Sometimes students just don't seem to get what we want them to do and how they need to behave. Where is the disconnect? Listen in as Linda shares tips for setting clearer expectations in your classroom and see how your classroom changes! Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/328 00:00 Clarifying Expectations in Classroom Management 11:21 Communicating Expectations to Students If you enjoyed this episode, check out episode 316: How to be More Consistent With Classroom Behavior Issues: https://teach4theheart.com/managing-a-classroom-consistently/  For more encouragement, check out our free training: How to Reduce Disruptions at https://teach4theheart.com/free 

Kids and teens face so many challenges around identity that parents and teachers don't always feel qualified to help them understand. Founder and Executive Director of Fieldstone Counseling, Jonathan Holmes, shares strategies outlined in his new book, Grounded in Grace, that will help teachers and parents encourage students to find their identity in God's grace. 01:20 Jonathan Holmes' Background and Motivation for Writing about Identity 03:11 Identity Struggles in Academics, Sports, and More 09:49 Reinforcing a Grace-Centered Perspective in Christian Schools 15:02 Pointing Students Towards a Deeper Identity in Public Schools Read the blog version or transcript at http://teach4theheart.com/327 Links + Other Episodes Grounded in Grace book: https://newgrowthpress.com/new-releases/upcoming-books/grounded-in-grace-helping-kids-build-their-identity-in-christ/  Fieldstone Counseling: https://fieldstonecounseling.org/ Past episodes with Jonathan that you might like: Gender Identity Part 1: https://teach4theheart.com/Christian-educators-gender-identity/  Gender Identity Part 2: https://teach4theheart.com/gender-identity-christian-educator/  Reshaping Identity Issues w/ the Gospel: https://teach4theheart.com/identity/ 

Nothing gets in the way of learning quite like constant chatter in a classroom. It can be challenging to get students to stop talking so much. Linda shares her strategies for managing a chatty class and reducing disruptions so you can actually teach. Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/326 00:00 Introduction to Classroom Challenges 01:52 Understanding Chatter and Blurting 04:42 Implementing a Warning System 09:49 Adapting the System for Individual Needs 12:38 Building Confidence and Consistency 14:47 Conclusion and Additional Resources Classroom Management 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101    Free Training: How to Reduce Disruptions so You Can Actually Teach: http://teach4theheart.com/free  If you liked this episode, check out episode 316: How to Be More Consistent with Classroom Behavior Issues at https://teach4theheart.com/316 

Every teacher faces challenges with classroom management and creating a classroom where students thrive. Whole Brain Teaching is one of the world's premier instructional systems. Relying on research-based strategies to successfully engage all students, Chris Biffle shares how using Whole Brain Teaching can make your classroom the best place for every student to learn. Listen in to this episode from our most recent Rise Up Summit. Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/325 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:06 Engaging the Whole Brain: Whole Brain Teaching 05:48 Superimprover: Turning the Classroom into a Living Video Game 08:56 Mastering Classroom Management with Whole Brain Teaching Rules 11:53 Smooth Transitions: The Three P's and Gamifying Instruction 16:12 Adapting Whole Brain Teaching for Different Grade Levels

Are you struggling with student apathy or a general lack of motivation? Listen to this Rise Up Summit session from 2023 as motivation expert Dave Stuart Jr. shares the key factors that affect student motivation and how we as teachers can inspire our students to not only do the work but genuinely care about it. Check out our Rise Up Summit for free at https://riseupchristianeducators.com/ Get more info + links from this episode at http://teach4theheart.com/324 00:00  Introduction to Student Motivation 02:06  The Role of Love in Education 12:17  Understanding Student Beliefs 17:11  Building Teacher Credibility 27:50  The Eternal Value of Students 28:23  The Unique Challenges of Today's Students 29:51  Building Genuine Connections with Students 35:55  Overcoming Personal Biases in Teaching 39:42  The Power of Prayer in Education 41:40  The Peter Effect: Teacher Passion and Student Engagement 49:41  The Importance of Teacher Credibility If you liked this episode check out episode 303: Adding Joy + Play to Any Classroom at https://teach4theheart.com/303 

