Teacher Edition Podcast

01/14/2025

🎶 R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Find out what it means to teach! 🎵

Respect is key to effective classroom management. In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, Marc Koster shares practical strategies to create a positive learning environment, from setting clear expectations to handling discipline with grace. Tune in for insights that will encourage and equip you to impact your students every day!

🔗 https://lnk.to/TeacherEdition_101

01/14/2025

“We often think they need to respect us as the teacher, but we also need to be respectful of them. They are made in the image of God. They have value as individuals. They are somebody's child. We absolutely need to show them respect. And that means the tone in which we talk to them is so important.”- Marc Koster

Whether you are a seasoned educator or new to the classroom, classroom management can make or break your classroom. It touches every aspect and area inside the daily classroom. In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny sits down with Marc Koster, educator for 15 years and now principal, to discuss the important role of classroom management in creating a successful learning environment.

Together, they cover guideposts for effective classroom management, including:
Respecting students while managing behavior
Setting clear expectations and holding students accountable
Being prepared for class with materials to avoid chaos
Fine-tuning thoughtful transitions between activities
Incorporating movement and engagement into teaching strategies

Marc also addresses common classroom management challenges, such as whether the infamous “No smiling before Thanksgiving” rule really works and how to handle tough discipline moments with grace and authority.

Packed with practical examples and actionable strategies, this episode is a must-listen for any teacher seeking to reset and regain control of their classroom. You’ll walk away encouraged and equipped to make positive changes today.

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!

Classroom Compass: Keys to Effective Classroom Management

About Our Guest
Marc Koster has served at Grace Junior and Senior High School in Simi Valley, California, since 1999. He taught history for 15 years before leaving the classroom for full-time administration five years ago. Marc is married to Jennifer, who is also an educator, and they have one daughter.

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]

Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod

01/14/2025

“We often think they need to respect us as the teacher, but we also need to be respectful of them. They are made in the image of God. They have value as individuals. They are somebody's child. We absolutely need to show them respect. And that means the tone in which we talk to them is so important...

01/07/2025

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️

Navigating today’s cultural challenges, shifting educational agendas, and the introduction of school choice and vouchers has made the admission process in Christian schools more complex than ever. How do we grow without losing sight of our mission?

In this week’s episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny Copeland sits down with Rachel Ladygo—kindergarten teacher and assistant administrator at Gunnery Road Christian Academy in Florida—to explore this timely topic.

Rachel shares her wisdom on:
🙏 The role of prayer, wisdom, and discernment in admissions
📜 The impact of school choice vouchers on Christian education
🎯 Maintaining mission alignment through thorough admission evaluations

Through this thoughtful conversation, Rachel encourages schools to balance growth with staying true to their values, build strong partnerships with parents, and ensure every student aligns with the mission.

This episode is a must-listen for educators seeking to navigate change while remaining faithful to their calling!

💡 Your classroom is your mission field—go and do what God has called you to do!

🔗 https://lnk.to/TeacherEdition_100

01/07/2025

"Involving prayer, wisdom, and discernment is crucial in the student enrollment process. It’s not just about the numbers but about ensuring the students align with our values." — Rachel Ladygo

With the continued slide of culture, the blatant agendas even in education, and the introduction of school choice and vouchers in many states, the admission process in Christian schools is seeing challenging days. While having an overabundance of prospective families and even student applicants would seem to be a long-awaited blessing, what else does it bring to the table?

In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, host Jenny Copeland engages in a discussion with Rachel Ladygo, a dedicated kindergarten teacher and assistant administrator at Gunnery Road Christian Academy in Lehigh Acres, Florida. With a significant rise in student enrollment driven by school choice and voucher programs, Rachel shares her experience and strategies for maintaining the school's mission amidst this growth.

