Teach 4 the Heart

QT: Online Classroom Management: Reducing Audio Disruptions in the Virtual Classroom

20 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Classroom management doesn't disappear online. You still have issues like students blurting out answers, forgetting to turn off their mics, or bringin...

QT: A Simple Mindset Shift to Get You Excited About this Year

17 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Are you frustrated about everything you can't do - or extra things that you have to do? Get yourself excited again by choosing to let go of the negati...

QT: 3 Realistic Ways to Delegate Responsibilities this Year

13 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This year, more than ever, you can't try to do everything on your own! In this episode, we discuss three avenues that you delegate responsibility: par...

150: 10 Truths to Cling to in 2020

10 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With everything happening, it's so easy to feel overwhelmed, frustrated or discouraged. That's why we MUST keep our eyes on Jesus and on what He says ...

QT: Responsible for In-Person AND Virtual Learning? 2 Ideas to Help Streamline

06 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

So many scenarios this year have teachers responsible for in-person AND virtual learning If you're using a hybrid model If parents choose in-person ...

QT: How to Win the Battle in Our Minds

03 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Stress, anxiety, overwhelm - these are always challenges but perhaps never so commonly as this year. How do we combat these feelings? We need to put ...

QT: Keeping a Positive Perspective

30 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In many ways, this school year didn't shape up the way we hoped it would. But perhaps that gives us a bigger chance than ever to make a difference. J...

149: Boundaries & Routines to Weather the 2020 School Year

27 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The 2020-21 school year promises to be extra challenging, which means we need boundaries & routines more than ever. Join us to discover key routines ...

QT: Easy Wardrobe Planning with these Outfit Guides

23 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

These outfit guides have been making it so much easier for me to plan out my wardrobe. If planning outfits stresses you out, check out these guides: ...

QT: Increasing Student Motivation with Goal-Setting

20 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Increase student motivation by helping them set their own goals & monitor their own progress. Today, we give four steps to make this happen. Learn mo...

QT: Is Controlling our Classroom the Goal?

16 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever wonder if controlling your classroom is actually the right goal? It's an important question, and we tackle it in today's episode. Join us...

148: Create a Conducive Learning Environment as Schools Reopen

13 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We still may not be 100% sure what school will look like this fall, but we know that we'll want to make every second we have together count! Today, we...

QT: Automating & Delegating Tasks with Classroom Jobs

09 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Classroom jobs aren't just for cute kindergarteners. You can automate your classroom by transferring responsibility for certain tasks to your students...

QT: Racial Justice: Gospel v. Secular Perspectives

06 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's clear we must stand and fight against racial injustice. But the philosophy behind our fight is key. Will we take the secular perspective that try...

QT: An 11-Year Old's Perspective on Balance & the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club

02 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode, team member Sarah talks with her daughter Lydia about the difference some work/life balance & the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Cl...

147: 6 Time-Saving Principles to Achieve Work-Life Balance

29 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Teaching is overwhelming in the best of times. Add in a pandemic, distance learning, and everything else, and balance feels like it's completely out t...

QT: Worried? Frustrated? Stressed? Do this.

25 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When we're feeling worried, stressed, or frustrated, we must take those concerns to God and leave them in His capable hands. Doing this over and over ...

QT: Never Lose Papers Again with this Simple Organizational System

22 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever find yourself searching for that worksheet - that test - that quiz - that you know should be right around here but has somehow gone missin...

QT: This Mindset Shift Will Allow You to Finally Delegate Tasks!

18 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Have you tried to delegate tasks to students or parent volunteers - only to find yourself frustrated that you have to re-do all of it? This simple min...

146: Reimagining Better Schools Post-Covid

15 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Covid closures completely upended the school year. And now, as we consider heading back new year, we have no idea what that might look like. But rega...

QT: If You Teach K-2, You Should Definitely Try ABCmouse.com. Here's Why.

11 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you teach K - 2, you definitely need to try ABCmouse.com. This program is incredibly easy to use & set up and super engaging for kids. Best of all,...

Bonus: Anti-Racism: What I'm Learning & What How God Wants Us to Respond

09 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a white teacher that's somewhat confused about racism, "white privilege," and everything that's happening, this episode is for you. I'm only...

QT: What to Do When Given a New Requirement that You Don't Like

08 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Chances are, we're going to be facing some changes that we don't like. So what do we do about it? Rather than accepting that things will be horrible, ...

QT: An Amazingly Simple Way to Quiet Your Mind to Sleep

04 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you lie down to sleep only to find your mind racing with a million thoughts, concerns, and questions? Listen to and discover a beautifully simple w...

