“The best way to teach someone how to have helpful cell phone use is by first learning how to function without it .... They really will struggle to know how to be apart from it in a way that’s meaningful in any environment that they’re in.” – Cody Lehman

Most educators have experienced the struggle to keep students’ attention due to personal devices. But what happens when a school moves beyond managing the problem to actually solving it?

Cody Lehman, assistant principal at Hampton Park Christian School, shares their three-year journey implementing Yondr pouches – a phone-locking system that has transformed their school culture. This isn’t just another device management strategy; it’s a comprehensive approach to addressing what Cody calls “school loneliness” and the constant social pressures students face.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Rolling out the Yondr method in the classroom:

• How Yondr pouches work, and why they chose this solution over traditional collection methods
• The practical logistics of implementation and daily management
• Why the rollout gets easier each year as the culture shifts

How to get families’ and students’ buy-in:

• Strategies for communicating with resistant parents and students
• Why the initial two to four weeks of resistance quickly transforms into support
• How to address safety concerns and maintain parent-school communication

Changing the culture of the school:

• The dramatic increase in lunchroom noise levels (in a positive way)
• Improved classroom engagement and sustained discussion abilities
• Stronger teacher-student relationships without constant phone conflicts
• Students learning to be present with their peers

Cody addresses common concerns about liability, logistics, and enforcement while sharing real stories of student transformation. From the senior who initially said it would “ruin her year” to later calling it “the best decision,” the results speak for themselves.

Whether you’re considering a phone-free policy or looking for practical implementation strategies, this episode provides honest insights from a school that took the leap and found remarkable success in helping students be truly present.

Resources Mentioned:

• Yondr Pouches: https://www.overyondr.com/phone-locking-pouch

Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with Yondr; this is just one solution to this growing problem.

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 Cody Lehman has faithfully served at Hampton Park Christian School in Greenville, SC, for over a decade. He spent eight years as the athletic director and has served as assistant principal for the past four years. During his time at Hampton Park, he has enjoyed teaching psychology, sociology, and Bible doctrines, while remaining actively involved in coaching varsity athletics. Cody is passionate about people – God’s image bearers. His current role as assistant principal allows him to focus directly on that passion by striving to create a school culture where life can flourish, built on the core values of truth, love, and service. Cody and his wife, Sarah, have four children.

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]

“How do we deal with parents that might have good intentions but they are overly interested in what's going on? And how do you deal with parents that feel that their kid isn't getting a fair shake in your classroom?” – Dr. Renton Rathbun

“Your work as a teacher is to mentor these parents to become partners." – Dr. Renton Rathbun

Teaching would be great if there were no ... what? While hopefully no teacher would say “students,” many might think “parents” when facing challenging family dynamics. But the reality is that parents are meant to be our greatest partners in education, not our biggest obstacles.

Dr. Renton Rathbun returns to help teachers understand and connect with today's parent generation – primarily millennials, who now represent the majority of school families. As both a college professor and a parent himself, Renton shares what makes this generation tick and how their upbringing impacts their approach to their children's education.

During this episode, Jenny and Renton discuss the shifts that have occurred in parent-teacher relationships, moving from a time when parents automatically sided with teachers to today's reality where teachers often feel under scrutiny from well-meaning but highly involved parents.

You'll discover key characteristics of millennial parents, including:

• How growing up as “digital natives” affects their communication styles and expectations
• Why technology has rewired their brains and changed how they process authority
• How dynamics within the home affect how the parent shows up at school
• Why instant gratification culture has affected their persistence and “grit"”

Renton provides practical strategies for teachers, such as how to shift conversations from immediate outcomes to life principles and how to leverage technology and social media for positive connection rather than avoiding it.

Whether you're struggling with helicopter parents, dealing with authority challenges, or simply wanting to build stronger partnerships with families, this episode provides biblical wisdom and practical strategies for connecting with today's parent generation.

