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Teach 4 the Heart

628 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 200 ratings

In the Teach 4 the Heart podcast, Linda Kardamis shares ideas and inspiration to help you overcome your teaching challenges and make a lasting difference in your students’ lives.

Designed for Christian teachers in both public and private schools, Teach 4 the Heart strives to present every discussion from a Biblical perspective.

Season 1 will discuss classroom management. Future season's topics TBA but will likely include work/life balance, how our faith should affect our teaching, and more.

Courses Education Religion & Spirituality Christianity professionaldevelopment christianeducation christianteachers education teaching
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Episodes

Adding Joy + Play to Any Classroom

March 18, 2024 10:00 - 23 minutes - 19.8 MB

It can be hard to find joy and have fun in the everyday grind of teaching. With all the pressures teachers face, how do we prioritize joy and play in the limited time we have in the classroom? Caitlin Lore joins us today to share fun activities for a classroom that help keep joy a part of teaching for teachers and students of all ages.

303: Adding Joy + Play to Any Classroom

March 18, 2024 10:00 - 23 minutes - 19.8 MB

It can be hard to find joy and have fun in the everyday grind of teaching. With all the pressures teachers face, how do we prioritize joy and play in the limited time we have in the classroom? Caitlin Lore joins us today to share fun activities for a classroom that help keep joy a part of teaching for teachers and students of all ages.

News: NEW Free Training: Classroom Management Answers

March 12, 2024 14:50 - 4 minutes - 4.08 MB

Join us for the NEW free training Classroom Management Answers where you'll discover 6 simple strategies to reduce disruptions and rebuild respect. Get all the details & sign up at www.teach4theheart.com/training. 

302: Simple Ways to Relieve Decision Fatigue

March 11, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes - 21.4 MB

Teachers make thousands of decisions a day—no wonder we have decision fatigue! But what if there are some simple ways to lighten the load? Join Linda and Karly as they discuss rhythms in teaching that help relieve the decision fatigue and cultivate classrooms where teachers and students thrive.

Simple Ways to Relieve Decision Fatigue

March 11, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes - 21.4 MB

Teachers make thousands of decisions a day—no wonder we have decision fatigue! But what if there are some simple ways to lighten the load? Join Linda and Karly as they discuss rhythms in teaching that help relieve the decision fatigue and cultivate classrooms where teachers and students thrive.

Reaching Students Across the Generation Gap

March 04, 2024 10:00 - 31 minutes - 25.9 MB

Sometimes the generation gap between us and our students feels too wide to cross. Why is it so hard to connect with the younger generation right now? Join us to hear advice from Val O'Brien on how we can reach students meaningfully and build relationships across generations.

301: Reaching Students Across the Generation Gap

March 04, 2024 10:00 - 31 minutes - 25.9 MB

Sometimes the generation gap between us and our students feels too wide to cross. Why is it so hard to connect with the younger generation right now? Join us to hear advice from Val O'Brien on how we can reach students meaningfully and build relationships across generations.

Bad Advice 05: "If It's Too Hard, You Need to Get Out!"

February 19, 2024 10:00 - 21 minutes - 18.3 MB

Do you remember in the book of Job when Job's friends told him he must be doing something wrong to have these bad things happen to him? If you've been in a similar situation, you know how these negative ideas can cloud your judgement. The bad advice we are discussing in this week's episode is: "If it's too hard, you need to get out!" Sometimes those thoughts sound like, "Maybe I'm not called to be a teacher after all. This is too hard." or "This must not be the right school since the a...

Bad Advice 04: "To Love Means to Affirm"

February 12, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes - 20.8 MB

False dichotomies are one of society's favorite lies and worst pieces of advice. We have been sold the lie that we have to affirm someone to prove our love for them and that if we are not affirming, then we are hating. This episode of the Teach 4 the Heart Podcast presents another solution: to love without affirming. And, though many people believe this is impossible, Linda will share a multitude of ways to be loving while holding fast to your personal convictions. If you want to learn...

Bad Advice 03: "Check Your Religion at the Door"

February 05, 2024 10:00 - 23 minutes - 19.5 MB

We at Teach 4 the Heart have heard this week's bad advice A LOT. We get a lot of comments and feedback from people who say, "Check your religion at the door when you enter the classroom." We don't agree. For Christians, our faith isn't something we "put on" and "put off." Our beliefs are part of us. Even if we aren't directly sharing our faith, it should impact every part of our lives because we represent Christ. In this episode, we discuss 5 ways you SHOULD be taking your faith to school...

Bad Advice 02: "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff."