Having students work in groups can be difficult for them and for you. But working collaboratively is an important way to help students develop compassion, learn more deeply, and be ready to work in their future profession. Listen in as we share the best tips for group work and reasons behind having students collaborate from our community of teachers. Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/323 00:00Introduction: The Integration of Teaching and Faith 01:51The Spiritual Side of Group Work 05:29Practical Tips for Successful Group Work 12:25Implementing Group Work: Using Sentence Starters and Defining Roles 17:40Recommended Resources for Cooperative Learning Structures 19:42Conclusion: The Value of Group Work in the Classroom   If you liked this episode, check out episode 319: Just Try Something! Small Steps to Innovate in Your Classroom at https://teach4theheart.com/319 

A toxic work environment can infect every area of your life if you let it! But God hasn't abandoned you in this situation. He has a plan for growing you and using you to shine His light (remember, it can shine all the brighter in the dark). Listen to this session from our Rise Up Summit 2023 for practical help and encouragement as you seek to interact wisely. You'll also learn how to guard your heart and mind in the midst of an unhealthy work situation so bitterness and frustration don't become your norm. Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/322

Do you feel drained by the end of the school day? What about your students? Outdoor learning is a game-changer for any classroom. Watch student behavior and even your own mental health improve! Learn how to cover your curriculum while getting your students outside with podcast guest Shannon McLeod. Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/321 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:38 Discovering the Benefits of Outdoor Learning 10:21 The Journey of Implementing Outdoor Learning 18:28 The Benefits of Outdoor Learning 20:13 Practical Advice for Teachers 25:47 Handling Weather and Conclusion If you liked this episode, check out episode 305: Words for the Weary: Encouraging Prayers to Keep Teachers Connected with Christ at https://teach4theheart.com/305 

When students misbehave, it can feel like you've failed as a teacher. But the only thing in your control is your response to their behavior. Listen in as Linda shares how to let go of what you can't control and embrace what you can in the classroom, so you can be confident when handling student misbehavior. Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/320

Innovation can sound overwhelming. Who has the time? But innovation doesn't have to be a giant project. In fact, some innovation begins so small you could try something new tomorrow without hours of planning! Listen in as Karly and Linda talk about ways innovating without overhauling. Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/319

Communication between a students families and their teachers is challenging--there can be misunderstanding and unrealistic expectations on both sides. So how do we do better with the time we have? Join us for a special episode with a teacher and a parent who share their experiences communicating successfully! Get notes + links + extra tips at http://teach4theheart.com/318

We want to let Scripture guide how we think, feel, and act in our daily lives, and in our classrooms. It can be challenging to sort through what is biblical and what is cultural. Roger Erdvig shares some practical strategies for immersing our classrooms in a worldview that honors God and begin to see school as a place to live and learn. Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/317    

It can be so challenging to be consistent when dealing with behavior issues. But when we let something to one day and then blow up over it the next, we're inadvertently contributing to the chaos rather than calming it. Thankfully, being consistent doesn't have to be as hard as we think. Listen as Linda shares how you can be more consistent in your classroom - and why it will make all the difference. Get notes + links at www.teach4theheart.com/316

As a teacher, do people think you are too nice or too strict? How do you balance compassion, kindness, and also maintain your authority? Being firm doesn't mean you are not kind, and being kind doesn't mean you let go of control of your classroom. Listen in as Linda shares how to balance being kind and firm. Get notes + links at www.teach4theheart.com/315

These days book fairs can be problematic. The quality of books seems to be going down, and cultural differences over what is appropriate for kids increases. Scholastic, the most popular book fair, faces increasing controversy about their books and are no longer reliable for some schools. Listen in as we share our favorite alternative Christian book fairs and why we like them. Get the notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/314 

The culture at a school can be difficult to navigate. Cliques, tense relationships with administration, negativity--these can all make the already hard work of teaching extra hard, and sometimes lonely. Listen in as Linda and Karly share about how to care about your fellow educators and make a difference at your school. Get notes + links at https://teach4theheart.com/313

Does your classroom sometimes feel as if it slipping out of your control? Do you feel overwhelmed by student behavior? Managing a classroom effectively is not easy, but there are simple steps you can take to get things under control. Listen in as Linda shares the five parts of an effective classroom management plan. Get notes + links at https://teach4theheart.com/312

In this special bonus episode, Linda takes you behind-the-scenes and shares some of the story behind the popular Pray & Plan teacher planner. Listen as Linda discusses the ups, the downs, and the lessons she's learned in between.   Interested in Pray & Plan? Check out the teacher planner at www.teach4theheart.com/planner.