145: Next Fall is a Big Question Mark. What Now?

01 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We all hoped next fall everything would be back to normal, but now we're not so sure. Theories and ideas abound about what form next school year will ...

QT: Take Time to Reflect on What You've Learned

28 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Believe it or not, you have learned and grown SO MUCH as a teacher through this crisis. Don't let all that growth go to waste! Schedule a time of refl...

QT: Creating End-of-the-Year Connection & Closure

25 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As we consider ending the year without most of our well-beloved traditions, we can seek out other ways to connect and create a sense of closure. Liste...

QT: Thank You, Teachers!

21 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today I just want to say thank you. Thank you, teachers, for all you are doing to help students continue to learn and grow. You are amazing. Save the...

144: End Your Distance-Learning Year with this Simple & Engaging Project!

18 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Distance learning has completely upended our end-of-the-year traditions, but that doesn't mean we can't still do something meaningful, engaging, and e...

QT: Missing Field Trips? Plan a Virtual One!

14 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

While we all wish we could go on those field trips we had planned, a virtual one might be the next best thing! Listen for some cool ideas, and plan on...

QT: Simplify Your Distance Learning by Focusing on What Matters Most

11 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We've been doing distance learning for awhile now, but in most cases, we're not done yet. Now is a great time to evaluate what you've been doing and l...

QT: What Does it Mean to Teach 4 the Heart?

07 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The title of our podcast is Teach 4 the Heart. But what exactly does that mean? Join us as we discuss what it means - and why it matters! Join us for...

143: 20+ Ideas for Teaching from Home with Kids

04 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Are you trying to teach from home while simultaneously taking care of your own kids? Join us for some helpful ideas to make things go just a bit more ...

QT: Save Time & Reduce Stress by Planning Your Week on Friday

30 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I've found that when I sit down on Friday and spend a few minutes planning the next week, I not only get more done but I'm also able to let go of the ...

QT: Teaching by God's Grace

27 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today I'm sharing some insights from Paul David Tripp's book, Parenting that absolutely apply to teaching. Let's talk about the amazing work of God's ...

QT: Emotional Roller Coaster? This Has Helped Me

23 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As I've found my emotions all over the place, I've found comfort in the fact that God cares about our tears and struggles. Join us as we imagine a pic...

142: How to Trust God Through Trials (A Testimony to God's Goodness)

20 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode, Colleen Hoffman shares lessons learned from her challenging journey of watching her baby granddaughter suffer through - and u...

QT: God Has You Where You Are for a Reason

16 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

NOTE: We recorded this episode before the current crisis exploded into our world, but as I went back and listened, I found the truths amazingly applic...

QT: Connection Matters (now more than ever!)

13 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We're all struggling with the lack of our normal interactions, and that means the connections you have with your students are more important than ever...

QT: Following Christ's Example of Service

09 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As teachers, we deal with a plethora of challenges and are often even mistreated. But Christ's example and Paul's admonition in Philippians 2:1-13 can...

141: Relinquishing Control in the Midst of Chaos

06 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Are you stressed about all the things that are out of your control during this crisis? Join us for a word of encouragement about how to let go and tru...

QT: When a Situation Feels Impossible…

02 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes a situation (whether inside or outside the classroom) feels simply impossible. But nothing is impossible with God, and He can redeem even th...

139: Transitioning to Distance Learning? Start Here!

30 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Is your head spinning as you scramble to transition to distance learning? These five questions will help guide your thoughts and actions towards what ...

Special: If You're Feeling Overwhelmed…

28 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Some people are finding themselves with extra time during this quarantine, but others of us have more responsibilities than ever! If you're feeling ov...

Special: Coping with Missing Our Students & Teaching

27 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Are you missing your students? Missing teaching? Let's talk about what to do with all these challenging emotions.

Special: Coping with Uncertainty

26 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As teachers, we like plans! So how do we cope with all the uncertainty all around us? Join us as we discuss how Gospel hope can help us navigate this ...

COVID Special: How Do I Know I'm Doing Enough for My Students?

24 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As you face distance learning & COVID closures, do you find yourself wondering if you're doing enough for your students? In this special episode, we l...

QT: Working Without Stress by Resting in God

23 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I've always thought of work and rest as two separate things, but God is showing me the amazing power of working out of rest. I explain what that means...

Special Episode: Responding to COVID-19

19 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Life looks so different than it did a week ago. In this special episode, we discuss how we at Teach 4 the Heart are seeking to support you during this...

News: Teaching Jobs Board

18 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We just released a teaching jobs board where you can submit and search job openings. If you know of an opening, please let the community know about it...

