"The foundation of a successful school day often relies on how well our substitute teachers are prepared and supported."— Jenny Copeland 

On this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, we explore some very practical ways to help substitute teachers be prepared, informed, and empowered to lead the classroom successfully. Unfortunately, substitute teachers often have a negative connotation. We have visions of out-of-control classrooms in various less-than-ideal situations. Often, we point to the substitute as the determiner of the failure or success of the classroom; however, we as administrators or teachers are the key to ensuring the classroom runs at normal levels on those days.  

Join Jenny and our guest, April Sinkhorn, creator of Substitute University, to discuss several aspects of supporting substitute teachers:

1. The importance of a comprehensive manual for substitute teachers to refer to

Through these insights, April encourages administrators and teachers that investing in the development of substitute teachers can help foster a smoother and more reliable educational experience for students and educators alike. Additionally, they discuss how to find qualified candidates and how to navigate unqualified substitutes while helping them contribute to the school in other areas.  

Proper training and support can have a profound impact on the daily operations of a school and the experience of the student body. Substitutes may be on the backburner of many schools, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Substitute University is a very creative and doable model for schools to help prepare substitute teachers. In the words of April (borrowed from Subway), “Be a sub above,” and elevate the approach to substitute teaching while bringing your classrooms to a new level of learning. 

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!

"It's incredible how much peace of mind proper training can bring, not just to the substitutes themselves, but also to the regular teachers and the entire school staff."— April Sinkhorn 

About the Guest

April grew up in a Christian home and has lived in NC the majority of her life. She attended Christian school Pr-K through 12th grade. She received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education & post-grad in Educational Leadership from BJU. She just finished her 25th year in Christian Education! Seventeen of those years have been as Elementary Principal at Jacksonville Christian Academy in Jacksonville, NC. 

Her hobbies include singing, playing piano, and spending time with family and friends.

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]

Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@teachereditionpod

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod

"A worldview is a set of basic beliefs, assumptions, and values that arises from a big story about the world and produces individual and group action, what we call human culture." - Renton Rathbun

In a quick-fix culture, everything is designed for speed- fast food, speedy checkout lanes, next-day deliveries, high-speed internet, and even listening to podcasts at 1.5x speed.  We may be accustomed to fast fixes and quick models, but how do we approach biblical worldview shaping in Christian schools?  Is a 3-step model or an easy-to-remember acrostic enough?

When it comes to establishing and maintaining a Biblical worldview at your school, how do you effectively pass this along to your students? Is there a simple model to adopt? Will that guarantee results - or are there other vital elements to “doing it right” when it comes to biblical worldview shaping?  These are some questions Jenny Copeland and Renton Rathbun, a classroom teacher for over two decades, will answer today.  

Important topics discussed in this episode:

• What does worldview mean?

It’s not all about this model or that 3 step process for success. It is about aligning to a doctrinal standard.  We need this now more than ever in our Christian schools.  

We as educators are approaching a new school year, a new group of students, and a new opportunity to impact our students' lives. With establishing a biblical worldview, we can create an impact on not just the students but the community and even the world. Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God's power and His grace working in you. 

Go do what God has called you to do!

“Biblical worldview should start with God, not us. This isn't our world in which God comes in and gives us instruction, but rather this is God's world.”

About Renton Rathbun

Renton Rathbun is committed to developing a biblical worldview in faculty, staff, and students which begins in the heart, is refined by the mind, and leads to service for others.  Renton currently serves as a national speaker for BJU Press and as the director of the Center for Biblical Worldview at BJU.  Renton holds a degree in English education, master’s degrees in speech, writing, philosophy, and theology, and a PhD in apologetics.  He has been a college professor for over twenty years teaching in both public and Christian colleges and universities.  Renton and his wife, April, have three 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]

Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@teachereditionpod

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod

“I feel as leaders we have to have awareness and maturity, and do the best we can to surround ourselves with people who can speak truth to us and help us pursue excellence." Jason Haas

Jenny Copeland is back with special guest, Jason Haas, to continue their conversation about the challenges Christian schools and their teachers are facing today. In part one, they talked about the comparison of a store to a Christian school as it relates to knowing your customers and your challenges and being able to respond to them. School administrators and teachers are aware more than ever of the need to respond to the elements creating new challenges. 