Resources Mentioned:

• Paul Tripp Ministries parenting courses (free online with study guides)
• The Renton Rathbun Show podcast (focused on helping parents navigate worldview challenges)

About Our Guest Dr. Renton Rathbun has been a college professor for over 25 years, teaching at both secular and Christian institutions. He frequently speaks on biblical worldview and apologetics topics. He holds a Bachelor of Science in English Education, MA in Interpretive Speech, MFA in Creative Writing, MA in Philosophy, Master of Theology, and PhD in Apologetics. Renton is also the host of The Renton Rathbun Show, a podcast designed to help parents understand the worldviews targeting their children and how to respond biblically. As both an educator and a parent, he brings a unique perspective to the challenges of parent-teacher partnerships in today's culture.

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]

Have a question for the Teacher Edition podcast? We would love to hear from you. Please submit your questions at https://TeacherEditionPodcast.com.

“I challenge our listeners today to write down one or two things they can take action on as we give these ideas on the show, so they will really make it happen in their classroom and not just keep a list of it somewhere and not use it.” — Katie Klipp

School is back in session, and one of the biggest challenges teachers face is getting meaningful participation from all students, not just the eager few who always raise their hands.

In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, you will find so many practical ideas to facilitate student participation within the classroom. As Katie Klipp shares multiple ideas, she encourages you to take one idea and implement it in the classroom. Take action on the information given in this episode.

Katie emphasizes the biblical foundation of questioning, noting that God asked questions not because He didn't know the answers, but to help people understand. She challenges teachers to move beyond traditional hand-raising to embrace "total participation," where every student responds simultaneously.

You'll discover innovative techniques including:

• Creative Four Corners variations that work even when students stay seated
• "Whisper Hold" strategies for managing different processing speeds
• Emoji matching and physical response techniques
• Strategic use of whiteboards, magic boards, and simple materials like page protectors
• "Back to Back, Front to Front" partner activities
• "Look, Touch, and Show" color-coded response systems

Katie also provides practical solutions for engaging reluctant participants and motivating students without creating prize dependency. From flying stuffed animals to sound effect boxes, she shares creative motivators that build intrinsic engagement.

Ideas for participation include movement-based responses, visual cues, tactile activities, and digital tools that get every student actively involved in learning.

Ideas for the anxious participants focus on creating safe, supportive ways for hesitant students to share their thinking without the pressure of being singled out.

Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire – not in your own strength – but through God's power and his grace working in you.

Go do what God has called you to do!

Resources Checking for Understanding by Douglas Fischer and Nancy Frey

About Our Guest Katie holds a bachelor's and master's degree in elementary education and has taught first grade at Bob Jones Academy in Greenville, SC, for twenty years. She also assists at BJU Press in writing, revising, and consulting. She enjoys hosting workshops for teachers and assisting teachers with classroom management, technology, and creative instruction.

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]

Have a question for the Teacher Edition podcast? We would love to hear from you. Please submit your questions at https://TeacherEditionPodcast.com.

"People first. Machine second. Remember that people are the currency of the kingdom of heaven. The person that you're supporting is more important than finishing the task." – Corey Cline

Everyone loves technology as long as it is working. When technology fails in the classroom, there’s no time for troubleshooting while students wait. That’s why having the right technology support is vital for schools today.

Join Jenny as she sits down with Corey Cline, EdTech Specialist, who brings his unique perspective from his journey — from ministry to classroom teaching to being pulled into IT during COVID. He bridges the gap between the technical and educational sides of school technology.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• What basic IT needs every school must address (and whether you need a dedicated tech person)
• Essential skills to look for when hiring technology support — starting with being a "non-anxious presence"
• The most common tech problems teachers face and how to prevent them
• Simple strategies to keep classroom technology functioning smoothly
• Why looking at your current team first might reveal hidden IT talent
• How to set healthy boundaries in an "always-on" technology culture

Corey emphasizes that successful educational technology support is about people first, machines second. He shares practical advice for schools of all sizes, from utilizing Managed Service Providers to empowering teachers with basic troubleshooting skills. You'll also hear his go-to digital tools and resources that actually work in the school environment.

This conversation is essential for administrators considering IT staffing, current tech support personnel, and teachers who want to better understand how to keep their classroom technology running smoothly.

When technology works well, teaching and learning can truly thrive.