January 29, 2024 10:00 - 18 minutes - 15.3 MB

Controversial opinion: As a teacher, you NEED to sweat the small stuff! In this week's podcast episode, we look at another piece of bad advice - don't sweat the small stuff! Here's the problem: if you let the little things go, especially in the beginning of the school year, they quickly lead to bigger and bigger problems. However, that doesn't mean we need to nitpick students. Listen to this week's episode to hear guidance on "picking your battles," how to know where to draw the line w...

Bad Advice 01: "Believe In Yourself. You are Enough!"

January 22, 2024 10:00 - 20 minutes - 17.4 MB

Our culture celebrates all things "self." From selfies & self-reliance, to the mantra "I am enough," we are told that "me" is all we need. But, what happens when we inevitably fall short? This bad piece of advice is not only heard by teachers, but nearly everyone in our culture. Our podcast today is tackling this common but harmful advice with biblical and practical truths, including 3 steps to shift your focus from yourself and instead put your faith boldly in the Lord. As you move yo...

Highlights 04: Saving Time w/ Grading, Lesson Planning & Paperwork

January 08, 2024 10:00 - 50 minutes - 41.1 MB

If grading, paperwork, and lesson planning are taking up way too much of your time, you won't want to miss this podcast! Join us as the Teach 4 the Heart team shares a variety of ideas to streamline and save time in multiple areas that need our attention but shouldn't be taking over our lives. This episode is part of the series Highlights: The Best Solutions for Teachers' Biggest Problems. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/best.

Highlights 03: Bravely Teaching by Faith in a Secular Age with Alistair Begg

January 01, 2024 10:00 - 36 minutes - 30 MB

Christian teachers: do you struggle with and feel attacked by the culture around you? Listen to this week's podcast as Alistair Begg talks about how we as Christians can stand for truth and shine Christ's light as we teach and interact...even when the culture around us becomes more and more hostile. Despite the difficulty, with God-sized confidence you can firmly and lovingly stand fast on your convictions. This episode is part of the series Highlights: The Best Solutions for Teachers' Big...

Highlights 02: Preventing Teacher Burnout with Pratia Jordan

December 11, 2023 10:00 - 53 minutes - 43.8 MB

Too often we find ourselves trying to be superheroes, thinking somehow we can keep going, serve everyone, and get everything done without getting the rest and refreshment that we need. In this week's episode, we will speak with Pratia Jordan, an award-winning educator, as she shares the need to establish patterns of work and rest, bear each others' burdens, and see Jesus as the Superhero, not ourselves. This episode is part of the series Highlights: The Best Solutions for Teachers' Bigg...

Highlights 01: Differentiation Made Easy with Laura Kebart

December 04, 2023 10:00 - 42 minutes - 34.9 MB

Trying to differentiate work for varying levels of students can be stressful and time consuming, but it doesn't have to be. Laura Kebart shares practical strategies to make differentiation simple and relatively easy. Check out one of our very best sessions Summit sessions from 2020 here. This episode is part of the series Highlights: The Best Solutions for Teachers' Biggest Problems. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/best.

Answers 04: Faith and Relationships in the Classroom

November 27, 2023 09:00 - 27 minutes - 22.9 MB

Teaching in this world is difficult. And as the cultural climate of the world changes, making an impact in our students' lives can be even more challenging. How can you make the impact you desire while facing - requirements to teach against your Biblical beliefs? - questions about the legality of sharing your faith? - living out your faith without breaking the law? - helping your Christian school students foster a biblical world view? You can find the answers and support you are loo...

Answers 03: Conquering Mental Challenges: Your Questions Addressed

November 20, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 27.7 MB

Right now so many teachers are struggling with anxiety! If you're one of them, you'll want to listen in as Linda addresses some of the common questions we've gotten from teachers, like... -How do I oversome the anxiety related to perfectionism? -How do I handle feeling unappreciated? -What do I do if I'm in a stressful, somewhat unsafe teaching environment? -How do I stop taking everything personally? -How can I keep negativity from taking over? -What do I do with the feeling that I'...

Answers 02: Unlocking Balance: Time Management Q&A

November 13, 2023 09:00 - 29 minutes - 24.2 MB

Time management has always been a challenge for teachers! It seems like the responsibilities of teaching are never-ending and always bleed into our personal lives. This week, Linda answers a few more questions on this topic from our community! 1. How do you get both planning AND grading done? I've been focusing too much on one and not the other! 2. I want to become more involved in my church, but teaching takes up all of my time! What should I do? 3. Any suggestions for catching up ...