QT: How to Make Lessons Engaging (even when they aren't fun)

16 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever feel like lessons or activities have to be fun in order to be engaging? Well, that's not true! There are other ways to make lessons engagi...

QT: Why Your Classroom Management Isn't Working

12 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever wonder why your classroom management isn't working? I reveal the answer in today's episode. Join us for our FREE Classroom Management Solu...

137: When Teachers Experience Trauma (and How to Heal)

09 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Last July Janyne McConnaughey joined us to discuss trauma-sensitive teaching and how to support students affected by trauma. But what about when we as...

QT: How to Balance Firmness & Kindness in the Classroom

05 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever feel tension with wanting to be kind but feeling you should be more strict? Join us for a quick conversation about how to balance kindness...

QT: Let's Reframe Interruptions as Opportunities

02 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

No one longs for a discipline issue to interrupt their day, but what if those interruptions are actually important opportunities - opportunities God h...

QT: What Makes a Day Successful?

27 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As teachers, we often count a day successful if our lessons go well, the kids mostly behave, or we get a lot done. But is God's measure of a successfu...

136: How to Handle Constructive Criticism

24 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

None of us enjoy negative feedback, but how we respond to it can truly change the course of our career. Will we get upset and defensive? Or will we us...

QT: When Parents Are Frustrated

20 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you've been teaching long, you've probably been the target of a parent's stress and frustration. But rather than taking it personally, we can under...

QT: When Parents Ask Something Unreasonable

17 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Parents often make unreasonable requests – often without even realizing quite how unreasonable they are. Today we discuss how we should respond to t...

QT: Time to Reteach Procedures

13 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Now is the perfect time to shore up & reteach your procedures. Listen to discover tips & resources to help you do just that. Join the free 5-Day Class...

#135: How to Promote Worldview Thinking in the Classroom

10 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

No matter where you teach, helping students understand worldview is important. In Christian schools, we want to guide them towards Biblical thinking; ...

QT: Mourning the Fall

06 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When we see or experience difficult things like death, serious illness, abuse, or trauma, we may struggle with our thoughts and emotions. Today we tal...

QT: Save Time & Effort Planning Class Parties & Events

03 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Listen to discover how to leverage parent a key parent volunteer to save you tons of time and effort planning class parties & events. Join one of our ...

QT: Create Loving Boundaries with "I" Statements

30 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Discover the power of replacing "you" rules with "I" statements - a simple tweak that might be just what you need.

#134: How to Lift Your Spirits When You're Frustrated or Discouraged

27 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Teaching is tough, and sometimes we feel down. Listen to discover over 20 ideas from fellow teachers for how to lift your spirts when you're feeling f...

QT: Build Rapport with One Sentence

23 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Love & Logic's One-Sentence Intervention is a super simple way to build rapport – even if you don't have much time.

QT: Make Meetings Worthwhile with an Issue List

20 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ever feel like meetings are a waste of time? Implementing an issue list will turn meetings into effective and powerful tool.

QT: We Cannot Find Our Identity in Teaching

16 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If we find our identity in teaching, it will create a myriad of problems and keep us from experiencing the soul rest we desperately need.

#133: Self-Esteem & Positivity v. the Gospel

13 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In our culture, we're often told the importance of loving ourselves, having good self-esteem, and thinking positively. But how does this jive with the...

QT: How to Make Self-Care and Time Off More Meaningful

09 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our physical rest and self-care should be tied to spiritual refreshment as we enjoy God and what He has done. Join us to discover what this might look...

QT: Why You Have to Make Rest a Priority

06 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

God designed us to need Sabbath rest, and we cannot violate our need for rest without consequences. Join the 40 Hour Teacher Fast Track program at www...

A Backwards New Years' Resolution: Choose One Thing to STOP Doing

02 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This year, let's resolve to STOP doing something. And, no, I'm not talking about a bad habit. Today I'm encouraging you to stop doing something good –...

#132: Simplify Your Teacher Life

30 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As teachers, a million and one things are coming at us all the time, threatening to overwhelm us. Join us as we discuss how to simplify & declutter yo...

How to Guard Your Off Hours (while still getting done what you need to)

26 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Do you schedule work hours and off hours? If not, you should definitely try it. Listen to discover how to use a work schedule to give you guilt-free t...

A Meaningful Last-Minute Gift Idea (for anyone)

19 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Still need a few more presents? Listen to discover a meaningful gift idea that will work for anyone on your list.

