Equipping teachers to boldly fulfill their God-given calling

an online conference for Christian Educators in both private & public schools


FREE October 16-21, 2025

✔️ Reduce Stress & Overwhelm   ✔️Teach Effectively  ✔️Reach Hearts for Christ

✔️ Reduce Stress & Overwhelm   

✔️Teach Effectively  

✔️Reach Hearts for Christ

Rise Up 2025

Where is God when teaching is hard?


He’s right there with you, working in your classroom, working in your students, and working in YOU.

God never said the Christian life would be easy. In fact, Scripture promises just the opposite - trials, challenges, griefs... Sound familiar?

But the amazing news is that God is at work IN the struggle and, despite the opposition, HIS JOY can be ours.

Rise Up 2025

Join us at this year's Rise Up Conference to discover anew the hope that is found in Christ as well as practical solutions to navigate specific challenges that occur when teaching in such a time as this.

How the Rise Up Summit Works:


1

Register for FREE

Sessions are designed for Christian educators in private and public schools. Rise Up has ended, but you can get lifetime access with the All-Access Pass!

2

Join Us Live Oct 16- 18

Be energized & inspired by the camaraderie that comes from attending live with so many fellow teachers. Live sessions begin Thursday evening and continue throughout Saturday.

3

Watch On-Demand 

In addition to the live sessions, enjoy an amazing lineup of on-demand sessions available to watch at your convenience beginning Thursday morning

Can't Make It Live? Want Lifetime Access?


Grab the All-Access Pass to watch anytime, anywhere.

Find out more about the All-Access Pass.

Request Extended Access From Your School ⬇️ 


"This summit has blessed me!!! I was really thinking about leaving teaching and your Rise Up Summit 2024 has encouraged and inspired me to continue and I feel a renewal of my love for teaching."

-Malisa P.

WHAT ARE SESSIONS LIKE?

Check out clips from a few of last year's sessions!


Soul Care Over Self Care 
with Kasey Bell

Classroom Management Strategies that Work: An Intro to Whole Brain Teaching
with Chris Biffle
Watch Chris' whole session here!

How Your Job Matters for Eternity -Even If You're Not Sharing the Gospel
with Jordan Raynor

"The topics were EXACTLY what I needed. I am so glad to know I'm not the only one who deals with these issues."

-Summit Participant

Practical Solutions & Biblical Encouragement ....


We're curating an amazing lineup of sessions for this year's conference — and more great speakers are being added all the time! 

Dave Stuart Jr.

Dave Stuart Jr.

DaveStuartJr.com

Session: 2 Powerful Methods to Motivate Your Students

Brant Hansen

Author: Life is Hard, God is Good, Let's Dance: Finding Real Joy in a World Gone Mad

Thursday LIVE KeyNote: Life is Hard, God is Good: Experiencing Real Joy in a World Gone Mad

Learn more.

Michael Linsin

Smart Classroom Management

Session : Smart Classroom Management Strategies for Difficult Students

Nick Vujicic

NickVujicic.com

Friday LIVE KeyNote: Resilience 

Learn more.

Bethany von Steinbergs

Flourish Consulting LLC

LIVE Session: Teach with Your Strengths from Gallup 
Learn more. 

Rhapsody Jordan-Parisi

Tightrope Teaching

Session: 4 Root Causes of Overwhelm (and How to Fix Them!)

Kathleen VanTol

Dordt University

Session: Special education & Inclusive Learning

Jonathan Holmes

Fieldstone Counseling

Session: From Insecurity to Confidence: Helping Students Discover Their True Identity in Christ

Linda Kardamis

Linda Kardamis

Teach 4 the Heart

LIVE Session: Finding Rest Amidst Busyness

Learn more.

Staff Panel

Christian Educators

Session: Get Unstuck: 3 Approaches to Help You Pray Like You Want To

Elizabeth Schmus

Christian Educators

LIVE Session: Practicing Joy: Create a Personal Action Plan

Learn more.

David Schmus

Christian Educators

Session: Teach with Faith (not Fear): Navigating Public Schools as a Christian Educator

Valerie O'Brien

Aspen Ministry

LIVE Session: Using Questions to Reach the Next Generation

Learn more.

