Teach 4 the Heart

QT: Magic Words to Defuse Tension in the Classroom

26 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If a student is getting defensive, try these four magic words that can easily defuse the tension and get everyone smiling again. Need help with class...

174: Dear Teacher, Stop Believing in Yourself

23 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The title for this episode might just be throwing you for a loop. We're supposed to believe in ourselves, right!? Kind of, sort of, but maybe not real...

QT: What to Do When You're Stressed

19 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Last time, we talked about a practical habit to help when we feel overwhelmed. Today, we're delving into the Spiritual aspect of what to do when we're...

QT: How to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed & Frazzled in Just 20 Minutes

16 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When we're feeling stressed and overwhelmed by how much we have to do, there's one thing we need to do. Listen to discover why this simple practice is...

QT: Why We Need to Sweat the Small Stuff Right Now

12 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

"Don't sweat the small stuff" is great advice sometimes, but NOT during the first week of school. In this episode, we explain why and talk through wha...

173: 5 Practices to Teach with Joy this Year

09 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're coming off a hard year and still have so many unknowns ahead. How can we navigate this coming year with joy? This episode will empower you with...

QT: Tips for a Smooth 1st Day

05 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We all want the first day of school to go smoothly - and for it to set the tone for a great year. Listen to discover some simple tips to help this hap...

QT: A Simple Way to Connect with God Throughout the Day

02 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you want to connect with God more but sometimes struggle to make it happen? Join us to discover a simple way to redeem lost time and create regular...

QT: What to Do when People Inevitably Frustrate Us this Year

29 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we explore a sort of motto for the 2021-22 school year: Bear with One Another (from Colossians 3:12-15). Find out more about the Teach 4 t...

172: Turning Around a Rough Teaching Experience (My Story)

26 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I'm sharing a bit of my own story - how my first year of teaching went (spoiler: it wasn't good), what I learned, and how I turned things aroun...

QT: Starting the School Year Right with Clear Procedures

22 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

During the first week of school, it's vital that we take time to teach and practice procedures. Listen as we discuss how to start off the year right a...

QT: How to Stay Calm in the Midst of Confusion

19 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When there's confusion and chaos in our lives, anxiety can overwhelm us. Join us as we discuss how to stay calm in the midst of confusion. Find out m...

QT: Don't Forget This Before School Starts!

15 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There's one thing you definitely don't want to forget - especially this year. Listen to this quick episode to discover what it is! Sign up for the fr...

171: 3 Anchors to Ground Us When Scripture & Culture Clash

12 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As our society moves into a Post-Christian era, we face more and more issues where Scripture and culture clash. How do we keep our bearings as Christi...

QT: Sexual Identity and Scripture - Understanding our True Identity

08 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There is so much confusion around sexual identity, in particular in relation to what the Bible teaches. In this episode, we explore the key concept of...

QT: How Should We View U.S. History

05 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to our perspective on U.S. History, there are two extremes that we want to avoid. Join us as we explore what a Biblical view of history ...

QT: Working Too Many Hours? Too Little? How to Find the Right Balance

01 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes, in an effort to avoid one extreme, we end up falling into another. Join us as we explore this concept and apply it to our work hours as tea...

170: 4 Time-Management Strategies that Will Reduce Stress Right Away

28 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As a teacher, you have so many responsibilities that stress and overwhelm are almost inevitable. But what if they weren't? Special guest Angela Watson...

QT: Why We Need Mentors - And How to Get One (or Be One!)

21 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Teaching is a challenging profession, and it's not good to try to go at it alone. Join us as we discuss the value of mentorship and how to seek out a ...

QT: The ONE Thing You Need Most this Summer to be Ready for Next Year

14 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There are so many ways to use your summer break, but there's one thing that is more powerful than anything else!

QT: How to Engage in Cultural Issues as a Christian Teacher

07 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There are so many ways in which our culture is headed in a direction that is in opposition to Biblical teaching. How do we engage with this as Christi...

169: Reflecting with Gratitude on This Crazy Year

31 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This year was like nothing we've experienced, but God takes every trial and uses it for good. In this celebratory episode, we share stories of lessons...

QT: Growth Opportunities this Summer

27 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There are lots of opportunities for growth this summer! Here's a few: Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship: www.teach4theheart.com/free Courses: https://acad...

QT: How to Choose Joy Over Stress in Our Work

24 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When we're feeling stressed or frustrated, this simple reminder will help us work with joy. Find out more about... Teach Uplifted: www.teachuplifted....

QT: Take Your Class Outside!