Key Topics Discussed:

• Understanding what families are looking for from the Christian school today

Responding to the needs and desires of families desiring Christian foundation and values is critical, but one of the greatest places to start is properly caring for our teachers. As Jenny states, “God deserves our best, and our students deserve our best.” As educators we want to prepare ourselves through pursuing excellent training, nurturing our spiritual growth, and seeking excellence. You're not alone in the fight for impacting your students. What a privilege to have a front row seat in education for such a time as this. God put each of us here, right now, for this. 

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 Jason Haas

Dr. Jason Haas has been with the North Carolina Christian School Association since 1999. Dr. Haas served as the NCCSA’s Director of Programs and Services for 23 years and assumed the role of Executive Director on July 1, 2022. Dr. Haas has earned a B.S. degree in Education, an M.S. degree in Educational Leadership, an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership, and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership. He directs the day-to-day operations of the NCCSA and serves as the organizational lead in the products and services offered to Christian schools in North Carolina. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors for the American Association of Christian Schools.  He is married and has one daughter, as well as identical twin boys.

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]

Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@teachereditionpod

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod

“For parents seeking out a Christian school, they want a school that integrates Biblical teaching into the curriculum and an environment that fosters Christ centeredness."- Jason Haas

Part One

Have you ever walked into a store expecting one thing and found something completely different? It’s important for stores to know their customers, and Christian schools are no different. In this week’s Teacher Edition episode, Jenny discusses with Jason Haas about the importance of understanding our families' needs and the challenges Christian educators face today.

Our guest Jason Haas is a dedicated advocate for quality Christian education. With extensive experience and a strong background in education, Jason serves as the Executive Director of the North Carolina Christian School Association and on the Board of Directors for the American Association of Christian Schools. Join us as we talk with Jason about the trends and challenges in Christian education and how we can better understand and serve our school families.

Episode Highlights:

• Addressing cultural pressures and maintaining religious freedom

Each day in the classroom is an opportunity to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace. Go do what God has called you to do!

About Jason Haas

Dr. Jason Haas has been with the North Carolina Christian School Association since 1999. Dr. Haas served as the NCCSA’s Director of Programs and Services for 23 years and assumed the role of Executive Director on July 1, 2022. Dr. Haas has earned a B.S. degree in Education, an M.S. degree in Educational Leadership, an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership, and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership. He directs the day-to-day operations of the NCCSA and serves as the organizational lead in the products and services offered to Christian schools in North Carolina. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors for the American Association of Christian Schools.  He is married and has one daughter, as well as identical twin boys.

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]

Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@teachereditionpod

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod

"Technology is not going away. It's up to us as educators to fill the space and guide students in navigating this tech-influenced world safely and ethically."-Penny McKnight

On the previous podcast episode, Jenny Copeland and Penny McKnight discussed basics of what generative AI is and how it works, as well as the impacts of AI in the Christian school classroom.  

On this episode, they discuss the practical questions many educators may have, such as:  

• Do we ignore or ban AI in our school?

Listening to this insightful conversation, educators are reminded that their role is important in guiding students through the AI experience with a thoughtful, balanced, and biblical  approach that honors God. Our students will be taught, and they will be influenced.  If we don’t speak into their lives, someone else will.  There will not be a void.  Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God's power and His grace working in you. 

Go do what God has called you to do!