Resources Mentioned by Corey:

Digital Tools & Platforms:

• Canvas (Learning Management System)
• MSP (Managed Service Provider) for outsourced IT support
• SIS (Student Information System)
• Confluence (documentation tool that pairs with Jira)
• Jira (ticket system for IT support)
• Obsidian (notetaking and knowledge management tool)
• Gemini (Google's AI tool for Google Suite questions)

Online Communities:

• k12sysadmin subreddit on Reddit (for educational IT professionals)

Books:

• The Phoenix Project — Essential reading for anyone considering IT work
• Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte — System for organizing information and knowledge
• The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer — Spiritual formation book about slowing down and avoiding overwhelm

About Our Guest Corey Cline serves as the EdTech at Foundation Academy in Winter Garden, FL. Prior to that role, Corey served in youth and education ministry for seven years, followed by four years in education. He served in public school for two years and private school for two years. COVID and the shift to digitizing education changed everything for him. He was pulled from the classroom to help a Christian school "go digital." He served there as a system administrator, mostly handling network and device needs, and then moved to Foundation Academy, where he has served in the IT space for the last three years. He served as the system administrator there for two years before moving into the EdTech space in 2024. Corey and his wife, Stephanie, enjoy time with their corgi and two cats.

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]

"It's okay to work yourself out of a job... Don't lean into the hero complex. That is a very real thing in the IT space. But instead, equip people to figure stuff out or to troubleshoot through an issue." – Corey Cline

In Part Two of this conversation on school choice, Jenny and our three expert guests dive deeper into the practical realities of implementing and managing school choice programs in Christian schools.

From operational changes to wish lists for improvement, this episode reveals the behind-the-scenes work required to successfully navigate school choice while maintaining Christian mission and identity. You'll hear about the administrative burden that comes with public funding, including full-time compliance officers, detailed state reporting, and expanded testing requirements.

These leaders share success stories of teacher salaries approaching 75% of public school levels, schools paying off buildings entirely with choice funds, and churches freed from facility costs to invest in ministry expansion.

The conversation explores the ideal models for school choice, with insights into why ESA (Education Savings Account) programs may be preferable to voucher systems, and what the future holds for educational freedom at both state and federal levels.

Whether your school is already participating in choice programs, considering participation, or simply wanting to understand where Christian education is headed, this episode provides practical wisdom from leaders who've successfully navigated these waters while maintaining their biblical mission.

You'll also gain insights into what's coming next, including potential federal expansion of school choice and how Christian schools can prepare for continued growth and opportunity in the educational freedom movement.

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 Guests

Andrew Fry is the principal of Colonial Christian School in Indianapolis, Indiana. He earned a bachelor of science in electrical engineering and a master of arts in teaching in mathematics. With 12 years of experience in teaching and school leadership, Andrew is passionate about fostering academic excellence and spiritual growth in Christian education. He and his wife, Janna, have three children.

Dr. Michael Phillips holds undergraduate degrees in Bible and mathematics education. He also holds a master’s degree and a doctorate degree in educational leadership. He served in Christian schools in Virginia and North Carolina as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and administrator for 25 years before the Lord called him to Bay City Christian School in Green Bay, Wisconsin. In addition to his school responsibilities, Dr. Phillips is the executive director and accreditation chair for the Wisconsin Association of Christian Schools. He and his wife, Shellee, have four children.

Dr. Jeff Walton, executive director of AACS, holds a bachelor of science degree in education, a master of education degree, and a doctor of divinity degree. He has served in Christian education as a teacher, school administrator, state association director, and Bible college administrator. Through his work with AACS and other organizations, he has been influential in securing policies and legislation to protect the ministries of Christian schools. He has presented professional development workshops for Christian school teachers at many state and national conferences in the U.S. and at conferences in Romania and South Korea. His wife, Judylynn, also serves with him at AACS, and together they are very involved in local church ministry as well.

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]

Have a question for the Teacher Edition podcast? We would love to hear from you.

Please submit your questions at https://TeacherEditionPodcast.com.

School choice is transforming Christian education across America, but is it a blessing or a burden? This episode of the Teacher Edition podcast brings together three seasoned educators to discuss the real impact of school choice programs from national, state, and local perspectives.