20 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you taken your class outside recently? Time to try it! Find out if the Teach 4 the Heart Mentorship is right for you in our free training at www...

168: How God is Leading Us at Teach 4 the Heart

17 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we want to talk honestly about how God is leading us at Teach 4 the Heart - and the part God may have you to play in supporting our mission.

QT: Help Students Find Their Own Relevance

13 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever taught your students how to find their own relevance? Join us to discover how powerful this concept is and how to get started. Find out...

QT: Ask This Question to Make Lessons More Relevant

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join us to learn a simple question you can ask yourself to help make your lessons more relevant. Find out more about the mentorship in our free train...

QT: Why We Need to Guard Our Energy

06 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's so easy to run ourselves ragged trying to meet everyone's expectations. But perhaps it's actually more important to guard our energy. Let's talk ...

167: 25 Creative Ways to Use Parent Volunteers

03 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It can be so helpful to have parent volunteers support your classroom. But what if you're not sure exactly what to have them do? What if most of your ...

QT: Why We Need to Avoid Unintentional Breaks (and what to do instead)

29 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Listen to discover the difference between intentional breaks & unintentional breaks -which can make all the difference in allowing you to get more don...

QT: How to Know if You Should Quit Teaching

26 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you wondering whether or not you should keep teaching next year? Listen as we discuss some key questions to help guide your decision.

QT: 6 Powerful Questions to Ask Yourself Each Month

22 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Listen to hear six powerful questions that will help you learn from the past and plan wisely for the future. These reflection questions are included ...

News: Earn PD Credit for Listening to the Podcast

21 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Now you can get potential PD credit for listening to podcast episodes! Find out how and sign up at www.teach4theheart.com/pd.

166: 8 Planning Strategies to Maximize Balance, Effectiveness & Joy

19 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever feel stressed or frazzled when you consider all the to-do's you need to accomplish? Join us to discover 8 planning strategies that will he...

QT: Time to Re-Tame Your To-Do List

15 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 159, we taught a simple technique to tame your to-do list with the 4T's - trim, trash, transfer, and treasure. If you haven't gone through ...

QT: What Work/Life Balance Is & How to Maintain It

12 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever feel like balance is unattainable? Maybe that's because you have the wrong idea of what work/life balance is. Join us as we discuss what b...

QT: Scholarships for Instructional Assistants from PIU

08 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know an amazing instructional assistant who would like to earn their teaching degree? Nominate them for a scholarship at www.piu.online/teach4t...

165: What to Do When You Feel Burnt Out

05 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you feeling burnt out as a teacher? Join us to discover why you're feeling burnt out and how to know what to do next. Get notes, links, and acces...

QT: What is the Gospel & Why Does it Matter?

01 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Gospel changes EVERYTHING. Join us to hear a bit of my own testimony, a short recap of the Gospel, and why it matters in our lives as believing te...

QT: Create Better Balance with a Little Intentional Planning

29 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Choosing ahead of time when you will & won't work each week is so powerful! Listen to discover how and why this works. And watch for our brand new Pl...

QT: Confident & Resilience

25 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Listen as we discuss a recent epiphany I've had about the relationship between confidence and resilience. Share your thoughts in our Facebook group a...

164: How to Rest When You're Overworked

22 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Teaching is always overwhelming but this year has brought it to a whole new level. As Christians, we know God calls us to rest in Him, but what exactl...

QT: When We're Stressed About Things We Can't Control....

18 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you tempted to stress about things that you can't control? I sure am! In this episode, we discuss a simple but profound habit that will help us st...

QT: When You Feel Inadequate....

15 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our culture tells us that when we feel inadequate, we need to believe in ourselves. But the Bible says exactly the opposite. The truth is that we are ...

QT: How to Stop Students from Arguing with You

11 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Want to learn a surefire way to keep students from getting into an argument with you? Don't argue with them! Listen to discover how this works and why...

163: 9 Strategies to Reach a Difficult Class (and survive yourself!)

08 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Some classes are extra tough. If you're dealing with a difficult class, listen to discover 9 strategies to reach even these challenging students - and...

QT: How to Not Be a Pushover

04 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are your students getting away with way too much in your class? There's one simple solution that will make huge strides to alleviating behavioral issu...

QT: Can We Trust God Enough to Rest?

01 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever feel like you have so much to do you can't possibly take a break and rest? In this episode, we discuss the Sabbath and what God intended i...

QT: Pray with Us for Students' Parents & Families

25 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Let's pray together for our students' parents and their families. For more prayer prompts and reminders, join our free 21-Day Prayer Challenge at www...