Answers 01: Navigating Classroom Management: Answers to Your FAQs

November 06, 2023 09:00 - 28 minutes - 23.6 MB

Are you facing these common classroom management issues? -Constant classroom chatter -Small group instruction -Lack of support from admin -Classroom rewards that won't break the bank -A school that doesn't allow traditional consequences. In this episode of the Teach 4 the Heart podcast, you will learn that many teachers are facing these issues and you are not alone. Better yet, Linda will provide some powerful mindset shifts and solutions for whatever problem is plaguing you the most. ...

BONUS: Hope for the Anxious Teacher: Getting to the Root of Anxiety

October 30, 2023 09:00 - 45 minutes - 36.9 MB

Have feelings of anxiety become your status quo? Many of us feel like they are, but with God’s help, they don't have to be! If you've been struggling to experience the peace God promises His followers, you won't want to miss this bonus podcast with Crystal Kershaw. Crystal, counselor and former teacher, examines common causes of anxiety and shares scriptural insights & practical tips to help you overcome it. Get links & additional info here.

Shine 05: How to Reach Students' Hearts

October 16, 2023 09:00 - 28 minutes - 23.7 MB

Discouragement can be hard to overcome if you feel like the eternal impact you're having on your students is minimal. This can be particularly true for teachers in public schools, but can be a struggle for those in private schools as well. If you're like many Christians, you might tend to think you've only made an eternal impact if you've helped someone move from unsaved to saved. Listen to this week's podcast episode to hear Linda explain why this is a limited understanding of the impact...

Shine 04: Fostering Healthy Relationships in Your Classroom

October 09, 2023 09:00 - 23 minutes - 19.7 MB

Even though God created us for relationships, that does not mean having relationships is easy. In fact, building connections with our students is some of the hardest work we ever do. This podcast episode is a great chance to look at the way the gospel not only reconciles us to God, but also allows us to be reconciled to one another. Using the framework of the gospel, the fruits of the spirit, and practical teaching techniques, Linda will walk you through how to build deeper relationships w...

Shine 03: Tackling the Distractors that Keep Us from Shining

October 02, 2023 09:00 - 29 minutes - 24.1 MB

What keeps us from shining God's light in our classroom? For teachers, some common reasons are stress, discouragement, and feeling overwhelmed. In this podcast episode, we will look at how to combat these obstacles with both spiritual and practical tools. Be inspired and equipped as we explore four essential questions to strengthen our spiritual foundation, hear practical tips to reduce feelings of being overwhelmed and stressed, and gain a renewed perspective that God is on this mission wit...

Shine 02: The Foundation You Need to Shine

September 25, 2023 09:00 - 27 minutes - 22.6 MB

Do you have a passion to reach others for Christ? Developing your credibility where He's placed you can have an immensely poweful impact! When you're good at your job, you increase your credibility... which God can and will use for eternal benefits! Listen to this week's podcast for ideas on how to improve your foundational teaching skills for His benefit, and at the same time avoid some common traps. If you find it hard to strike a balance between being complacent with your level of t...

Shine 01: Fueling Your Mission as a Teacher

September 18, 2023 09:00 - 20 minutes - 17.4 MB

Most teachers feel discouraged at some point in their careers. Some teachers maybe even feel discouraged daily. Truth: our jobs are difficult and overwhelming. So, even though the idea of shining for Christ sounds good in theory, executing it in real life may feel impossible. In the latest podcast episode, Linda invites us to make some mindset shifts concerning work, where our focus lies, and how we view discouragement. Plus, you'll learn how focusing on the reason we are here (and why we...

Fears 08: What if Death or Disaster Happens at my School?

August 28, 2023 09:00 - 19 minutes - 16.4 MB

Do you find yourself comparing the similarities of the latest school shooting to your school? As the frequency of these tragedies increases, it's easy to allow ourselves to slip into a near-constant panic that screams, "What if we are next?!?!" And, it's not just school shootings. Sadly, everyday tragedies happen at schools around the world; teachers and students get sick, pass away, are involved in crime, and other heartbreaking scenarios. Listen in to discover what to do if the unthinka...

Fears 07: Standing Strong Amidst the Fear of Cancel Culture

August 21, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 18.2 MB

It can feel scary to disagree with whatever the approved cultural narrative is at any given time. Whether there's a specific situation that you know about, or you find yourself worried about what may lie ahead, this can be extremely concerning for Christian teachers. One area this is showing up more and more commonly for teachers is with students who are claiming to be transgender. What used to be a rare instance is now shockingly common - and more and more of us are facing pressure to af...

