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Teach 4 the Heart

Linda Kardamis | Educational Consultant & Founder of Teach 4 the Heart

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.

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  • 571 episodes
  • Updated Saturday

Episodes571

Newest first
  • Oct 20, 2025 · 24 min

    361: From Insecurity to Confidence: Helping Students Discover their True Identity in Christ

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/361 Children and teens face a tremendous amount of pressure from peers and culture to find their identity in their activities, feelings, or performance. This modern way of looking at identity can be challenging to navigate for teachers and parents who grew up with a traditional view of identity rooted in predetermined roles. Jonathan Holmes explores the five core areas of identity struggles most common to teens: sports, academics, moralism, sexual orientation, and gender confusion. He then provides practical ways to help children and teenagers find their identity in something that never never changes—God's grace. 0:00 Intro to Student Identity 2:00 Helping Students Find Their Identity 23:20 Linda's Final Thoughts Resources/Links Mentioned: Rise Up Summit: riseupchristianeducators.com Grounded in Grace: Helping Kids Build Their Identity in Christ: https://www.amazon.com/Grounded-Grace-Helping-Identity-Christ/dp/1645074641 Fieldstone Counseling: https://fieldstonecounseling.org/

  • Oct 13, 2025 · 16 min

    360: How to be Unoffendable in a Culture of Offense

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/360 Does the Bible give us guidance on how to navigate anger? Listen in to this clip from a provocative session from the 2024 Summit with Brant Hansen, a nationally syndicated radio personality and the bestselling author of the counterintuitive and entertaining book, Unoffendable. Brant shares a life-changing approach to handling conflict and gives us practical advice on how to be "unoffendable" in a world that seems to thrive on outrage. 00:00 Linda's Introduction and Summit Invitation 02:38 Our Relationship with Anger 14:49 Linda's Final Thoughts Resources/Links Mentioned: Rise Up Summit: https://riseupchristianeducators.com/#SignUp

  • Oct 6, 2025 · 24 min

    359: Help! My Admin Doesn't Like My Classroom Management Plan

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/359 When admin won't back your classroom management plan, it can be isolating and frustrating. It's tough to stay consistent and confident when you feel unsupported. Listen in as we walk through practical strategies you can use to keep your class running smoothly, even without administrative support—so you can lead with confidence and protect a positive learning environment. 00:00 Navigating Unsupportive Admin 02:08 Disagreeing with Your Admin 04:00 Continue Dialogue Through Your Disagreement 12:31 Authority in Education 20:56 Partnership Mindset Resources/Links Mentioned: Classroom Management 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101 Teach 4 the Heart Plus: https://teach4theheart.com/plus

  • Sep 22, 2025 · 19 min

    358: How Your Job Matters for Eternity (Even When You're Not Sharing the Gospel)

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/358 Sometimes we feel like our work doesn't matter--we might not be getting paid much, we don't have many opportunities to share the Gospel, so what is the point? You might be surprised to hear that God's design for work is bigger than the Great Commission, and deeper than economics. Jordan Raynor joins us to share about the eternal significance of our work and how it might just change the way we walk into our classrooms each day. Resources/Links Mentioned: Jordan Raynor's Book: The Sacredness of Secular Work Summit: https://riseupchristianeducators.com/

  • Sep 15, 2025 · 22 min

    357: Should I Teach Like I Parent?: Key Differences You Need to Understand

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/357 Teaching and parenting often are compared, but should we be teaching like we parent? While both roles share similarities, how much should we let our parentings style influence the way we teach in our classroom? Listen as we discuss the differences (and similarities) between parenting and teaching. 00:00 Introduction: Bridging Parenting and Teaching 01:20 Understanding the Differences: Numbers Matter 05:03 Preparation and Planning: Keys to Classroom Success 09:36 Establishing Consistency: The Baseline for Classroom Management 12:56 Familiarity vs. Professionalism: Balancing Authority in the Classroom 17:32 Final Thoughts: Embracing Your Unique Journey 18:27 The Myth of Parenting Experience in Teaching Resources/Links Mentioned: Classroom Management 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101

