, and the reason this update left them more encouraged than they expected. They also reflect on what this could mean for Maryland in particular, including the hope that Governor Moore opts in sooner rather than later.This is essential listening for Christian school leaders, parents, grandparents, donors, and anyone trying to understand how the new scholarship landscape could change the future of faith-based education. If you want to know where this is headed and why the next tax season matters, don’t miss this update. Follow Us YouTube: 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!

    242 - Hope for the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship in Maryland and a Reaction to the MACS General Meeting

  6. Sep 17

    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

  7. Sep 14

    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

  8. 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
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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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