Jill Lillard

The Happiest Lives

Session: How Your Thoughts Impact Your Outlook (And What You Can Do About It)

Dr. Dave Mulder

Dordt University

Session: Teaching Christianly: How to Live Out our Faith in Day-to-Day Choices

Lori Adams

Christian Educators

Session: Fun Brain Break Ideas to Re-Energize Your Classroom

Jessica Cabeen

Christian Educators

Session: How to Have Hard Conversations


NEW for 2025: Admin Track including these sessions ⬇️

Linda Kardamis

🔶 For Admin

Linda Kardamis

Teach 4 the Heart

Session: How to Help Your Teachers Succeed at Classroom Management

🔶 For Admin

ACA Admin Panel

Christian Educators

LIVE Session: Godly Leadership & People Pleasing
Learn more.

🔶 For Admin & Staff

David Schmus

Christian Educators

Session: Teach with Faith (not Fear): Navigating Public Schools as a Christian Educator

🔶 For Admin & Staff

Bethany von Steinbergs

Flourish Consulting LLC

LIVE Session: Teach with Your Strengths from Gallup 
Learn more.

🔶 For Admin & Staff

Jessica Cabeen

Christian Educators

Session: How to Have Hard Conversations

Rise Up sessions will uplift your heart
& equip you to fulfill your mission
by the power of God's grace.

You’ll walk away encouraged, inspired, and equipped to make a bigger difference in your students’ hearts and lives.

You’ll discover how to rise up out of the anxiety, frustration, and fear that often overwhelm us.

Cross Icon

And you’ll be better equipped to teach with faith, trusting God and following His lead each day in the classroom.

"Thank you for acknowledging that the darkness is real, and also reminding us that God shines his light in and through us."

-Melissa

Hear from fellow educators

about Rise Up Summit sessions:



Classroom Management

Loved the classroom management session. I remind myself daily God is with me on this journey even when I have several challenges within the classroom. He is my co-educator.


Edwinnia W.

I loved how the summit was online and we could interact with the speakers and others from around the world. It helped me see our similar struggles and be able to share encouragement through struggles and rewards I've had with others


Scott T.

Thank you so much for this session! It has challenged my thinking and scope!


Elaine F. speaking about "Insights for Educators on Race, Identity, the Gospel & Hope" by Jasmine Holmes

Teaching is more than a job; it's our mission!


Learn practical strategies to teach with excellence, avoid burn out, and transform your school with the light of His love.

Experts from across the country will bring you practical ideas and inspiration in both live & on-demand sessions, empowering you to rise up and fulfill your God-given mission as an educator.

Our Vision


At Christian Educators and Teach 4 the Heart, we share the same vision.

We believe that teaching is an important calling and that God has you right where you are for a reason.

But that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

Challenges abound, the enemy seeks to discourage us, and we feel alone – sometimes struggling to see exactly what God is trying to do on our campus.

That’s why this virtual summit was created – to encourage and equip Christian educators in both public and private schools.

To bring us together and create a community around our shared goals and mission.

And to raise up a generation of teachers and educational leaders who will step out in faith and embrace God’s heart for their classrooms, students, and schools.

Join us!

"I love this conference. It's the highlight of my autumn. You really want to make time for this uplifting and relevant conference."

-Diana

LIVE Session Details:

Watch LIVE session replays! 

Details for last year's LIVE sessions are listed below. 2025 information update as it becomes available. 


LIVE Session #1:

Life is Hard, God is Good: Experiencing Real Joy in a World Gone Mad

Thursday, October 16th at 8p.m. EST

with Brant Hansen

Have you lost your joy in the classroom? Has the current educational landscape left you feeling anxious and even angry at times? In this session, nationally syndicated radio host and best-selling author Brant Hansen will challenge you to reframe the way you think about joy and consider the positive impact joy can have on your life. He will share heartwarming and hilarious stories and insights from the pages of his latest book, Life is Hard. God is Good. Let's Dance: Experiencing Real Joy in a World Gone Mad, leaving you laughing, crying, and learning how to dance through each day with contagious faith and joy, trusting in the character and promises of God.


LIVE Session #2:

Godly leadership & the problem of people pleasing

Friday, October 17th at 11a.m. EST

with an Admin Panel

Join in Live for this practical and inspiring session. 


LIVE Session #3:

Resilience

Friday, October 17th at 8:00 p.m. EST

with Nick Vujicic

Join in Live for this practical and inspiring session. 


special event

Idea Swap

Idea Swap: Friday evening! 

Friday, October 17th at 9 p.m. EST

with teachers like you!

