“One person in five has dyslexia. That means if you have a classroom of 20 students, you probably have three to four students on that continuum.” - Cindy Hall

Every classroom includes students who learn differently, and many teachers feel unsure how to support them well.

In this episode of Teacher Edition, Jenny Copeland sits down with Cindy Hall, founding director of the Dyslexia Center at Lindsay Lane Christian Academy, to talk honestly and practically about dyslexia in Christian schools. Cindy brings decades of classroom experience and a deep passion for helping teachers understand how small, intentional shifts can make a world of difference for dyslexic learners.

Together, they explore what dyslexia really is (and what it isn’t), how common it is in Christian school classrooms, and why many students with dyslexia are often misunderstood or overlooked. 

“When children feel that their teacher is on their side, their shoulders go down—and then they’re able to learn.” - Cindy Hall

“Being kind to struggling students teaches the rest of the class how to be kind to everyone.” - Cindy Hall

Resources Mentioned:

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

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. https://www.bjupress.com/

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

“We spend money on brochures and ads, but the teacher can make it or break it.” - Cathy Dotson

“We’re not just pulling people to our school—we’re pulling people to the Lord.” - Cathy Dotson

As schools enter open house season, launch enrollment campaigns, and invest in marketing strategies for the year ahead, one truth often gets overlooked: your most powerful marketing tool is already inside your building.

In this episode of Teacher Edition, host Jenny Copeland welcomes back Cathy Dotson, elementary principal at Wilmington Christian Academy, to unpack why teachers, not billboards, websites, or ads, are the true voice of a school’s story.

Through real-life examples, practical insights, and hard-earned leadership wisdom, Cathy challenges both teachers and school leaders to rethink marketing, retention, and culture—starting in the classroom.

Key Topics & Takeaways:

“If parents feel heard and feel like their child is loved, they don’t want to go anywhere else.” - Cathy Dotson

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!

Resources Mentioned:

Tools for Marketing: 

About Our Guest

Cathy Dotson is a dedicated professional with over 30 years in full-time Christian service, primarily as a teacher and principal. Currently serving as the elementary principal at Wilmington Christian Academy in Wilmington, NC, Cathy's educational journey is marked by her unwavering commitment to Christian education. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education, a master's degree in educational leadership, and an Ed.D. in instructional leadership, a testament to her academic and professional accomplishments.

Cathy's fervor for Christian education, coupled with her wealth of experience and wisdom, is truly infectious. She remains an active speaker on a diverse range of topics, consistently spreading her passion for Christian education and positively influencing those she encounters.

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. https://www.bjupress.com/

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

“AI can help with efficiency, but it cannot replace the teacher.” - Doug Lay

Technology isn’t slowing down… and neither is the pressure educators feel to “keep up.” In this episode, Jenny Copeland sits down with Doug Lay, administrator at Victory Christian School (Sylva, NC) and a former software architect/systems engineer with decades in IT. Doug brings a steady, Scripture-shaped perspective to a fast-moving world, reminding us that tools should serve the mission, not replace it.

You’ll hear Doug’s path from pastoral ministry and Christian school leadership to a self-taught career in programming. Plus practical wisdom for navigating AI, student attention, screen time, and engagement without losing what matters most: the transforming power of teacher-student relationships.

“Fifteen minutes of real, personal engagement can matter more than a whole week of distracted learning.” - Doug Lay

“The most important thing that happens in a school is the interaction between a teacher and a student.” - Doug Lay

About Our Guest:

Sponsored By

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

“We cannot teach our children how to think without helping them know what the standard of truth is.” - Lauren Wiggs

Have you ever heard someone say, “What were you thinking?” Or maybe a student has looked at you and said, “I just wasn’t thinking.” In a world where AI and endless tools are eager to do our thinking for us, the skill of thinking, real, biblical, critical thinking, can feel like a dying art.

In this episode, Jenny Copeland sits down with Lauren Wiggs, a middle and high school English Language Arts teacher and Secondary Supervisor at Matthews Christian Academy, to talk about what it actually looks like to teach students how to think, not just what to think.

Key Takeaways:

“There is a huge difference between teaching students what to think and teaching them how to think.” - Lauren Wiggs

“Literature is a safe place for students to wrestle with big ideas before they face them in real life.” - Lauren Wiggs

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:

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

“God often works in those small, unnoticed times.” - Amanda Cecil

“It’s not our job to produce the results. It’s our job to be faithful with the opportunities He gives us.” - Amanda Cecil

Some of the most powerful moments in education don’t happen during the perfectly planned lesson—they happen in the “ordinary” spaces: snack time, recess, transitions, a hallway conversation, a quiet prayer whispered at a student’s desk. Jenny Copeland welcomes Amanda Cecil for a conversation reminding every Christian educator of a steady truth: faithful planting seeds matters, even when you don’t get to see the harvest.

Key Takeaways for Teachers:

“When you impact one child, you’re going to impact everyone that they touch later in life as well.” - Amanda Cecil

Resources Mentioned:

Bible passages referenced:

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:

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.  https://www.bjupress.com/

Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com

“I want schools and school associations to be vigilant… We need to do whatever it takes to maintain our ability to teach biblical truth at all costs.” - Jeff Keaton

Christian education is growing, but growth brings new pressures.

In this episode of Teacher Edition, Jenny welcomes back Jeff Keaton, founder and CEO of RenewaNation, for an honest, wide-angle conversation about where Christian schools are today and where they’re headed next.

Together, Jenny and Jeff unpack how schools can protect culture, strengthen biblical worldview formation, and lead courageously without compromising truth.

​​“The reason why I love the BJU textbooks so much is because they show in real time what biblical worldview thinking… actually looks like.” - Jeff Keaton

“If they’re not studying outside of the classroom… they’re not going to have an overflow of it.” - Jeff Keaton

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!