"We need to teach them that if they are getting content from AI, they also need to make sure they're checking that against the Word of God."- Penny McKnight

AI Resources Mentioned:

https://curipod.com/

https://www.magicschool.ai/

https://www.canva.com/

https://edpuzzle.com/

https://quizlet.com/gb

https://kahoot.com/

https://undetectable.ai/  

About Penny McKnight

Penny McKnight is a devoted educator, missionary, wife, mother, and grandmother. Raised by Christian parents who sacrificed for her education, Penny discovered her love for children while volunteering in Sunday school and Good News Clubs as a teenager. Determined never to be a school teacher, Penny graduated with a degree in church ministries and ministered for 17 years as a missionary in Jamaica with her husband and four children. Since returning to the States, Penny has been teaching high school English for the past 19 years at Harford Christian School in Maryland. When she’s not teaching or grading papers, Penny enjoys time with her grandson, taking walks with her husband, and reading a good book.

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]

Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@teachereditionpod

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod

"Although it's called artificial intelligence, it's not intelligence. It's math. It's all a series of mathematical algorithms and binary code that is just searching data and then looking for patterns and putting them together in fresh and original ways." Penny McKnight

Part One

AI is prevalent, and as educators, you would be hard pressed not to bump into it in your classroom, even with efforts to keep AI out of the classroom.  There are a lot of voices about AI right now, and we as educators need to understand the truth about AI. 

This episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, host Jenny Copeland and guest Penny McKnight bring this important topic to light.  Penny McKnight, is an educator, missionary, wife and grandmother. Penny is a teacher who is working in the trenches, serving faithfully, and facing head on the waves of the culture and society we live in- including the breakneck speed of technology advancements.  Like many Christian school teachers, Penny navigates the reality of AI and realizes the need to decide how to respond inside of the classroom.  

Throughout this conversation, Jenny and Penny discuss these important questions:

• What can generative AI do, and why is it so important?

Jenny and Penny barely scratch the surface on embracing AI in the classroom as Christian educators in this episode.  Be sure to listen to part two as you will hear more practical suggestions to incorporate AI appropriately within the classroom.  Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God's power and His grace working in you. 

Go do what God has called you to do!

"We can't control it. We can't really ban it, but we can help students to learn it, to use it in a supervised way, in a thoughtful and a meaningful way."- Penny McKnight

Resource:

How to Define “Cheating” and “Plagiarism” with AI 

https://ditchthattextbook.com/ai/#tve-jump-18606008967

AI Tools:

https://www.magicschool.ai/ 

https://undetectable.ai/  

About Penny McKnight

Penny McKnight is a devoted educator, missionary, wife, mother, and grandmother. Raised by Christian parents who sacrificed for her education, Penny discovered her love for children while volunteering in Sunday school and Good News Clubs as a teenager. Determined never to be a school teacher, Penny graduated with a degree in church ministries and ministered for 17 years as a missionary in Jamaica with her husband and four children. Since returning to the States, Penny has been teaching high school English for the past 19 years at Harford Christian School in Maryland. When she’s not teaching or grading papers, Penny enjoys time with her grandson, taking walks with her husband, and reading a good book.

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]

Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@teachereditionpod

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod

“God’s Word is clear that the primary responsibility for training up children is with the parents, so we partner with parents.  We are not the parents.  Christian schools are also not the church, and it’s important that they don’t see themselves in that role.  Instead, the Christian school and the church are powerful tools for partnering with parents in training up their children.  Each has its own opportunities and unique input, but that all being said, there is a common thread  and that is the vital need for discipleship. ”- Jenny Copeland

In this inspiring episode of Teacher Edition, Jenny Copeland welcomes Brad Parker, a seasoned educator with over 20 years in Christian education. Currently serving as Lead Administrator at Matthews Christian Academy, Brad brings a wealth of experience from various roles including teacher, coach, business manager, school administrator, and university professor.

Throughout Brad’s career, he has displayed a deep passion for Christian education, evident in his commitment to impacting both the ministry and students alike. Today, Jenny sits down with Brad to explore the important role of spiritual growth and how to cultivate discipleship within Christian schools.