Description to come. 


LIVE Session #4:

StrengthsSpotting: A Practice for Cultivating Joy in the Classroom

Saturday, October 18th at 11:00 a.m. EST

with Bethany von Steinbergs

Description of Live Session to come. 


LIVE Session #5:

Using Questions to Reach the Next Generation

Saturday, October 18th at 1:00 p.m. EST

with Valerie O'Brien

Do you ever struggle to connect with this generation of students? If you feel more distant from them, you are not alone: the current generational gaps have grown wider than ever before. What strategies and insights can we use to reach students who are culturally so different from us? Val O'Brien shares how to engage the hearts of our Gen Z and Gen Alpha students with good questions, and teaches us how to make our classrooms safe places for our students to ask their own deep questions.


LIVE Session #6:

Linda Kardamis

Finding rest amidst busyness

Saturday, October 18th at 2:30 p.m. EST

with Linda Kardamis

Are you so busy you can't imagine how to rest in this season? Linda Kardamis of Teach 4 the Heart will share her practical and spiritual methods for trusting God and finding rest for our souls. She'll talk us through scheduling rest, stewarding time, evaluating harmful habits, and convince us that our minds and souls can experience rest in the midst of busyness.


LIVE Session #7:

Practicing Joy: Create a Personal Action Plan

Saturday, October 18th at 4:00 p.m. EST

with Elizabeth Schmus

Have you ever left a conference excited about all you have learned, only to jump back into the daily grind and never put any of it into practice? Get together LIVE and workshop your own joy plan! We will take our favorite ideas from the conference and embed them into our regular daily, weekly, and yearly rhythms to create a life full of joy.


"The Summit really encouraged me, especially in such a hard year. It gave me inspiration & Biblically sound information that I can use in my classroom & also to look after my well-being."

-Nikki

FAQ


Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Is the summit really free?

Yes! You can watch all the sessions for free anytime throughout the weekend of Summit: October 16-21, 2025. If you’d like to keep access after the weekend, you may purchase the all-access pass.

Can I get a certificate for PD credit?

Certificates of attendance will be available for all-access pass holders ONLY as these are the only teachers for whom we can verify attendance at individual sessions.

We are an approved PD provider for both ACSI and AACS.

In addition to that, we have a partnership with MidAmerica Nazarene University.

Click here to find out more about these career advancing credit opportunities (only available with the All-Access Pass).

Can my school pay for me to have extended access to sessions?

Yes! Your school can pay for an All-Access pass on your behalf! 

Simply print and submit the forms below to your administration based on the school setting in which you teach. 

Christian School Support Letter

Public School Support Letter

Can my entire school staff attend the Summit?

Yes! Educators can watch all the sessions for free anytime throughout the weekend of October 16-21, either individually or as a staff.

If you’d like your teachers to keep access after the weekend as well as use sessions for future staff PD, upgrade to the School License All-Access Pass.

Will replays be available?

Yes! We do our best to have live session replays available (barring tech difficuluties). Just register for free and login using the buttons in the header to access all live replays PLUS all on-demand sessions throughout the long summit weekend. 

However, session access ends when the Summit ends. Want lifetime access? Learn how!

What if I can't make it that weekend?

I’m so sorry you can’t join us live. However, we are offering an all-access pass that will include video recordings of all the summit sessions, bonus resources, certificates of attendance, and more! Get more information about the All-Access Pass here.

Other questions?

Want A Reminder?


Register for FREE: Opening Summer 2025

Enter your information below & we'll let you know when registration opens!

