Episodes

  • 405: How to Stay Positive When the Education World Feels Negative

    405: How to Stay Positive When the Education World Feels Negative
    Oct 19 2026
    When the education world feels negative and discouraging, it can be hard to stay positive and joyful. In this episode, we'll explore practical ways to keep a healthy perspective, protect your joy, and lean on God for strength without ignoring the very real challenges teachers are facing.
    00:00 Staying Positive as a Teacher
    02:04 Choose Gratitude
    06:03 God Is the Source of Joy
    06:36 Remember You're Not Alone
    08:25 Keep an Eternal Perspective
    11:40 Prioritize Godly Community
    15:58 Rise Up Summit

    Resources/Links Mentioned: Rise Up Summit: https://riseupchristianeducators.com/

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/405
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    18 mins
  • 404: "Is It Too Late to Turn My Classroom Management Around?"

    404: "Is It Too Late to Turn My Classroom Management Around?"
    Oct 12 2026
    What do you do when your classroom management systems started strong but have slowly fallen apart? In this episode, we'll talk about how to reset your expectations, rebuild consistency, and get your classroom management back on track—even when you feel like it's too late._

    "I have a question about classroom management systems. I feel like my systems started out strong at the beginning of the year, but then I stopped being so consistent and now it's not going well. How would you recommend bringing it back so it can be effective again? Is it too late to turn things around?"

    00:00 Introduction to Classroom Management Challenges
    02:42 Recognizing the Need for a Reset
    05:05 Implementing Effective Classroom Shakeups
    08:47 Resources and Final Thoughts

    Resources/Links Mentioned:
    Classroom Shake-Up Episode:
    https://teach4theheart.com/how-to-fix-a-problem-area-in-your-classroom/
    Free Training: https://teach4theheart.com/training
    Rise Up Summit: https://riseupchristianeducators.com
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    11 mins
  • 403: What To Do If Students Won't Do Their Work

    403: What To Do If Students Won't Do Their Work
    Oct 5 2026

    What do you do when students simply refuse to do their work? In this episode, Linda and Beki tackle one of the most frustrating classroom challenges—students who won't engage, won't start, or won't follow through. With examples from the entire Teach 4 the Heart team, they share their strategies to uncover what's really going on and how to respond in ways that help promote accountability, motivation, and growth.

    00:00 Understanding Student Engagement Challenges
    03:04 Identifying the Root Causes of Inaction
    05:42 Strategies for Encouraging Participation
    08:59 Managing Expectations and Consequences
    12:49 Creating an Engaging Learning Environment
    15:24 Addressing Individual Student Needs
    18:03 The Importance of Empathy and Understanding
    21:14 Final Thoughts and Resources

    Resources/Links Mentioned:

    Worksheets: https://teach4theheart.com/worksheets

    Plus Membership: https://teach4theheart.com/plus

    Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChristianTeachersTalk/posts/28007799955574090

    CM101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101
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    23 mins
  • 402: "How Do I Stop Worrying About Things I Can't Control?"

    402: "How Do I Stop Worrying About Things I Can't Control?"
    Sep 28 2026
    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/402 Worry can quickly take over our thoughts, leaving us stuck in a cycle of "what ifs" instead of resting in God's promises. In this episode, Linda and Sarah share biblical truths and practical ways to surrender our worries, trust God's control, and find the peace He offers. Listen in to learn how to give your worries to God and rest in His care. 00:00 Overcoming Worry: A Common Struggle
    02:03 The Power of Prayer and Trusting God
    06:11 Faithfulness in Action: Balancing Work and Worry
    10:32 Eternal Perspective: Focusing on the Kingdom of God LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/402 Resources/Links Mentioned: Rise Up Summit: https://riseupchristianeducators.com
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    12 mins
  • 400: "My Students Won't Stop Talking While I'm Teaching"

    400: "My Students Won't Stop Talking While I'm Teaching"
    Sep 14 2026

    If your students stop talking only to start right back up again, you're not alone. Tune in as Linda and Sarah discuss practical strategies to reduce side conversations and create a more focused learning environment.

    00:00 Introduction to Classroom Challenges
    00:59 Understanding Student Distractions
    02:10 Establishing Clear Expectations
    05:33 Implementing Effective Systems
    08:26 The Spiritual Aspect of Classroom Management
    10:45 Conclusion and Workshop Invitation

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/400

    Resources/Links Mentioned:

    Stop the Chatter Workshop: https://teach4theheart.com/chatter

    How to Do a Classroom Shake Up: https://teach4theheart.com/how-to-fix-a-problem-area-in-your-classroom/

    Cult of Pedagogy: https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/notebooks-part-1/
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    12 mins
  • 401: "Other Teachers Make it Look Easy. What am I Doing Wrong?"

    401: "Other Teachers Make it Look Easy. What am I Doing Wrong?"
    Sep 21 2026
    Do you ever wonder why teaching seems effortless for everyone else but you? In this episode, Linda and Sarah discuss the comparison trap and unrealistic expectations teachers put on themselves. Listen in and find confidence when your classroom doesn't look like someone else's. 00:00 The Challenge of Comparison in Teaching
    05:41 Learning from Others: Curiosity Over Comparison
    08:55 Classroom Management: Strategies for Success
    18:05 Encouragement and Resources for Teachers LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/401 Resources/Links Mentioned: Classroom Management 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101 Stop the Chatter: https://teach4theheart.com/chatter -: - If you liked this episode, check out episode 395 How to Set The Right Tone from Day One at https://teach4theheart.com/395
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    21 mins
  • 399: How to Manage Small Groups (Without Classroom Chaos)

    399: How to Manage Small Groups (Without Classroom Chaos)
    Sep 7 2026
    Avoiding small groups because you fear the rest of the class will be off-task and out of control? Join us for this episode as Jonathan and Linda share simple classroom management strategies to help you confidently teach small groups while keeping the rest of your class on track.

    00:00 Navigating Small Group Chaos
    03:11 Establishing Clear Expectations
    06:04 Incentives and Consequences
    08:54 The Importance of Practice
    11:57 Effective Directions and Roles
    15:52 Understanding the Value of Small Groups
    18:50 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/399
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    28 mins
  • 398: How to Kindly Deal with Difficult Parents

    398: How to Kindly Deal with Difficult Parents
    Aug 31 2026
    Whether you're facing demanding emails, difficult conversations, or unrealistic expectations, this episode will help you respond with confidence, grace, and professionalism. Julie and Amanda share practical strategies for building positive parent relationships while setting healthy boundaries. Tune in and learn how to navigate tough parent interactions with kindness and confidence.

    00:00 Difficult Parents: Start With Proactive Connection
    02:34 Set Clear Communication Expectations
    04:09 Share the Good, Not Just Concerns
    07:03 When a Parent Is Difficult
    09:17 Keep Your Response Calm and Concise
    11:15 Seek Wise Counsel and Lead With Grace
    13:45 Closing Encouragement

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/398
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    15 mins