The end of the year can be so hard to plan. How do we keep learning? How do we celebrate and end well? Listen in as we share ideas from teachers like you for end-of-year activities that make the best use of that time. Get the notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/311

Teaching is full of unexpected situations, and it can be hard to respond to every one with the same calm and consistency. You can help yourself be ready for anything by developing and using Pocket Phrases. Listen in to find out what they are, how to use them, and why they might be the next best tool in your classroom management tool belt. Get notes and links at https://www.teach4theheart.com/310

We live in a culture that requires technology in the classroom, but it can be overwhelming to navigate the many types available. Which technologies do I use? How do I use them? How much is too much technology? Matt from Ditch That Textbook joins us to clear the way and help us teach meaningfully with technology, or as his book title puts it--Tech Like a Pirate.  Get notes and links at https://www.teach4theheart.com/309

Pray & Plan is a planner designed specifically for Christian teachers to help you welcome God into your planning and prioritize what matters most - both at home, at school, and in your spiritual walk. Find out all about Pray & Plan and orders your copy at www.teach4theheart.com/planner.

Our students can be the best and hardest part of teaching. But the way we manage our classrooms can reflect the character of Christ to them, even in a public school. Linda shares some ways we can think about classroom management as a way to be more Christ-like and encourage our students to do the same.  Get the notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/308

Does Artificial Intelligence bring up more questions than it can answer? How do we handle it responsibly and wisely in our classrooms? Vicki Davis has answers and encouragement for teachers wondering about AI ethics.  Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/307.

Staying up to date on the best resources out there can be challenging. Figuring our which resources are a good fit for your needs can be hard, too. Teach 4 the Heart has gathered our team's favorite resources to share with so you can grow as a Christian and as a Teacher! www.teach4theheart.com/306

Teaching is a stressful job, and can feel overwhelming. It can be hard to stay calm and keep going in the midst of the school day. But one simple practice can help us to look to Christ for encouragement: prayer. Sheila Quinn Delony joins us to share encouraging prayers she has written just for teachers like you in her book "This Year, Lord" that will give you words for your weariness.   Get the notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/305

Finding meaningful consequences to support classroom control and discipline can be challenging. But there are simple, effective ideas out there. Listen in as members of the Teach 4 the Heart Community share their best ideas about meaningful consequences in any classroom! Get the notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/304

It can be hard to find joy and have fun in the everyday grind of teaching. With all the pressures teachers face, how do we prioritize joy and play in the limited time we have in the classroom? Caitlin Lore joins us today to share fun activities for a classroom that help keep joy a part of teaching for teachers and students of all ages. Get the notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/303

Join us for the NEW free training Classroom Management Answers where you'll discover 6 simple strategies to reduce disruptions and rebuild respect. Get all the details & sign up at www.teach4theheart.com/training. 

Teachers make thousands of decisions a day—no wonder we have decision fatigue! But what if there are some simple ways to lighten the load? Join Linda and Karly as they discuss rhythms in teaching that help relieve the decision fatigue and cultivate classrooms where teachers and students thrive. Get the notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/302

Sometimes the generation gap between us and our students feels too wide to cross. Why is it so hard to connect with the younger generation right now? Join us to hear advice from Val O'Brien on how we can reach students meaningfully and build relationships across generations. Get the notes and links at www.teach4theheart.com/301

Do you remember in the book of Job when Job's friends told him he must be doing something wrong to have these bad things happen to him? If you've been in a similar situation, you know how these negative ideas can cloud your judgement. The bad advice we are discussing in this week's episode is: "If it's too hard, you need to get out!" Sometimes those thoughts sound like, "Maybe I'm not called to be a teacher after all. This is too hard." or "This must not be the right school since the admin is so unsupportive. I need to leave." But is it true that God doesn't call us to hard things? Or that if it's not going smoothly, that means we shouldn't be there? Not necessarily! Listen to this podcast episode to hear Biblical truth (that often sounds countercultural) to help you navigate this idea and get practical, wise advice on what to do if you are facing a difficult situation. This episode is part of the series Worst Advice Ever: Debunking Bad Teacher Advice. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/bad-advice.