"I have been encouraged to come together with other Christian educators and presenters and be lifted up, challenged in my faith and walk with the Lord, challenged to be a better teacher, and encouraged to keep on working for the Lord in this harvest field."
Christian Educators Summit
2020-05-18T23:39:14-04:00
"I have been encouraged to come together with other Christian educators and presenters and be lifted up, challenged in my faith and walk with the Lord, challenged to be a better teacher, and encouraged to keep on working for the Lord in this harvest field."
"The summit connected me with Christians that have the same vision I have to stand for Christ in the classroom and [gave me] new ways to do that and stand strong, yet respectful."
Christian Educators Summit
2020-08-17T07:02:03-04:00
"The summit connected me with Christians that have the same vision I have to stand for Christ in the classroom and [gave me] new ways to do that and stand strong, yet respectful."
"Connecting with other Christian educators through this summit has really encouraged me and inspired me to maintain a Christ-like attitude at work and look for places to plant seeds. Thank you for making this happen!"
Christian Educators Summit
2020-05-18T23:38:57-04:00
"Connecting with other Christian educators through this summit has really encouraged me and inspired me to maintain a Christ-like attitude at work and look for places to plant seeds. Thank you for making this happen!"
"I really appreciate the practical ideas, grounded in Biblical truth, and the manner in which the speaker shared his heart and wisdom."
Christian Educators Summit
2020-08-17T07:00:13-04:00
"I really appreciate the practical ideas, grounded in Biblical truth, and the manner in which the speaker shared his heart and wisdom."
"It was very uplifting! What a joy it was to listen to other Christians confess their faith and encouraging others to continue with their calling to teach!"
Christian Educators Summit
2020-08-17T06:59:14-04:00
"It was very uplifting! What a joy it was to listen to other Christians confess their faith and encouraging others to continue with their calling to teach!"
"I am enjoying the mental health topics. They are helping personally, and how I interact with my students. My favorite saying is 'School does not define you but God defines you.' I want my students to realize that even though school is a struggle for them, God has a plan for their lives."
Christian Educators Summit
2020-05-18T23:38:19-04:00

Kevin S., Student Support Teacher

"I am enjoying the mental health topics. They are helping personally, and how I interact with my students. My favorite saying is 'School does not define you but God defines you.' I want my students to realize that even though school is a struggle for them, God has a plan for their lives."
"The topics were EXACTLY what I needed. I am so glad to know I'm not the only who deals with the issues mentioned in the sessions."
Christian Educators Summit
2020-08-17T06:58:50-04:00
"The topics were EXACTLY what I needed. I am so glad to know I'm not the only who deals with the issues mentioned in the sessions."
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Christian Educators Summit

Special Thanks to our Summit Sponsors!


GOLD Sponsor

Gracelyn University is an accredited online university that equips aspiring educators to answer God’s call, without stepping away from their classroom or community. We offer affordable, fully online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs designed for working adults in public, private, and faith-based schools.

Whether it’s a paraprofessional in a public district, a teaching assistant at a Christian school, or a second-career educator in training, Gracelyn helps people earn their degree and certification while continuing to serve. Every course is taught from a biblical worldview, integrating academic rigor with spiritual purpose. If someone you know has a heart for students and the potential to be a great teacher, Gracelyn would love to love to support them.

Gracelyn invites you to explore their programs here.


Silver Sponsors

Dordt University is a Christian university located in Iowa that seeks to equip students to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all areas of life. Dordt offers a Master of Education, Master of Special Education, and Master of Arts in Teaching—all taught 100 percent online and from a Christian perspective. Dordt is known for its affordable and engaging online master’s programs and excellent faculty. Dordt is also home to 1,500 undergraduate students with more than 88 percent living on campus. Students can choose from over 40 programs of study, and education is one of the largest majors.

Dordt University also runs the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education (CACE) which serves as a Christian education resource for schools, churches, families, and professionals.

Bronze Sponsors

The Herzog Foundation is a national organization dedicated to advancing and strengthening Christian education across the United States. With a deep commitment to faith-based values, the foundation supports schools, educators, and communities by providing essential resources, training, and strategic support. Its mission is to ensure that high-quality Christian education is accessible, sustainable, and transformative for students and families.

Through initiatives like leadership development programs, operational training, and innovative media projects, the Herzog Foundation empowers school leaders and educators to grow thriving educational environments rooted in biblical principles. Their work helps Christian schools flourish academically and spiritually, contributing to the formation of future generations grounded in character, faith, and knowledge.

Educators and other Christian education leaders are invited to explore the Foundation's innovative tools and resources at HerzogFoundation.com.


The purpose of the Liberty University School of Education is to develop Christ-centered educators and leaders through rigorous, biblically-based instruction and practical training. The School of Education at Liberty University is committed to providing the highest quality Christian education based on the principles of God’s Word. Our school, by its commitment to strengthening the mind, body, and soul, educates the whole person as God created us.

The school offers programs to prepare teachers and other school personnel. Excellent teachers and school personnel are invaluable assets to the home, church, community, and nation. The school licensure program at Liberty is designed to provide a program of study and pre-service experiences that will foster teaching excellence and stimulate improvement in teaching practices in Christian, public, and private schools.

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