Throughout this engaging conversation, Jenny and Rachel discuss:
The importance of prayer, wisdom, and discernment in the student enrollment process
The impact of school choice vouchers on accessibility to Christian education
Implementing thorough admission evaluations to maintain a positive and mission-aligned school environment
Inspiring schools to consider the balance between growth and staying true to their mission, Rachel emphasizes the need for open, honest communication with parents and the importance of ensuring a good fit between students and the school’s values. Schools are encouraged to forge strong partnerships with parents, guaranteeing that their educational values are reflected and experienced in every aspect of a child's learning experience.
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
Rachel Ladygo, an educator for nineteen years, is a kindergarten teacher and assistant administrator at Gunnery Road Christian Academy in Lehigh Acres, FL. She has a BS in emotional/behavioral disabilities and a MS in educational leadership from Bob Jones University. Rachel grew up near Cleveland, Ohio, and enjoys traveling, cooking, coaching, and spending time with friends.

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]

Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod

01/07/2025

"Involving prayer, wisdom, and discernment is crucial in the student enrollment process. It’s not just about the numbers but about ensuring the students align with our values." — Rachel Ladygo With the continued slide of culture, the blatant agendas even in education, and the introduction of sch...

12/31/2024

“I would really think about STEM as solving real-world problems in a collaborative environment.” —Rachel Santopietro

Join us for this week’s episode of The Teacher Edition podcast as Jenny Copeland chats with Rachel Santopietro, a passionate educator and STEM leader. Discover how integrating STEM can transform learning, build essential skills, and inspire students for the future—all while equipping them with a biblical worldview. Don’t miss this engaging and practical conversation!

Listen here: https://lnk.to/TeacherEdition_099

12/31/2024

“I would really think about STEM as solving real-world problems in a collaborative environment.” — Rachel Santopietro

In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny Copeland sits down with Rachel Santopietro, an educator and leader in instructional design who is passionate about students experiencing the joy of learning, specifically through STEM. STEM is a wide topic and term which influences schools in various ways. Rachel helps us to define what STEM means and discover the value of integrating STEM into our educational experiences.

Questions answered and explored by Rachel and Jenny regarding STEM:
What are the essential components of STEM?
What is the “engineering design process?”
How can teachers give students STEM experiences?
What are some examples of STEM experiences?

Whether you are teaching preschool, elementary school, middle school, or high school, STEM can be experienced now and can benefit students in the future to prepare students for jobs in the future. STEM impacts students both in academics and in general life skills. Persistence in problem solving, community connections, and developing biblical worldviews are just a few examples of how STEM can influence students.

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!
“STEM activities teach students persistence, collaboration, and community engagement—qualities they’ll carry into their future careers and daily lives.” — Rachel Santopietro

Listen to Rachel’s previous episode on Teacher Edition https://teachereditionpodcast.com/rachel-santopietro-embracing-a-growth-mindset-working-the-brain-like-a-muscle-ep-03/

About Our Guest
Rachel Santopietro is passionate about helping students find joy in learning as they engage, learn, and create. And she wants this enthusiasm to be contagious. The same sense of wonder that sparked her curiosity in childhood spurred her to pursue a degree in chemistry, a master’s degree in education, and a doc­torate in learning design and technology. She wants to share her passion as she draws from her teaching and writing experience to oversee Instructional Design for writing teams at BJU Press.

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]

Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod

12/31/2024

“I would really think about STEM as solving real-world problems in a collaborative environment.” — Rachel Santopietro In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny Copeland sits down with Rachel Santopietro, an educator and leader in instructional design who is passionate about student...

12/24/2024

🎉 Exciting Announcement! 🎉

This week’s episode is a special one you won’t want to miss! Each week, Jenny encourages you, our amazing listeners and educators, to connect with us by submitting your questions, stories, and insights. You’ve responded, and today’s episode is all about YOU!

We’re finally answering YOUR questions—practical, thoughtful, and relevant for educators everywhere. Jenny dives into these key topics:
✨ Admissions Testing
✨ Grading Practices
✨ Integrating Biblical Themes and Worldview in Math
✨ Balancing Grace and Discipline in the Classroom
✨ Effectively Engaging with Students

Tune in for helpful insights and encouragement as we explore these essential issues together. Consider it our gift from us here at the Teacher Edition Podcast to you, our listeners!