Resources Mentioned:

About Our Guest:

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. https://www.bjupress.com/

Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com

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“Math only works because it describes consistencies that God holds in place.” - Katie Vance

“What type of class would you want to sit in? And then create it.” - Katie Vance

Math doesn’t have to be the “necessary evil.” In this episode, Jenny Copeland sits down with Katie Vance—an experienced Christian educator who once struggled with math but learned to see God’s fingerprints all over it.

Together, they explore why so many students (and even teachers) dislike math, what truly helps students engage and understand, and how math can point learners to a faithful, truth-telling God. Katie shares her honest journey from teaching math through memorization to embracing student-centered learning that invites curiosity, participation, and deeper understanding.

Key Takeaways for Teachers

“Everyone’s a math person because our Creator is—and we’re made in His image.” - Katie Vance

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!

Resources Mentioned:

About Our Guest

Sponsored By

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

“Pray for your students — that they are doing well, that they know they matter, and that God is working in their lives.” – Curtis Tomlin

What separates good teaching from transformative teaching? In this episode, Jenny sits down with Curtis Tomlin to explore what it truly means to teach beyond the classroom walls.

Curtis shares his passion for Christian education that extends far past lesson plans and academic standards. He emphasizes the critical importance of building genuine relationships with students — making those phone calls, checking in during difficult seasons, and showing students they are valued as individuals created in God’s image.

In this episode, Curtis and Jenny discuss:

Curtis challenges educators to remember that their influence extends far beyond test scores and curriculum standards. When teachers invest in the whole child academically, emotionally, and spiritually, they create environments where students can truly thrive and discover their God-given purpose.

This conversation will encourage every Christian educator to see themselves not just as instructors, but as life-shapers who have the privilege of pointing students toward Christ through authentic relationship and genuine care.

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!

“Christian education isn’t just about what happens during class time; it’s about investing in the whole child.” – Curtis Tomlin

Curtis Tomlin currently serves as the administrator of Hidden Treasure Christian School in Taylors, SC. He has an undergraduate degree in music education and a masters in education. He and his wife have been serving in Christian education for 30 years. God has given them a vision and ministry to help struggling traditional schools to build their programs as well as help them begin a resource program that would best work with their education needs. Curtis is also a musician, playing several instruments. He and his wife have two adult children.

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]

“Resilient teachers practice gratitude and know how to reframe situations.” – Dana Davis

“Happiness is contagious – when teachers prioritize their health, students benefit, too.” – Dana Davis

This episode is for EVERY educator, especially as we head into the new year. Jenny’s guest, Dana Davis, brings a diverse education experience and a passion to encourage educators as whole people, with a focus on building genuine resilience.  

As teacher turnover rates continue to climb, Dana addresses the contributing factors, particularly the lack of control many educators feel and the physical toll that chronic stress takes on their bodies. She unpacks the impact of elevated cortisol levels and offers practical, actionable strategies for managing stress and reclaiming joy in the classroom. 

In this episode, Jenny and Dana also discuss:

This conversation offers hope and practical wisdom for educators seeking to thrive in, not just survive, their calling.  

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!

Book: 17 Things Resilient Teachers Do by Bryan Harris

Dana Davis leads the faculty of Maranatha Baptist University in online pedagogy as MBU’s Assistant VP of Online and Distance Learning. As an educator, Dana is experienced in several diverse environments, currently teaching courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in MBU’s School of Education. In addition, Dana has previous experience serving as a junior high public school teacher, a fourth-grade Christian school teacher, and a homeschool mother. Dana completed a BS in elementary education from Southern Illinois University and a master of education with a concentration in reading from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Dana is a licensed reading teacher. Dana is married to Dr. Matt Davis, Chief Executive Officer at Maranatha Baptist University. They live in Watertown, Wisconsin.

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 TeacherEditionPodcast.com.

“We have to stay true to our core mission, which is creating transformational materials for students’ lives. We can’t forget the trust that teacher is going to put in BJU Press to be able to create a product that can actually mean success in that classroom.” — Steve Dickinson

“The content is so important, and the delivery is going to flex. We can’t get hung up on the delivery mechanisms, because it's going to change and change and change.” — Steve Dickinson

Merry Christmas Teacher Edition podcast listeners! As we wrap up the 2025 calendar year, Jenny sits down with the CEO of BJU Press to share in a special holiday conversation. Steve shares his unique journey from accountant to CEO, revealing how growing up in an educator’s home and marrying a teacher has shaped his heart for Christian education. 

Discover the story behind BJU Press’s mission to create transformational materials that serve both the classroom and homeschool educators. Steve opens up about the delicate balance between embracing new educational technology like AI while maintaining the irreplaceable role of teachers. He addresses one of education’s most pressing challenges — the rise of cheating and lying — and why character development matters as much as academic excellence. 

Whether you’re fighting holiday traffic or relaxing with family, this encouraging conversation reminds us that Christian education is generationally changing and that your work as an educator truly makes an eternal difference. From the mimeograph days to AI integration, hear how BJU Press remains committed to equipping teachers for the daily grind while never forgetting what happens in real classrooms with real students.  

About Our Guest

Steve Dickinson currently serves as the CEO of BJU Press. After graduating with an accounting degree from Bob Jones University, Steve worked in the finance industry, including as the vice president of global finance reporting for InterContinental Group PLC in the United Kingdom. For 11 years, he served as executive director of finance and operations and then CFO of BJU Press and was instrumental in expanding the company’s footprint in China and Southeast Asia. After serving for five years as CFO and then vice president of business and finance at BJU, Inc., Steve returned to BJU Press in 2023. His wife, Cindy, serves as a national consultant for BJU Press. 

Sponsored By

Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more.   [bjupress.com]