Throughout their encouraging conversation, Jenny and Brad discuss: 

• The Current Impact of Culture on Students Minds and Hearts

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, Brad encourages teachers to be intentional with building relationships with students and creating a lasting impact inside the students’ lives through the power of discipleship.  For students, having a safe place to ask questions about cultural topics and receive biblically based answers is invaluable. 

“I don't think we can discount the role that a teacher plays in the spiritual aspect of helping a young person grow.”  Brad Parker

Brad Parker has served in Christian education with his wife, Amy since 2000 as a teacher, coach, business manager, school administrator, and assistant pastor.  His current role is Lead Administrator at Matthews Christian Academy in Matthews, NC.  He also teaches college courses in Biblical Counseling and Educational Leadership.  He supports Christian schools in Pennsylvania for the American Association of Christian Schools (AACS) and also serves on accreditation teams in the mid-Atlantic to encourage school improvement.  He and his wife have 2 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]

Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@teachereditionpod

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod

We are surrounded by technology.  Like it or not, it impacts every day of our lives.  In schools, the approach to technology is about as varied as it can get.  Some schools use devices by the hour, others allow no devices. Then there are the smart watches students wear, the Bluetooth speakers, and the camera glasses all around us.  AI seems to grow daily with stores without check-out lines, self-driving cars, drones giving roof estimates, and on and on.  Where is this going and is AI ok?  We have a lot to talk about on this week’s Teacher Edition podcast.  

With technology,  it is so easy to get way down in the weeds or sidetracked by one particular tool or resource.  Jenny Copeland backs away from those topics and instead focuses on technology in general as it relates to us as Christian educators, to God’s Word, and ultimately to a biblical worldview.  

There is an unending variety of views on technology- from schools who ban it to families who embrace it.  The family in the pew in front of them hates it, and not only hates it, but sees it as sinful.  Where is God in all of this? Bryan Smith joins Jenny on the podcast to discuss a biblical worldview regarding technology.

Bryan addresses some controversial questions like: 

• Does God like technology? 

Bryan shares how we find these three foundational principles throughout Scripture:

1. Technology amplifies our God-given physical and mental powers. We need amplification.

So, what do we do as Christian school educators to help make wise decisions with the use of technology? Jenny and Bryan uncover four ways to answer these genuine questions:

1. Evaluation 

Bryan gives practical and biblical advice to help educators not get swept up in the current technological world, but stay grounded in God’s Word so it brings honor to God, regardless of the world around us.  

Memorable Quotes: 

“What technology amplifies, it also numbs”

“Are these values contrary to Christian values? Are these values leading me to tend to behave in ways that are not very Christlike? Having those conversations with ourselves are really important anyway."

"Every one of these experiences, because of digital technology, can now be experienced outside of community. [It] can just be you, your phone, and your earbuds. And while that's convenient and that does have some advantages, when you multiply that across the span of a person's entire experience, it can be very depressing. It can lead to people feeling lonely."

References

Neil Postman “Amusing Ourselves to Death” https://www.amazon.com/Amusing-Ourselves-Death-Discourse-Business/dp/014303653X

Nicholas Carr “The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains”

https://www.amazon.com/The-Shallows/dp/1838952586/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1WX8UNMOELC0M&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.mtyiGIgFai9b0AFx694YKrYrEA0CgBAk_-126cqdxQw.BuWgOeojr8rVmCyIB8rd1ZsIL9p3mGU2hHJcpviXZ2U&dib_tag=se&keywords=nicholas+par+the+shallows&qid=1713882706&s=books&sprefix=nicholas+par+the+shallows%2Cstripbooks%2C133&sr=1-2