  • Sep 8, 2025 · 26 min

    356: 5 Things I Wish I Knew as a New Teacher

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/356 Being a new teacher comes with a steep learning curve and can often leave you feeling overwhelmed. Avoiding certain rookie mistakes in your early years can make all the difference in saving you and your students from unnecessary frustration and challenges. Whether you're a brand-new teacher or just trying to survive your first few years, listen in as we discuss 5 tips we wish we knew as rookie teachers. 00:00 Introduction to Teaching Challenges 01:20 The Balance of Kindness and Firmness 05:12 Don't Let the Small Things Go 10:12 Ensure Procedures Are Followed 15:34 Don't Be Afraid to Ask 19:38 Prayer Resources/Links Mentioned: Classroom Management 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101 How to Reduce Disruptions so You Can Actually Teach: https://teach4theheart.com/free Time Saving Practices to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed: https://teach4theheart.com/savetime Summit: https://riseupchristianeducators.com/

  • Aug 25, 2025 · 25 min

    355: Missing the Mark: How to Avoid Grading Mistakes That Demotivate Students

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/355 Have you ever handed out a test, only to be met with looks of discouragement? Or maybe you sat down to grade and realized your quiz did more harm than good? Join us as we unpack common mistakes teachers make when creating or grading assessments, and share tips for more encouraging, effective, and grace-filled grading practices. 00:00 Introduction to Grading Challenges 00:59 Understanding Grading Mistakes 03:01 Testing Material Emphasis 05:40 Assessing Student Readiness 09:44 Feedback vs. Assessment 10:40 Question Quantity in Assessments 13:53 Group Project Grading Issues 15:50 Maintaining Gradebook Integrity 17:49 Weighting Grades Effectively 20:47 Transparency in Grading Practices Resources/Links Mentioned: Classroom Management 101: https://www.teach4theheart.com/cm101 Teach 4 the Heart Facebook: https://www.teach4theheart.com/facebook

  • Aug 18, 2025 · 20 min

    354: How to Respond With Love When You Want to be Defensive

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/354 Why is it so easy to get defensive when a student asks a bunch of questions? How do we navigate the source of our defensiveness and then respond with grace and love? Listen in as we share some insights on diffusing the defensiveness that can be hard to avoid in our classrooms. 00:00 Navigating Defensiveness in Teaching 02:01 Understanding the Roots of Defensiveness 08:05 The Power of Prayer in Response 11:58 Choosing Christ-like Responses 17:57 Embracing Grace in Teaching Resources/Links Mentioned: T4TH+: https://teach4theheart.com/plus Hope Renewed: https://teach4theheart.com/hoperenewed Use code PODCAST20 to save 20% on either program! "I Choose the Jesus Way" song by Phil Wickham

  • Aug 11, 2025 · 20 min

    353: Getting to the Root of Overwhelm

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/353 It is hard not to be overwhelmed by all the things on a teachers plate. But what if we are adding to the feeling of overwhelm with our perfectionism, need for control, and micromanaging? Listen in as Rhapsody Jordan-Parisi talks with Linda about how to deepen our trust in God and root out overwhelm! 00:00 Overcoming Perfectionism in Teaching 13:10 Trusting God in the Classroom 19:01 Surrendering Control and Embracing Faith Resources/Links Mentioned: Tightrope Teaching: https://tightropeteaching.com/ Rise Up Summit: https://riseupchristianeducators.com/ Hope Renewed: https://teach4theheart.com/hoperenewed If you liked this episode, check out episode 123 Hope for the Overwhelmed Teacher at https://teach4theheart.com/hope-overwhelmed-teacher/

  • Jul 28, 2025 · 23 min

    352: The Important Connection Between Classroom Management and Student Motivation

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/352 Encouraging student motivation can be one of the most challenging parts of being a teacher. Have you ever thought about the role your classroom management plays in this? Listen in as we discuss how classroom management influences student motivation! 00:00 Introduction of Classroom Management and Student Motivation 06:27 Building a Foundation for Motivation 12:14 Relationships for Increasing Student Motivation Resources/Links Mentioned: 8 Easy Way to Turn Boring Worksheets into Engaging Activities – Rise Up Summit: https://youtu.be/SSDXKkQfoKU Classroom Management 101: https://teach4theheart.com/cm101 Back to School Classroom Management and Motivation Training: https://teach4theheart.com/training Classroom Management Podcast Series Episode 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/classroom-management-01-what-kind-of-classroom/id1075393336?i=1000602940811 Rise Up Summit: https://riseupchristianeducators.com/ If you liked this episode, check out our Classroom Management Playlist at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqOa5heLXggdIL2pxolZeWg11tLJHHSnD