162: Finding Strength When You're #TeacherTired

22 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling #TeacherTired? Join this conversation with Gina Rodriguez, author of the book #TeacherTired as we discuss how to find strength in God when you...

QT: Poverty Encounter Free Virtual Field Trip

18 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Missing field trips this year? Poverty Encounter has a wonderful virtual field trip that is completely free! Get the details and sign up at www.teach4...

QT: How to Teach the Most Important Concepts When Time is Limited

15 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Time is always limited, but this year even more so. How do we ensure we are teaching the most important concepts, since we don't have time to cover ev...

QT: Trusting God with Our To-Do List

11 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

God cares about every aspect of our lives, right - but what about our to-do list? Is that something we can & should pray about? What does it look like...

161: How to Be a Light in Your School

08 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As Christians, we know God has called us to be a light to those around us. But as teachers, we're not always sure what that looks like. Join us as we ...

QT: When You See People Bashing Teachers

04 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You are working so hard, so it can be tough to see people bashing teachers or saying how online learning is failing our students. How do we stay posit...

QT: Recommitting to Spiritual Self-Care

01 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Self-care is a big buzzword these days, but have we ever thought about it in our spiritual lives? We desperately need to spend time with God in prayer...

QT: How to Respond to Initiatives You Disagree With

28 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Let's discuss what to do when your school is creating an initiative that you fundamentally disagree with - particularly if it goes against your Biblic...

160: When You Don't Feel Like You're Making a Difference

25 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you pouring your heart into teaching and feel like it's just not working? Maybe you aren't seeing the results you want, or you wonder if you're ma...

QT: A Christian Response to Politics, Covid, & Everything Else That's Happening

21 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How should Christians respond to upheaval in the world - or when things don't turn out the way we hoped they would? Join us as we discuss this importa...

QT: An Easy Email Boundary that Eliminates Stress

18 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do emails suck you back into work when you're supposed to be off? Try this simple change to create better boundaries with email. Share your experienc...

QT: Organization Your To-Do List so It's Motivating (not overwhelming)

14 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Does staring at your overflowing to-do list overwhelm you before you even get started? Listen to discover a simple way to organize your to-do list so ...

159: Tame Your Out-of-Control To-Do List

11 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The demands this year are extra insane, leaving us overwhelmed, stressed, and frazzled. It's time to take back control of your to-do list, and we'll g...

QT: Identify What Matters Most (at School & Home)

07 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Last time, we discussed how our time and energy are limited & we must choose to spend that limited time on what matters most. Today, we'll dive into h...

QT: How to Know When You've Done Enough

04 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The responsibilities are extra-overwhelming. How do we know we've done enough? Join us to discover why that's not actually the right question to ask, ...

QT: If You're Not Ready to Go Back to School

31 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

While we're thankful 2020 is over, you may feel quite overwhelmed by the thought of heading back to school in 2021. If so, join us for a time in the p...

158: Identify & Fix Classroom Issues in 4 Simple Steps

28 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you're heading back in-person or online, the return from Christmas break provides an opportunity to reset your classroom and fix a lot of the ...

QT: Refresh Yourself Over Break!

17 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We desperately need to take time to refresh over break, but if you don't plan it in your schedule, it might not happen! Share what you plan to do to ...

QT: Super Easy Last-Minute Gift Idea for Your Students (or Fellow Teachers)

14 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Want to give your students a gift but haven't had the time or money to get anything? We've got you covered! Listen for a super easy (and free) idea. T...

QT: How to Stay Connected with Virtual Students While Teaching In-Person

10 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you're teaching in-person but also have virtual students, too, then you know how hard it is to keep track of the needs of both! Listen for a quick ...

QT: Have Students Create Review Activities

07 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know you can have your students create review activities (like Kahoot quizzes) for you? Not only will it save you time, but it will also be a ...

QT: Some Smart & Surprising Way to Get Help This Year

03 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wish you could clone yourself so you could get more done - or be in two places at once? Well, listen today for some ideas for where to get someon...

157: Surviving Pandemic Teaching without Burning Out

30 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Teaching is so utterly overwhelming this year; almost everyone is on the brink of burnout. Join us to discover five key realizations that will help yo...

QT: Pep Talk: Step Back & See How Far You've Come!

23 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When we're in the middle of a season of intense challenge, it's easy to be utterly overwhelmed by how far we have to go. But it can be hugely helpful ...

QT: Keeping Everyone on the Same Page

19 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have students scattered all over the place? Maybe you're on a hybrid schedule; or maybe some students are in-person & others online? Listen for...