John Dyer “From the Garden to the City” https://www.amazon.com/Garden-City-Redeeming-Corrupting-Technology/dp/0825426685/ref=sr_1_2?crid=MW0IYIDJ3GM9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AVknfqgxPCt_fSlCb5xpSyOiWA9gFytGByC3kf6PySvGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.yMRvS6m4lInAiQHlaGlodh9TXrgUsSTjznMNWUxx6UY&dib_tag=se&keywords=from+the+garden+to+the+city+john+dyer&qid=1713883118&sprefix=john+dyer+%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-2

Jonathan Haidt- The Harm of Social Media https://jonathanhaidt.com/social-media/

About Bryan Smith

Bryan has worked in Christian education for over 30 years. He has been a classroom teacher as well as a textbook author. Currently, he serves BJU Press as director of Biblical Worldview Shaping. In this position he assists authors and teachers in the work of forming a biblical worldview in the classroom. Bryan holds a PhD in Old Testament interpretation.

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]

Website https://teachereditionpodcast.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@teachereditionpod

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod

Part Two

Last Teacher Edition episode, the leadership team from Cornerstone Christian Academy in Virginia shared the process of beginning a Christian school including planning, hiring, and creating and adhering to the school’s mission statement. You don’t want to miss part one! 

This episode on the Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny and the Cornerstone Christian team discuss:

• Selecting a curriculum with a biblical worldview

If the Lord is putting it on your heart to start a Christian school, He will provide all your needs.  The faculty and staff of Cornerstone Christian Academy have experienced guidance and provision.  Do what God has uniquely put on your heart for your specific Christian school. God will honor your work; He is faithful. 

Sam, Bill, and Ruth have allowed us the opportunity to see how to start a Christian school. You may not want to start a Christian school, but we encourage you to pray for your local Christian school leaders. We need more schools but we need strong schools.

Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God's power and His grace working in you. 

Go do what God has called you to do!

"We refer to our teachers as the living curriculum. They're the living breathing curriculum. And so nothing, not a smart board, nothing should take the place of that."

“There's no more important work that they could be called to do: to pour the truth of the word of God, to help equip young people to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength to be true disciples of Jesus Christ.”

“So whatever the Lord has placed on your heart, if you're starting a christian school, don't try to be everything to everyone. Just be true to what He's called you to do. Try to do that window of a thing with excellence before Him, and He will honor it. He will bring people that will come alongside you as he has us."

- Dr. Sam Botta

About Our Guests

Ruth Davis

Ruth Davis grew up in a Christian home and, at an early age, gave her heart to Christ while attending summer camp.  She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership.  She began her teaching career as a Teacher of Technology before transitioning to specializing in Instructional Technology Integration. Mrs. Davis and her husband, Jim, live in Northern Virginia and have four grown children, one grandson, and two dogs. Ruth enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, golf, and kayaking.

Dr. Samuel Botta

In the fall of 1975, Sam Botta began his freshman year of college at Old Dominion University. Although Sam initially thought he was attending ODU to play basketball, a senior witnessed to Sam at a party in his dorm cafeteria and then introduced him to a pastor, who led Sam to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Sam soon realized that God had ordained for him to be there not to play basketball, but to place his faith, trust, and life in the everlasting arms of Jesus. After incurring a season-ending injury, Sam left ODU and completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education at The King’s College in New York.  Dr. Botta began his professional educational career serving as a physical education teacher and basketball coach, leading his teams to numerous tournaments and championships. He also earned Master of Education and Doctor of Education degrees. Dr. Botta went on to serve as principal and head of school at several Christian schools and then as the director of athletics and head coach of men’s basketball at Regent University before joining Cornerstone Christian Academy as head of school. He and his wife Lynda have four adult sons: Danny, Scott, Brett, and Jeff.

Bill Oblas

Although Bill Oblas went to church every Sunday from childhood, he did not accept Jesus as his personal Savior until he was 21. His then-fianceé, Sally, had a burden for Bill to know Christ (she was saved several months earlier), and she led Bill to the Lord. Bill and Sally have been married since 1973.  Bill’s educational career spans over 40 years. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education. While Mr. Oblas retired from education in 2014, he came out of retirement to support the launch of Cornerstone Christian Academy in Virginia. He and his wife, Sally reside in Northern Virginia, and are blessed to know that their three children, children’s spouses, and eight grandchildren all walk with Jesus.