🎁 Listen to it here: https://lnk.to/TeacherEdition_098

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and we'll see you next week!

Each week Jenny encourages you, our listeners and educators, to connect with us by visiting our website to share your questions, stories, and insights. We have received many, and today’s episode is all about answering your questions. Each one is practical, thoughtful, and widely applicable to educ...

12/24/2024

What standardized tests do we recommend?

What standardized tests do we recommend? They are not all the same! Find out as Jenny answers listeners questions on this very special episode of the Teacher Edition Podcast!

12/24/2024

Each week Jenny encourages you, our listeners and educators, to connect with us by visiting our website to share your questions, stories, and insights. We have received many, and today’s episode is all about answering your questions. Each one is practical, thoughtful, and widely applicable to educators everywhere.

In this episode, Jenny addresses key questions on the following topics:

- Admissions Testing
- Grading Practices
- Integrating Biblical Themes and Worldview in Math
- Balancing Grace and Discipline in the Classroom
- Effectively Engaging with Students

We value your questions on classroom strategies, parent collaboration, technology integration, and more. We look forward to hearing from you and answering your questions in future episodes.

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!

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]

Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod

12/24/2024

Each week Jenny encourages you, our listeners and educators, to connect with us by visiting our website to share your questions, stories, and insights. We have received many, and today’s episode is all about answering your questions. Each one is practical, thoughtful, and widely applicable to educ...

12/19/2024

Some days the front office can be calm and some days it can be quite chaotic. In part two of our interview with Linda DeGroot, veteran school secretary and registrar, she continues to share Scripture-centered approach and heart behind the heavy lifting and the catch-all of the front office. She shares how secretaries can handle and juggle the activities with joy and patience.

Topics discussed on this episode:
Avoiding the gossip trap
Supporting teachers and administrators
Supporting secretaries and office personnel

Wrapping up the episode, Linda encourages the office staff by imparting they are not alone. Linda reminds secretaries that God called us to be secretaries, and it is a ministry to God’s people. Both encouraging and realistic, this conversation gives insight to what goes on in the front office of our schools.

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
Linda DeGroot has been taking care of details in the school office at Bay City Christian School for almost thirty years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a non-profit emphasis, and when she accepted the Lord as her Savior in 1992, she knew that God wanted her to use her skills in ministry where she could impact people for the Lord.

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]

Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod

12/19/2024

Some days the front office can be calm and some days it can be quite chaotic. In part two of our interview with Linda DeGroot, veteran school secretary and registrar, she continues to share Scripture-centered approach and heart behind the heavy lifting and the catch-all of the front office. She shar...

12/17/2024

Behind every school is a dedicated, hardworking team in the front office, working diligently to keep everything running smoothly and best partner with teachers and administrators . In this episode, Linda DeGroot joins Jenny to pull back the curtain on her experience as a school secretary, sharing the challenges and blessings that define a typical school day. Linda starts by sharing her foundational story of accepting Jesus as her Savior and how it impacted her journey in education.

Topics discussed:
Understanding the role and purpose of the school secretary
The most rewarding and challenging aspects of working in the front office
Common misconceptions teachers and staff may have around school secretaries

Linda provides valuable insights that can help educators appreciate the important role the front office plays at every school. Stay tuned for Part Two, where we will discuss managing chaotic office moments, creating a positive atmosphere, and ways teachers and administrators can best support the school office.

Every day 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
Linda DeGroot has been taking care of details in the school office at Bay City Christian School for almost thirty years. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a non-profit emphasis, and when she accepted the Lord as her Savior in 1992, she knew that God wanted her to use her skills in ministry where she could impact people for the Lord.

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]

Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod

12/17/2024

Behind every school is a dedicated, hardworking team in the front office, working diligently to keep everything running smoothly and best partner with teachers and administrators . In this episode, Linda DeGroot joins Jenny to pull back the curtain on her experience as a school secretary, sharing th...