A Small Change to Stop Giving Work Permission to Interrupt You

16 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When we allow notifications on our phone we are giving things permission to interrupt us. That's why turning them off can make such a difference and g...

A Quick, Easy Way to Declutter Your Email Inbox

12 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Is your email inbox cluttered with advertisements and subscriptions? The free tool unroll.me makes it easy to organize and declutter your inbox in jus...

#131: 60+ Classroom Reward Ideas

09 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rewards are a fun way to motivate students and celebrate progress, but seeing as we aren't made of money, sometimes we don't know what to give. Join u...

What to Do When You Don't Finish Everything You Wanted To

05 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Our to-do list can feel overwhelming, but you'll feel so much better (and less stressed) when you create manageable daily to-do lists. Listen for a sp...

You'll Immediately Feel Less Stressed When You Do This

02 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Every time I feel stressed I'm immediately helped by getting my thoughts out of my head and on to paper. Discover why this works and if you're stresse...

QT: A Psalm of Thanksgiving

28 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It's Thanksgiving time! Join us for a brief moment of praise, thanksgiving, and prayer.

#130: Building Classroom Community with Positivity Project

25 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Amy Stohs, a 6th grade teacher from Virginia, joins us to talk about the Positivity Project, an exciting movement that helps grow students character a...

QT: How to Save Time with Keyboard Shortcuts

21 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Whenever you work at your computer, you can save time by using keyboard shortcuts. I share a few of my favorites in this quick thought episode. View t...

QT: Master Your To-Do List with This Small Adjustment

18 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Are you overwhelmed by your mile long to-do list? Discover a simple framework that will help you focus on what matters most and feel better about what...

QT: The Simplest Way to Ensure All Students Learn

14 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have important facts or information all students need to master? Reciting information out loud is the simplest way to ensure all students learn...

#129: Facing Conflict as a Teacher: Gospel Truths to Speak to Your Heart

11 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When we face conflict as a teacher, we can easily get bogged down and discouraged. That's when we must speak truth to our own hearts, renewing our min...

QT: Maybe "Lazy" Students Are Actually Frustrated

07 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes we write off students as lazy when they're actually frustrated, anxious, or discouraged. But when we start to address their true concerns, w...

QT: Make Small Group Discussion More Impactful with This Simple Process

04 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Do certain students dominate discussions while others sit silently? Discover how easy it is to use talking chips to moderate small group discussion an...

QT: A Go-To Response When You're Not Sure What to Do

31 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We've all been there – a student does something inappropriate that we need to address, but it's unexpected and we aren't sure what to do. Listen to ...

#128: 7 Tips for Constructive IEP Meetings

28 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

No matter what role you play at school, you're going to love these tips for constructive IEP meetings. Get notes & links at www.teach4theheart.com/iep...

QT: 3 Private Ways to Give Warnings & Curb Disruptions

24 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A warning system can be a great tool to cut out disruptions in your class, but what if we want to avoid public forms like a behavior chart or writing ...

QT: Don't Lower Your Expectations

21 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When students aren't meeting our expectations, we can be tempted to lower them. But this isn't always a good idea. Discover why in this quick thought ...

QT: Pairing Rewards with Intrinsic Motivation

17 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We can make tangible rewards so much more meaningful by pairing them with intrinsic motivation. Listen to discover how. Find out more about Classroom ...

#127: How to Respond to a Difficult Administrator (or Coworker)

14 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As a teacher, we crave support from our administrators and coworkers. But, unfortunately, that's not always the case, and sometimes these relationship...

QT: Integrating a Biblical Worldview Across All Subjects

10 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

At our Christian Educators Virtual Summit, Eric Reenders presented a simple framework to help students develop a Biblical worldview. The key – using...

QT: Practices to Overcome Anxiety

07 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

At our Christian Educators Virtual Summit, JP Moreland did an incredible session on Responding Biblically to the Crisis of Anxiety. In this session, h...

QT: What Truth Do You Want Your Students to Remember?

03 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

One of my favorite takeaways from the Christian Educators Virtual Summit was about choosing an important phrase to repeat over and over to your studen...

#126: Navigating Gender Identity with Truth & Love (Part 2)

30 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As Christian educators, we may struggle to know how to respond to questions of gender identity. In this episode, you'll discover how to work out a Bib...

QT: Remember What's Happening on a Spiritual Level

26 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

With so many day-to-day tasks and goals to focus on, it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture – in particular, what's happening on a spiritual ...

#125: Navigating Gender Identity with Truth & Love (Part 1)

23 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As Christians, we know God created gender, but what exactly does that mean for modern-day questions of gender identity? Join us in this conversation w...