Fears 06: Can I Be a Teacher AND Have a Life?

August 14, 2023 09:00 - 28 minutes - 23.9 MB

As you watch your to-do list grow, do you worry you will never have time to feel fully rested again? Do you fear that your life as a teacher is keeping you from enjoying other parts of ministry or living? Are you truly afraid of missing out on some of the best parts of life because of your career? You are not alone! But, take heart and listen to today's podcasts where we learn to create space to ENJOY both your career & your LIFE. This episode is part 6 of our series Teach without Fear: C...

Fears 05: Winning the Battle Against Student Apathy

August 07, 2023 09:00 - 28 minutes - 23.2 MB

Disengaged students have left teachers feeling helpless & hopeless for years. Thanks to the experience and wisdom of Dave Stuart Jr., we no longer have to fear apathy from our students. Listen in to hear practical tips and strategies hear to engage even the most apathetic of learners. This episode is part 5 of our series Teach without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Faith & Wisdom. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/fears.

Fears 04: Am I Even Making a Difference?

July 31, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 18.2 MB

Most teachers can accept that there will be difficult days, seasons, and even years. But, what happens when you start to fear that all your hard work is in vain, and you are not even making a difference? Listen to today's podcast to learn how to let go of that fear and what actions to faithfully continue when you are in one of those discouraging seasons. This episode is part 4 of our series Teach without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Faith & Wisdom. Check out the full series at www....

Fears 03: Navigating Parent-Teacher Communication

July 24, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 18 MB

Talking to parents can make even the most seasoned teacher nervous from time to time. In this episode, we focus on reframing our relationships with parents and how we interact with them. Listen in to learn steps to take you from fear to wisdom as you minister to the parents of your students in love and confidence. This episode is part 3 of our series Teach without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Faith & Wisdom. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/fears.

BONUS: Classroom Management & Motivation: Strategies to Start the Year Right

July 20, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 56.1 MB

We're bringing you a recording of our Back-to-School Classroom Management & Motivation training in this special bonus episode. Listen to discover strategies to reduce chaos, motivate your students, and start the year off right.   To view the full video version of this training, visit www.teach4theheart.com/training. Join us in Classroom Management 101 at www.teach4theheart.com/101.

Fears 02: How to Stop Fearing Classroom Behavior Issues

July 17, 2023 09:00 - 19 minutes - 16.2 MB

Does student behavior ever fill you with fear? Particularly, do you ever stress over how you will handle addressing the behavior? In this episode of the podcast, we are using our 3 part framework to address the issue and take action so that you can teach with confidence. Listen in and get help with overcoming your fear of your students' bad behavior. This episode is part 2 of our series Teach without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Faith & Wisdom. Check out the full series at www.teac...

Fears 01: Does Discontentment Mean I'm in the Wrong Place?

July 10, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 18.1 MB

Are you a teacher who feels stuck, unsure of whether you're in the right position or even in the right profession? You're not alone. In this podcast episode, we'll explore common thoughts about discontentment & worry that teachers face concerning God's will. We will also look at how to take what we are feeling and shore it up with the truth of Scripture. Join us as we help you find the hope and peace you need to prepare your heart for what God has in store next for you this year. This epi...

Finish Strong 05: 4 Steps to Your Ideal Summer Break

June 05, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 18.3 MB

Summer vacation goes by faster every year it seems, and there's so much to squeeze into those quickly fleeting days. How do we get it all done? Simple. We plan well. Listen in to learn about this 4 step template that will help you get all your summer fun (and not-so-fun, but still important) completed before back to school time!

Finish Strong 04: A Simple Key to Future Success

May 29, 2023 09:00 - 18 minutes - 15.9 MB

Reflection is THE key to growth & change. Celebrating your wins, acknowledging your pain points, and making a plan for next year ensures the hope of a brighter future. The best part? If you do your reflection now, you can fully enjoy your summer vacation! Ready to relax? Listen here.

BONUS: How Teach 4 the Heart Came to Be: 10 Year Anniversary Special

May 23, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 18 MB

I can hardly believe it's been 10 years since Teach 4 the Heart started. I never could have imagined what God had planned and how God would grow and use my feeble writing attempts to encourage and help so many teachers.   As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary, I thought it would be fun to share some of the backstory of how Teach 4 the Heart started and how God has faithfully worked and grown us over the years. We hope you'll enjoy this special, somewhat unfiltered episode and story.  ...