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.

Watch or listen to more episodes below!

https://teachereditionpodcast.com/ 

Follow us online! 

https://www.tiktok.com/@teachereditionpod 

https://www.instagram.com/teachereditionpod/ 

https://www.facebook.com/teachereditionpod

Part One

Even the thought of starting a Christian school can be overwhelming - the finances, a place to meet, hiring personnel, recruiting families, curriculum and programs - the list feels unending; however, when God moves individuals to do His work, He already has a plan to provide for every need and to enable His servants in His work.

Over the past year, Jenny Copeland was blessed with the opportunity to interact with the leadership and teachers at a brand new Christian school in Virginia. She felt led by the Lord to invite them onto the Teacher Edition podcast to share their story. This encouraging episode is for you, whether you are starting a Christian school or you are serving in a well-established Christian school.   

Members of the leadership team from Cornerstone from Academy join Jenny on the podcast today to share their journey in starting a Christian school. They share insights from their experience of planning, hiring, creating a mission and holding to it, and so much more.

Some of the questions discussed in this episode:

• What precipitated the need to start Cornerstone Christian Academy? 

During this conversation, you will hear important aspects of starting a Christian school such as having a clear plan, an anchoring mission statement, and a collaborative community of teachers and leaders who can contribute in the daunting decisions like classroom materials, technology, and curriculum. Come back next week to hear more from Ruth Davis, Dr. Sam Botta, and Bill Oblas. 

God brought people from the north, south, east and west, that weren't thinking about this [working a Christian school]... many from public schools, some from Christian schools, and from different walks and different backgrounds. God put together an incredibly beautiful tapestry of people that were called to come to cornerstone Christian Academy  for such a time as this to do this work."

— Dr. Sam Botta

About Our Guests

Ruth Davis

Ruth Davis grew up in a Christian home and, at an early age, gave her heart to Christ while attending summer camp.  She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership.  She began her teaching career as a Teacher of Technology before transitioning to specializing in Instructional Technology Integration. Mrs. Davis and her husband, Jim, live in Northern Virginia and have four grown children, one grandson, and two dogs. Ruth enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, golf, and kayaking.

Dr. Samuel Botta

In the fall of 1975, Sam Botta began his freshman year of college at Old Dominion University. Although Sam initially thought he was attending ODU to play basketball, a senior witnessed Sam at a party in his dorm cafeteria and then introduced him to a pastor, who led Sam to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Sam soon realized that God had ordained for him to be there not to play basketball, but to place his faith, trust, and life in the everlasting arms of Jesus. After incurring a season-ending injury, Sam left ODU and completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education at The King’s College in New York.  Dr. Botta began his professional educational career serving as a physical education teacher and basketball coach, leading his teams to numerous tournaments and championships. He also earned Master of Education and Doctor of Education degrees. Dr. Botta went on to serve as principal and head of school at several Christian schools and then as the director of athletics and head coach of men’s basketball at Regent University before joining Cornerstone Christian Academy as head of school. He and his wife Lynda have four adult sons: Danny, Scott, Brett, and Jeff.

Bill Oblas

Although Bill Oblas went to church every Sunday from childhood, he did not accept Jesus as his personal Savior until he was 21. His then-fianceé, Sally, had a burden for Bill to know Christ (she was saved several months earlier), and she led Bill to the Lord. Bill and Sally have been married since 1973.  Bill’s educational career spans over 40 years. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education. While Mr. Oblas retired from education in 2014, he came out of retirement to support the launch of Cornerstone Christian Academy in Virginia. He and his wife, Sally reside in Northern Virginia, and are blessed to know that their three children, children’s spouses, and eight grandchildren all walk with Jesus.

Sponsored By

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