False dichotomies are one of society's favorite lies and worst pieces of advice. We have been sold the lie that we have to affirm someone to prove our love for them and that if we are not affirming, then we are hating. This episode of the Teach 4 the Heart Podcast presents another solution: to love without affirming. And, though many people believe this is impossible, Linda will share a multitude of ways to be loving while holding fast to your personal convictions. If you want to learn tips on how to demonstrate your love without affirming behaviors you disagree with, listen to this powerful episode. This episode is part of the series Worst Advice Ever: Debunking Bad Teacher Advice. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/bad-advice.

We at Teach 4 the Heart have heard this week's bad advice A LOT. We get a lot of comments and feedback from people who say, "Check your religion at the door when you enter the classroom." We don't agree. For Christians, our faith isn't something we "put on" and "put off." Our beliefs are part of us. Even if we aren't directly sharing our faith, it should impact every part of our lives because we represent Christ. In this episode, we discuss 5 ways you SHOULD be taking your faith to school with you. This is the Biblical and practical encouragement you need to live out your faith in ALL areas of life. *We are not lawyers. This is not legal advice.* This episode is part of the series Worst Advice Ever: Debunking Bad Teacher Advice. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/bad-advice.

Controversial opinion: As a teacher, you NEED to sweat the small stuff! In this week's podcast episode, we look at another piece of bad advice - don't sweat the small stuff! Here's the problem: if you let the little things go, especially in the beginning of the school year, they quickly lead to bigger and bigger problems. However, that doesn't mean we need to nitpick students. Listen to this week's episode to hear guidance on "picking your battles," how to know where to draw the line with student behavior, and what to do when it's crossed (even mid-year!). This episode is part of the series Worst Advice Ever: Debunking Bad Teacher Advice. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/bad-advice.

Our culture celebrates all things "self." From selfies & self-reliance, to the mantra "I am enough," we are told that "me" is all we need. But, what happens when we inevitably fall short? This bad piece of advice is not only heard by teachers, but nearly everyone in our culture. Our podcast today is tackling this common but harmful advice with biblical and practical truths, including 3 steps to shift your focus from yourself and instead put your faith boldly in the Lord. As you move your trust from yourself as a human (who will fall short), to an infallible God, you will certainly be encouraged and empowered, so listen in!     This episode is part of the series Worst Advice Ever: Debunking Bad Teacher Advice. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/bad-advice/.

If grading, paperwork, and lesson planning are taking up way too much of your time, you won't want to miss this podcast! Join us as the Teach 4 the Heart team shares a variety of ideas to streamline and save time in multiple areas that need our attention but shouldn't be taking over our lives. This episode is part of the series Highlights: The Best Solutions for Teachers' Biggest Problems. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/best.

Christian teachers: do you struggle with and feel attacked by the culture around you? Listen to this week's podcast as Alistair Begg talks about how we as Christians can stand for truth and shine Christ's light as we teach and interact...even when the culture around us becomes more and more hostile. Despite the difficulty, with God-sized confidence you can firmly and lovingly stand fast on your convictions. This episode is part of the series Highlights: The Best Solutions for Teachers' Biggest Problems. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/best.

Too often we find ourselves trying to be superheroes, thinking somehow we can keep going, serve everyone, and get everything done without getting the rest and refreshment that we need. In this week's episode, we will speak with Pratia Jordan, an award-winning educator, as she shares the need to establish patterns of work and rest, bear each others' burdens, and see Jesus as the Superhero, not ourselves. This episode is part of the series Highlights: The Best Solutions for Teachers' Biggest Problems. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/best.

Trying to differentiate work for varying levels of students can be stressful and time consuming, but it doesn't have to be. Laura Kebart shares practical strategies to make differentiation simple and relatively easy. Check out one of our very best sessions Summit sessions from 2020 here. This episode is part of the series Highlights: The Best Solutions for Teachers' Biggest Problems. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/best.