Finish Strong 03: How to Close Down Your Classroom Like a Pro

May 22, 2023 09:00 - 20 minutes - 16.9 MB

Say goodbye to checked-out students and chaotic messes at the end of the school year! Use these tips to close your classroom down for summer in a way that will make future you thrilled. Learn more about these skills and our other stress-reducing ideas from Teach 4 the Heart + here.

Finish Strong 02: Making a Final Impact on our Students

May 15, 2023 09:00 - 19 minutes - 16.6 MB

If you are worried about the pacing of your curriculum in these last few weeks and how to stretch it or get through it all, this episode is for you! Prioritize what is most important (now and in the future) and use those relationship skills to make a more profound impact at the year's end. Learn how by listening here.

Finish Strong 01: How to Finish Strong, Even if You Don't Think You Can

May 08, 2023 09:00 - 16 minutes - 14.1 MB

Finishing the year well may feel impossible if you are depleted, but this episode gives you spiritual resources and practical strategies to keep going strong until the end of the school year. After all, your opportunity for impact remains until the very last day of school. Check out this encouraging episode AND the Teacher Appreciation Bundle we have for you here!

Bonus: Gender Identity, Anxiety, and Depression: Reshaping Identity Issues with the Gospel

April 24, 2023 09:00 - 46 minutes - 37.8 MB

At the core of many of the issues facing both teens and adults is a question of identity. From confusion about gender or sexual identity to struggles with anxiety, depression, and self-worth, how we view ourselves is at the core. In this special episode, Jonathan Holmes joins us to explore the differences between a traditional view of identity and a modern one, and how a Gospel identity transcends and transforms both views, enabling us to overcome with our identity fixed in Christ.

Bonus: How to Prep Simple Sub Plans - so You Can Actually Take Time Off

April 10, 2023 09:00 - 32 minutes - 26.8 MB

For teachers, the stress of making sub plans often means we are super hesitant to take days off - even if we need them. But what if it didn't have to be that hard? Listen as Kelsey Sorenson shares how to prep simple, ready-made sub plans that can be pulled out anytime you need them!

Classroom Management 04: True Teaching Tales: How a Classroom Management Plan Built Laura’s Confidence

March 27, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 21.1 MB

Over this series, we have talked a lot about building a Classroom Management Plan, and then adjusting it so it works. Today, we are going to hear from Laura, who shares how she did that last summer, and how her plan has been working this school year. Listen in for a true tale from teaching!

Classroom Management 03: 4 Steps to a Well-Managed Classroom

March 20, 2023 10:00 - 22 minutes - 18.9 MB

Do you love a step-by-step plan? Then listen in as Linda walks you through the steps to having a classroom that will run smoothly! These four elements will allow you to finally have the classroom you have always wanted!

News: Free Online "Missions Trips" with Gospel Adventures

March 16, 2023 09:00 - 4 minutes - 4.57 MB

Gospel Adventures offers free online curriculum that introduces children and teens to different cultures & the work of the Gospel around the world. Check out their free curriculum at www.gospeladventures.org

Classroom Management 02: 3 Common Mistakes in Classroom Management

March 13, 2023 10:00 - 23 minutes - 19.8 MB

If you are wondering why, despite your best efforts, your classroom isn't running as planned, you may find your answer in this episode! Listen in to see if you are making one of these 3 common mistakes that impact the environment of our classrooms much more than we would expect.

Classroom Management 01: What Kind of Classroom Management Does God Call Us To?

March 06, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 21.2 MB

Join us in this thought-provoking episode where we balance the need for consequences and the call to love one another well. If you struggle to see beyond your students' misbehaviors, then this episode is a must listen!

News: Announcing Teach 4 the Heart +

February 22, 2023 10:00 - 6 minutes - 5.9 MB

We're thrilled to announce the release of Teach 4 the Heart +, a new program to help you find joy in teaching again.   Teach 4 the Heart + is here to help you reduce the stress of teaching by implementing wise strategies & learning to trust our faithful God - so you can joyfully teach and love the students God has given you.   Get all the details & join at the special premier rate (now through March 1) at www.teach4theheart.com/plus. 

Discouragement 02: How to Be a Problem Solver

February 20, 2023 10:00 - 20 minutes - 17.1 MB

Many issues in life have multiple solutions. Not all solutions are created equal. How do we know which way to solve a problem will bring the most glory to God or which solution is the wisest? Join us in this episode as we will discuss this and how T4TH+ helps you discover great solutions too! This episode is part 2 of our miniseries about Banishing Discouragement & Loving Teaching Again. Check out the full series at www.teach4theheart.com/discouragement.