  • Jul 21, 2025 · 22 min

    351: Why Kids Behave Better for the Teacher Across the Hall

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/351 Do you ever notice that some teachers' classes are consistently less chaotic than yours? What are they doing differently? In this episode, we dig into how shifting your classroom management can take your class from chaos to calm. Resources/Links Mentioned: Free Back-to-School Training: http://teach4theheart.com/training Classroom Management 101: http://teach4theheart.com/cm101 Your Smooth Running Class: https://teach4theheart.com/ysrc If you liked this episode, check out episode 186 How to Create a Classroom Management Plan that Works at http://teach4theheart.com/186

  • Jul 14, 2025 · 23 min

    350: Problem Habits That Drain Us (And How To Get the Rest You Need)

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/350 Do you ever take time to rest and then feel more tired and overwhelmed? Sometimes the things we do to "rest" actually leave us more restless, rather than renewed. Listen in as we talk about how to get the rest you really need. 00:00 The Importance of Rest 01:02 The Impact of Screens on Rest 07:44 Identifying Refreshing Habits 14:27 Tangible Changes for Better Rest 20:57 Balancing Technology and Rest Resources/Links Mentioned: Hope Renewed: https://teach4theheart.com/hope-renewed-course/ If you liked this episode, check out episode 335 How To Stop Feeling Defeated and Teach With Hope Instead at http://teach4theheart.com/335

  • Jul 7, 2025 · 28 min

    349: New Biblical Worldview Standards for Effective Biblical Integration

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/349 We live in a culture where the spiritual and the academic are often fractured, and even in Christian schools,and even in Christian schools, we can struggle to figure out how to integrate a Biblical worldview with our subject matter. Dr. Roger Erdvig, and Dr. Maggie Pop join Linda to share about their new project for Summit Ministries, a set of Biblical Worldview Standards that will help teachers, administrators, and school staff develop students deeply immersed in a biblical worldview. These practical standards will equip teachers in Christian schools to help students be better prepared for a lifetime of loving and serving Christ. 00:00 Integrating a Biblical Worldview in Education 01:16 Understanding the Biblical Worldview Standards 03:02 Examples of Standards in Action 08:34 Getting Started with the Standards 10:54 Practical Implementation Strategies 17:52 Common Misconceptions and Mindset Shifts 25:38 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Resources/Links Mentioned: Worldview Standards: http://summit.org/standards Planner: https://teach4theheart.com/planner If you liked this episode, check out episode 327 Helping Students Build Their Identity in Christ at https://teach4theheart.com/327

  • Jun 30, 2025 · 22 min

    348: How to Identify & Fix Classroom Management Problems

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/348 Sometimes the classroom management plan we started with isn't working quite so well anymore. Maybe it has been a few years since you wrote it, or circumstances have changed in your classroom. Listen in as Linda shares her tips for tweaking your classroom management plan so it works for you and your classroom! 00:00 Introduction to Classroom Management Challenges 01:47 The Importance of Having a Classroom Management Plan 04:14 Identifying Areas for Adjustment 06:58 The ISDI Process for Adjusting Plans 13:09 Implementing Changes and Consistency in Management 19:14 Teaching Procedures Effectively 19:48 Introducing the Smooth Running Classroom Program Resources/Links Mentioned: Podcast Episode Mentioned: How to Teach Procedures that Your Students Will Actually Follow: https://youtu.be/-EzltKTeAvY?si=xGVcoromOHfBjtBZ Your Smooth Running Class: https://teach4theheart.com/classroom-management-plan/ If you liked this episode, check out our Procedures Playlist at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqOa5heLXggce1-f6l1tbmkaVkmWr1EWu&si=J-AzfJzl08Ml4Eqv