Jenny sits down with Dr. Jeff Walton (Executive Director of American Association of Christian Schools) who provides national insights, Dr. Michael Phillips (Executive Director of Wisconsin Association of Christian Schools) who shares state-level experiences, and Andrew Fry (Principal of Colonial Christian School in Indianapolis) who offers ground-level perspective from a school that has experienced significant growth through school choice.

From increased enrollments to budget transformations, these educators reveal both the remarkable opportunities and genuine concerns that come with public funding following students to private Christian schools. You'll hear about schools growing from 70 to 290 students, budgets increasing from $340,000 to $3.2 million, and families finally able to afford the Christian education they'd only dreamed of.

These experienced educators also address the real challenges: potential government overreach, mission drift temptations, accreditation requirements, and the risk of becoming too dependent on public funding. They explore the balance between accepting government funds and maintaining Christian autonomy.

Whether your state already has school choice, is considering it, or you're wondering what it means for Christian education's future, this conversation provides essential insights from leaders who've navigated these waters successfully.

Part One covers the fundamentals: what school choice looks like in different states, its effects on enrollment and budgets, and the accountability measures that come with public funding.

Part Two will dive deeper into practical adjustments schools must make and what the future holds.

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 Guests

Andrew Fry is the principal of Colonial Christian School in Indianapolis, Indiana. He earned a bachelor of science in electrical engineering and a master of arts in teaching in mathematics. With 12 years of experience in teaching and school leadership, Andrew is passionate about fostering academic excellence and spiritual growth in Christian education. He and his wife, Janna, have three children.

Dr. Michael Phillips holds undergraduate degrees in Bible and mathematics education. He also holds a master’s degree and a doctorate degree in educational leadership. He served in Christian schools in Virginia and North Carolina as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and administrator for 25years before the Lord called him to Bay City Christian School in Green Bay, Wisconsin. In addition to his school responsibilities, Dr. Phillips is the executive director and accreditation chair for the Wisconsin Association of Christian Schools. He and his wife, Shellee, have four children.

Dr. Jeff Walton, executive director of AACS, holds a bachelor of science degree in education, a master of education degree, and a doctor of divinity degree. He has served in Christian education as a teacher, school administrator, state association director, and Bible college administrator. Through his work with AACS and other organizations, he has been influential in securing policies and legislation to protect the ministries of Christian schools. He has presented professional development workshops for Christian school teachers at many state and national conferences in the U.S. and at conferences in Romania and South Korea. His wife, Judylynn, also serves with him at AACS, and together they are very involved in local church ministry as well.

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]

Have a question for the Teacher Edition podcast? We would love to hear from you.

Please submit your questions at https://TeacherEditionPodcast.com.

In Part Two, Jenny and Lauren tackle the practical implementation of gifted education programs. Many assume Christian schools are already challenging enough, or that skilled teachers can differentiate for all students. But even the most talented educators need support when serving truly gifted learners.

This episode addresses real-world questions:

• How do you structure actual instruction?
• What does a session look like?
• How do you involve families and teachers?
• How is this different from just giving smart kids "more work"?

You will discover:

• Why gifted programs require "different" instruction, not just "more" instruction
• How to structure pull-out sessions that complement regular classroom learning
• Specific examples of project-based learning (logical fallacies, blueprints, owl pellet dissections)
• The importance of developing social-emotional skills alongside academics
• How to create individualized service plans and family communication
• Why finding the right teacher is crucial to program success
• How to address the myth that gifted programs are just "fun and games"
• Strategies for collaboration between AIG teachers and classroom teachers

Lauren emphasizes that gifted students need opportunities to use their brains differently – engaging in deep, project-based learning that goes beyond surface-level knowledge. This isn't about busy work; it's about providing instruction that matches the way God designed their minds to work.

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

Dr. Lauren Morrison is the Director of Academics at Grace Christian School in Sanford, NC, where she oversees K-12 academics, the Learning Support Program, and the Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) program. She holds a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction along with degrees in Psychology and Post Secondary Education. Dr. Morrison has extensive experience in public schools as a teacher, compliance specialist, and exceptional children's teacher coach. She is passionate about supporting both struggling and gifted learners while shaping students through a biblical worldview. She is married and the proud mother of two sons.

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]