Teaching in this world is difficult. And as the cultural climate of the world changes, making an impact in our students' lives can be even more challenging. How can you make the impact you desire while facing - requirements to teach against your Biblical beliefs? - questions about the legality of sharing your faith? - living out your faith without breaking the law? - helping your Christian school students foster a biblical world view? You can find the answers and support you are looking for in this podcast episode that examines questions & answers about faith & relationships. Listen, learn, and be empowered today! This episode is part of the series Answers for Your Top Teaching Questions. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/answers.

Right now so many teachers are struggling with anxiety! If you're one of them, you'll want to listen in as Linda addresses some of the common questions we've gotten from teachers, like... -How do I oversome the anxiety related to perfectionism? -How do I handle feeling unappreciated? -What do I do if I'm in a stressful, somewhat unsafe teaching environment? -How do I stop taking everything personally? -How can I keep negativity from taking over? -What do I do with the feeling that I'm not an effective witness for Christ? Listen in and get Biblically-based mental health support today! This episode is part of the series Answers for Your Top Teaching Questions. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/answers.

Time management has always been a challenge for teachers! It seems like the responsibilities of teaching are never-ending and always bleed into our personal lives. This week, Linda answers a few more questions on this topic from our community! 1. How do you get both planning AND grading done? I've been focusing too much on one and not the other! 2. I want to become more involved in my church, but teaching takes up all of my time! What should I do? 3. Any suggestions for catching up on school work so that I have time with my family and to take care of household duties? 4. How do I give my students more ownership in the classroom so I have less to do? Linda tackles all these questions in this week's podcast episodes and shares the tools and tips you need to improve your work/life balance. This episode is part of the series Answers for Your Top Teaching Questions. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/answers.

Are you facing these common classroom management issues? -Constant classroom chatter -Small group instruction -Lack of support from admin -Classroom rewards that won't break the bank -A school that doesn't allow traditional consequences. In this episode of the Teach 4 the Heart podcast, you will learn that many teachers are facing these issues and you are not alone. Better yet, Linda will provide some powerful mindset shifts and solutions for whatever problem is plaguing you the most. Tune in, and get answers to your classroom management issues today! This episode is part of the series Answers for Your Top Teaching Questions. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/answers.

Have feelings of anxiety become your status quo? Many of us feel like they are, but with God’s help, they don't have to be! If you've been struggling to experience the peace God promises His followers, you won't want to miss this bonus podcast with Crystal Kershaw. Crystal, counselor and former teacher, examines common causes of anxiety and shares scriptural insights & practical tips to help you overcome it. Get links & additional info here.

Discouragement can be hard to overcome if you feel like the eternal impact you're having on your students is minimal. This can be particularly true for teachers in public schools, but can be a struggle for those in private schools as well. If you're like many Christians, you might tend to think you've only made an eternal impact if you've helped someone move from unsaved to saved. Listen to this week's podcast episode to hear Linda explain why this is a limited understanding of the impact you have on your students' spiritual lives. Be encouraged as you listen to this episode and start to gain a more complete picture of the fruit you're producing as a Christian & how God's using you daily in your students lives for their spiritual benefit... even in a public school. This episode is part of the series This Little Light of Mine: Shining for Christ in the Classroom. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/shine.

Even though God created us for relationships, that does not mean having relationships is easy. In fact, building connections with our students is some of the hardest work we ever do. This podcast episode is a great chance to look at the way the gospel not only reconciles us to God, but also allows us to be reconciled to one another. Using the framework of the gospel, the fruits of the spirit, and practical teaching techniques, Linda will walk you through how to build deeper relationships with your students. Want to live out your mission to shine the light of Christ in your school? Listen in for practical ideas and the encouragement you need to keep going! This episode is part of the series This Little Light of Mine: Shining for Christ in the Classroom. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/shine.

What keeps us from shining God's light in our classroom? For teachers, some common reasons are stress, discouragement, and feeling overwhelmed. In this podcast episode, we will look at how to combat these obstacles with both spiritual and practical tools. Be inspired and equipped as we explore four essential questions to strengthen our spiritual foundation, hear practical tips to reduce feelings of being overwhelmed and stressed, and gain a renewed perspective that God is on this mission with us. This episode is part of the series This Little Light of Mine: Shining for Christ in the Classroom. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/shine.