  • May 26, 2025 · 20 min

    347: When Self-Care Isn't Enough

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/347 Does teaching leave you overwhelmed and burnt out? Are you tired of self-care being the answer everyone gives you? Listen as Linda shares why self-care only helps at a surface level, and points toward what will really bring healing and hope. 00:00 The Limitations of Self-Care 06:02 The Importance of Soul Care 14:48 Changing Habits for Better Outcomes Resources/Links Mentioned: Join Dordt University this summer for an online graduate course called "Emerging Technology": http://dordt.edu/emerging-technology Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney: https://teach4theheart.com/whitneyprayingthebible Free Training: 5 Time-Saving Practices to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed: teach4theheart.com/savetime Hope Renewed: http://teach4theheart.com/hoperenewed If you liked this episode, check out episode 87 The Simple (But Uncommon) Solution to Your Teacher Stress & Anxiety at https://teach4theheart.com/the-simple-but-uncommon-solution-to-your-teacher-stress-anxiety/

  • May 19, 2025 · 21 min

    346: Disrespectful Students: How to Respond with Grace and Authority

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/346 Disrespectful students can be challenging to even the best teachers. So how do we handle them with grace while also maintaining our authority? Listen in as Linda shares strategies for dealing with disrespect in the classroom. 00:00 Navigating Disrespect in the Classroom 04:37 Our Identity as Teachers 12:05 Practical Strategies for Addressing Disrespect 18:38 Empowering Students Through Repentence Resources/Links Mentioned: Pocket Phrases: http://teach4theheart.com/310 CM 101: http://teach4theheart.com/cm101 If you liked this episode, check out episode 41 10 Classroom Management Changes to Make Right Now at https://teach4theheart.com/10-keys-to-a-controlled-effective-classroom/

  • May 12, 2025 · 33 min

    345: How to Be a Light for Christ in the Public School (without Breaking the Law!)

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/345 Do you ever wonder what you can legally say about faith and religion as a teacher in a public school? How can you be an ambassador for the kingdom and honor the authorities God has put over you? Listen as Linda talks with Heather Kohnen from Christian Educators about your rights and how God can use you in a public school. Resources/Links Mentioned: Pray + Plan Planner by Teach 4 The Heart: http://teach4theheart.com/planner Christian Educators: https://christianeducators.org/teach4theheart/ Religious Liberties in Public Schools: https://christianeducators.org/resourcecenter/religious-liberties-in-public-schools/ Awake: http://christianeducators.org/awake Don't Get Fired...Thrive: https://christianeducators.org/resourcecenter/dont-get-fired-thrive/

  • May 5, 2025 · 16 min

    344: Why You Shouldn't Work as if Everything Depends on You

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/344 Have you ever heard the saying "Work as if it all depends on you; pray as if it all depends on God"? While this may sound true, it might not be the right way to view our work. Listen in as Linda unpacks why this idea doesn't make us better teachers, and how to view hard work biblically. 00:00 Introduction to the Teaching Journey 01:22 The Tension Between Work and Prayer 04:32 Understanding the Dichotomy of Work and Faith 06:50 Integrating Prayer and Work 10:01 Releasing Stress 10:44 Letting Our Minds Rest 13:57 Approaching Work with Thankful Expectation Resources/Links Mentioned: Hope Renewed: http://teach4theheart.com/hoperenewed If you liked this episode, check out episode 170 4 Time-Management Strategies that Will Reduce Stress Right Away at https://teach4theheart.com/time-management-strategies/

  • Apr 21, 2025 · 17 min

    343: How to Handle Difficult Circumstances Through Lament

    Lament is the means God gives us to navigate suffering and trials--but how do we engage with God through lament as teachers? How does lament set us up for healing? Listen in as we talk about how lament can help us navigate difficulties and griefs both large and small. Get notes + links at http://teach4theheart.com/343

  • Apr 14, 2025 · 15 min

    342: What To Do When Your Class Won't Stay In Their Seats

    LEARN MORE at http://teach4theheart.com/342 Sitting through a class period can be hard for students. Getting up and moving around too much can be distracting. How do you get your class to stay seated? Linda shares in this episode some classroom management help for your class that wants to move. Resources/Links Mentioned: Consequence Ideas For Every Classroom : https://teach4theheart.com/consequences Shake-Up Your Classroom Management Plan: http://teach4theheart.com/podcast3 Ideas to add movement to classroom: : http://teach4theheart.com/worksheets Classroom Management 101: http://teach4theheart.com/cm101 If you liked this episode, check out episode 326 How to Manage Constant Chatter in Your Classroom at https://teach4theheart.com/326