156: 6 Ways to Make Direct Instruction More Engaging (in-person OR online)

16 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We definitely want our students practicing and applying what they've learned, but direct instruction is also vital. Listen to discover six ways to mak...

QT: Pep Talk: God is With You & Using You

12 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When things feel overwhelming, we need to remind ourselves of what is true. Join us as we do just that, reminding ourselves that God is in control, th...

QT: Getting Student Feedback

09 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This year more than ever, you should definitely take a few minutes to ask your students how things are going. Listen for tips on how to do this quickl...

QT: Reducing Screen Time in Virtual Learning

05 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We are so thankful we have the internet to aid our remote learning, but just because we're using technology doesn't mean that everything must be - or ...

155: Grace Over Grind: Eliminate Teacher Stress by Working in God's Grace

02 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The pressure of our to-do list can be overwhelming, but yet God calls us to rest. How can this be? Join us to discover a God-centered approach to work...

QT: Do Your Best & Forget the Rest

29 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As Christians, we are called to do our best, but once we've done that, the results are in God's hands. Join us for a word of encouragement as we...

QT: Using Family Clean Up to Keep Your Home in Order

26 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A few weeks ago we instituted Family Clean Up at our house, and it's been a huge help, already. Listen to discover how it works. And get the full pro...

QT: Dealing with Difficult People

22 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jackie Matthews share a key insight for dealing with difficult people. This is just a small clip from the full session. Catch the full interview at t...

154: Finding Encouragement & Connection in a Year of Social Distancing

19 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This year has brought so many extra challenges, and our lack of connection only expounds them. The truth is that we need each other and meaningful con...

QT: Easy Differentiation

15 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Differentiation is so important, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Laura Kebart shares how we should - and shouldn't - think of differentiation ...

QT: Letting Go of Judgment

12 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With so much happening, it's easy to judge others and be upset when they disagree with us. But there is such freedom in giving grace and realizing tha...

QT: Grace Over Grind: How God's Grace Enables Us to Work without Stress

08 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Enjoy this powerful clip from the upcoming Rise Up Summit. Michele Holiday shares how we can work out of an awareness of God's presence. You won't wan...

153: Teaching Reading & Writing Skills with the Workshop Model

05 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you teach reading or writing, you cannot miss this episode! Jen Bengel shares an easy-to-implement model that builds skill and comprehension, and c...

QT: Encouragement from Scripture

01 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we garner encouragement and strength from key passages in Isaiah.

QT: When You're Behind on Work; How to Get Focused Work Time

28 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we discuss a simple strategy to help you catch up when you're behind on work and starting to feel stressed! Check out the amazing bundles ...

QT: Ideas to Celebrate Heritage Months

24 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know there are at least five heritage months throughout the year that celebrate various minority contributions? Join us to hear some ideas for...

152: 7 Ways to Embrace Diversity in the Classroom (and why being colorblind isn't the answer)

21 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

God has gifted us with beautifully diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities. Join us to discover how to embrace and celebrate this in your class...

QT: Sharing the Hope of Christ (even in public schools)

17 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our hope is found in Christ, and our students, parents, and colleagues need that hope, too! Join us to discover some keys ways to share that - even if...

QT: If You Feel Alone

14 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's somewhat common to feel alone at your school anyhow, but this pandemic has brought loneliness to another level! If you're feeling alone, listen t...

QT: Encouragement for Dealing with Difficult Students

10 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Teaching difficult students can be, well, difficult. But taking a long-term view can be extremely helpful. Join us to discover what that looks like –...

138: The Right Way to Talk Politics & Social Issues (In & Out of the Classroom)

07 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We knew an election year would involve politics, but we had no idea the scope & weightiness of all the social issues we'd be grappling with this year....

QT: When Leaders Make Decisions You Disagree With

03 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This pandemic has many of us facing unprecedented situations, and it's almost inevitable that at some point leadership will make a decision that you d...

QT: 4 Way to Engage Shy Learners in Virtual Learning

31 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Are you teaching online or have students learning virtually? Discover four simple ways to engage shy or hesitant learners online. Get more ideas for ...

QT: An Awesome Tool to Make Communication Way Easier

27 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Are you using Loom.com? This tool will save you tons of time and make it easier to communicate with your students. Listen for details. Check out Loom...

151: How to Pursue Racial Unity (The Gospel v. Critical Race Theory)

24 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As Christian teachers, we must engage with issues surrounding race and justice, but how we do that should look quite different than prevailing secular...