Episodes

  • 408: "What Should I Do When Students Get Defensive?"

    408: "What Should I Do When Students Get Defensive?"
    Nov 9 2026

    Ever have one student make a poor choice, only for half the class to jump in and defend them? What started as a simple correction can quickly turn into a classroom-wide debate. In this episode, we're talking about how teachers can diffuse the pattern without turning every correction into a bigger conflict. Listen in and get practical strategies for handling these moments and keeping students focused on their own choices—not someone else's.

    "When diffusing disrespect and or poor choice behaviors in general I'm noticing bystander students are verbally jumping in wanting to defend their friends behavior immediately out loud in class. Do you have Suggestions to diffuse this pattern?"00:00 Defensive Students: Understanding the Challenge
    03:05 Classroom Management Strategies
    06:42 Addressing Student Concerns Respectfully
    09:41 Balancing Authority and Humility in Teaching


    Resources/Links Mentioned:

    Reduce Disruptions Microtraining: https://teach4theheart.com/trainingEpisode

    394: https://teach4theheart.com/394

    Summit: https://riseupchristianeducators.com

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/408
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    12 mins
  • 407: 3 Truths to Equip You In Your Calling

    407: 3 Truths to Equip You In Your Calling
    Nov 1 2026
    Teaching can make you feel like you're never doing enough. In this special episode, you'll discover 3 truths every teacher needs to hear—plus get an exclusive sneak peek at clips from this year's Summit! Listen in and walk away encouraged, refreshed, and ready to hear more from this year's incredible Summit sessions. 00:00 Introduction to Teaching Challenges
    02:27 Teacher Truth #1: Teaching is Part of Who You Are
    07:01 Teacher Truth #2: Never Assume Students Just Know
    12:45 Teacher Truth #3: You Don't Have to Be a Perfect Teacher Resources/Links Mentioned: Summit: https://riseupchristianeducators.com LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/407
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    19 mins
  • 406: "Can I Support Accommodations Without Lowering My Expectations?"

    406: "Can I Support Accommodations Without Lowering My Expectations?"
    Oct 26 2026

    How do we honor IEP and 504 accommodations while still maintaining high standards and clear expectations for every student? In this episode, we'll explore how to support students' individual needs, handle accommodations that may be distracting to others, and create a classroom where every student can be held to high expectations.

    00:00 Accommodations and High Expectations
    01:15 Start with a Classroom Management Plan
    02:21 Differentiate Your Management Plan
    03:57 Make Accommodations Less Disruptive
    05:07 Set Clear Parameters for Accommodations
    06:21 Ask for Support When Accommodations Aren't Working
    07:43 Fairness vs. Justice in the Classroom
    10:55 Partner with Student Support Staff
    12:35 Lead with Grace and Prayer
    13:08 Rise Up Summit
    13:41 Closing

    Resources/Links Mentioned:

    Rise Up Summit: https://riseupchristianeducators.com

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/406
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    14 mins
  • 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