The Christian Educators Podcast

Most of us believe in prayer. We just don't do it as much as we'd like to and if we're honest, sometimes we're not sure it's working. Add the unique pressures of a public school classroom, and it can feel even harder to know where to start.

In Part 1 of this two-part series on prayer, David and Jere get honest about what holds us back and lay a solid biblical foundation for why prayer isn't just a spiritual discipline but one of the primary ways we exercise the authority God has already given us.

If you've ever felt like your prayers were bouncing off the ceiling, this episode is for you.

Scripture Referenced: 

• Genesis 1:28
• Luke 10:19
• John 14:12
• Acts 19:12
• John 15:15
• John 10:3, 4, 16, 27
• Romans 8:28–29
• Acts 4:23-30

Resources Mentioned:

• Tyler Staton’s Rise Up Session: The Forgotten Power of Intercessory Prayer: https://youtu.be/wZLSwsJdfTk?si=kqpc0fU5F5ntWysX

Enjoy the show? Leave a rating and review — it helps other Christian educators find us. And if you know a teacher who needs this right now, share the episode. That's the most encouraging thing you can do for someone in the trenches.

Part 2 drops soon — we get into how one teacher's daily prayer changed a student's entire life, prayer walking your school, and what happens when a community of educators decides to pray together. Don't miss it.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The content of this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and was accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Federal, state, and local laws, as well as judicial interpretations, are subject to change. Christian Educators makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information following the date of publication. Listeners are encouraged to consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to their situation.

Kimberly Ann Polk was a substitute teacher in Montgomery County, MD. She loved God, loved her students, and received glowing reviews from the teachers she served. But in preparation for the 2022-23 school year, she had to complete a mandated training. A simple checkbox required her to affirm that she would use the preferred pronouns and names requested by students and be willing to hide this information from their parents.

Kimberly Polk did not check that box.

For Christian educators in public schools, this issue has been the biggest challenge of the last decade. And it doesn’t look like it is going away any time soon. So how do we stand firm without becoming hard-hearted? What do the courts actually say about what we're required to do? And what does it look like to genuinely love a gender-confused student sitting in our classroom?

In this episode, David and Jere take on this issue — biblically, legally, and practically — with real stories from educators who've been exactly where you might be right now.

Scripture Referenced:

• Genesis 1:27
• Matthew 19:4

Legal Cases Discussed:

• West Virginia v. BPJ 
• Mirabelli v. Bonta 
• State of Tennessee v. McMahon — Christian Educators' Title IX involvement 
• Polk v. Montgomery County Public Schools 
• Jessica Tapia 

Also Referenced:

• Leslie Blake article: https://teachersofvision.org/article/how-should-i-respond/ 
• Terry Orange article: https://teachersofvision.org/article/here-i-am-lord-send-me/ 

Are You Facing This Right Now?

You don’t have to do this alone. Christian Educators exists to equip, support, and protect educators like you. Our members have access to legal counsel, job protection, and a community of educators who understand exactly what you're up against.

Learn more and connect with us at christianeducators.org

Know a teacher who needs to hear this? Share this episode.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The content of this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and was accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Federal, state, and local laws, as well as judicial interpretations, are subject to change. Christian Educators makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information following the date of publication. Listeners are encouraged to consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to their situation.

Kristyn, a media specialist from Ohio, was on the verge of a medical crisis. Her doctor was urging her to take disability leave. In this first episode of the Christian Educators Podcast, hosts David Schmus and Jere Vandewalle share what happened next, and why it matters for the roughly one million Christians serving in public schools who wake up every day asking some version of the same question: How do I walk with Jesus here?

Scripture Anchor: Matthew 6:33, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The AWAKE Experience: Equipping Christian Educators to Thrive as Ambassadors for Christ by Heather Kohnen
• Lord, What Would You Have Me Do Today by David Schmus
• Need Help? — reach out to CE if you're facing a challenge at your school
• Kristyn's full story, in Teachers of Vision magazine (Winter 2026)
• Join The Movement at ChristianEducators.org to find out when AWAKE is coming to your area

If this episode encouraged you, subscribe wherever you listen, and share it with another educator who needs to hear it. Find us on YouTube too for the video version. Thanks for being here.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The content of this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and was accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Federal, state, and local laws, as well as judicial interpretations, are subject to change. Christian Educators makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information following the date of publication. Listeners are encouraged to consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to their situation.