Rise Up Summit Login
If you've already registered, login here to access the summit materials.
The 2022 summit has ended.
However, you can enjoy both video and audio recordings of all sessions inside the All-Access Pass, available here.
a FREE online conference for Christian Educators in both private & public schools
Join us Live
October 21-22, 2022
On-Demand October 20-25, 2022
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.
You see, God never said the Christian life would be easy. In fact, Scripture promises just the opposite - trials, challenges, griefs, and opposition will abound. Sound familiar?
But the amazing news is that God is at work IN the struggle and despite the opposition.
His plans are never thwarted, and His heart is always for us. He will use the challenges & struggles to draw us closer to Him, and He promises that when we're at the end of our rope, His strength will uphold us & His grace will see us through.
Join us to discover anew the encouragement & hope that is found in Christ as well as practical solutions to navigate specific teaching challenges.
How the Rise Up Summit Works:
1
Register for FREE
Sessions are designed for Christian educators in private and public schools. Everything is online & there’s no cost to attend.
2
Join Us Live Oct 21-22
You’ll be energized and inspired by the camaraderie that comes from attending live with so many fellow teachers. Sessions start Friday night and continue throughout the day Saturday.
3
Watch On-Demand Oct 20-25
In addition to the live sessions, enjoy an amazing lineup of on-demand sessions available to watch at your convenience starting Thursday morning.
Can't make it live?
Grab the all-access pass instead and watch anytime, anywhere.
Find out more about the all-access pass.
"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, teacher
Join us to...
- Receive Biblical encouragement to respond like Christ no matter what is thrown at you.
- Find real solutions so you can joyfully teach effectively this year without burning out.
- Connect with fellow educators who share your faith and calling.
- Equip & encourage you to transform your school with the light of His love.
The event is completely free to attend October 20-25! Just click the button below to reserve your spot:
Our weekend together 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.
And you’ll be better equipped to teach with faith, trusting God and following His lead each day in the classroom.
Get Practical Solutions & Biblical Encouragement from....
John Stonestreet | Peter Greer
Colson Center | Hope International
Summit Kick-Off: Rise Up with Enduring Hope in the face of Cultural Challenges
Jonathan Holmes
Gender Identity, Anxiety, and Depression: Reshaping Identity Issues with the Gospel
David Schmus, Elizabeth Schmus, and Heather Kohnen
Disarming Discouragement & Encountering Hope Workshop
Dr. Bunnie Claxton
Critical Thinking Skills to Help Students Navigate Our Confused Culture
Linda Kardamis, Alexx Seipp, Jen Frey, and Sarah Humes
Saving Time with Grading, Lesson Planning, & Paperwork
David Schmus, David Piccolo, Finn Laursen,
& Jean Lamfers
Don’t Get Fired...Thrive: Best Practices & Common Missteps in Public School Employment
Andrea Parson
Co-Author: Trauma-Sensitive Schools
Trauma-Sensitive Schools: Building an Environment that Supports Healing & Success
Public School Principal Panel
Jessica Cabeen, Ben Bakeberg, David Piccolo, and Hayward Jean
Christian Admins in Public Schools: How to Lead Well
Please note that all speakers & sessions are tentative & subject to change.
"The topics were EXACTLY what I needed. I am so glad to know I'm not the only who deals with these issues."
You Are Not Alone!
Join us for an exciting weekend of spiritual encouragement, practical ideas, fellowship, and inspiration!
Practical, Uplifting Sessions!
We are working to create an amazing lineup of sessions to inspire you with the hope that is found only in Christ!
(Please note that session topics and times are evolving and may be subject to change.)
Live Sessions
October 21, 2022 at 8 PM EST
Summit Kick-Off: Rise Up with Enduring Hope in the Face of Cultural Challenges
with John Stonestreet of Colson Center and Peter Greer of Hope International
No one has to tell you that teaching these days is hard, and it can be easy to feel disillusioned or even cynical. In this exciting summit kick-off, John Stonestreet, president of the Colson Center, and Peter Greer, CEO of Hope International, join David Schmus & Linda Kardamis to discuss how we as educators can find enduring hope in Christ, even in the midst of so many cultural challenges.
October 22, 2022 at 11 AM EST
MOTIVATING STUDENTS TO PUT EFFORT INTO LEARNING
with Dave Stuart Jr.
It's hard to help students learn when they don't really care to. But fun activities and candy bribes will never solve this problem because true motivation stems from what students believe in their hearts. In this session, Dave Stuart, Jr. will unpack how we can help students internalize the belief that wise, strategic effort pays off. Because when students believe that they can succeed, they'll be much more motivated to keep trying.
October 22, 2022 at 1 PM EST
Disarming Discouragement & Encountering Hope Workshop
with David & Elizabeth Schmus and Heather Kohnen of Christian Educators
Do you ever wonder how life and teaching would feel if you weren’t limited by challenges like discouragement, fear, disappointment, or inadequacy? Join us for a live interactive experience, deeply rooted in Scripture, that will help you banish discouragement and walk in hope.
October 22, 2022 at 2:30 PM EST
Classroom management that fosters respect
with Linda Kardamis of Teach 4 the Heart
Have you found your classroom derailed by misbehavior, chaos, and disrespect? It's time to create a classroom management plan that actually works! Join us to discover how to create a plan that fosters respect, helps students focus, and results in a smooth-running classroom.
October 22, 2022 at 4 PM EST
Teach with Faith (not Fear): Navigating Religion in Public Schools
with David Schmus of Christian Educators
Where are the legal lines drawn for public school educators? Can we tell our students about our faith? How do recent Supreme Court rulings affect our religious freedoms? Learn the key federal law that sets those boundaries and how it applies in specific situations in the classroom so you have clarity on what you can (and cannot) do to influence students for good. You’ll leave with your questions answered and ready to step into your teaching with confidence.
October 22, 2022 at 7:30 PM EST
Summit Finale: Speaking Truth to Our Souls When Teaching Is Tough
with Ellie Holcomb singer/songwriter
Join us for the exciting summit finale with David Schmus and Linda Kardamis, along with an interview with singer-songwriter Ellie Holcomb. Whether the basic "busy and tired" of teaching has you overwhelmed or you're facing a season when things feel especially dark, this session will speak hope to your soul. Listen as Ellie shares how God's Word is an anchor, a balm, and a light in the darkness. Discover how we can use His words to fight back the lies we too often believe and find hope in Him, no matter what we face.
October 22, 2022 at 8:30 PM EST
Teacher Idea Swap and prayer room
with You!
Teachers have the best ideas, so why not share them!? Join us live to seek out and share solutions with fellow educators.
Can't make it live? Grab the all-access pass instead and watch anytime, anywhere.
Find out more about the all-access pass.
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.
On-Demand Sessions
Here are some of the amazing on-demand sessions available at Rise Up Summit for free October 20-25. Watch these sessions according to when it works with your schedule.
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR MISSION
Serving Jesus in Your Classroom Mission Field
with David Platt of Radical
In all the busyness of teaching, we sometimes lose sight of the fact that God has placed us right where we are for a reason. Join us as David Platt, author of Radical, inspires us to teach on mission - reaching those people whom God has placed in our path, and clinging to the hope that is to be found only in Christ.
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR MISSION
Insights for Educators on Race, Identity, the Gospel & Hope
with author Jasmine Holmes
As Christian teachers, we stand emphatically against racism. But trying to understand complex racial issues can still be confusing. In this session, Jasmine Holmes, teacher and author of Mother to Son: Letters to a Black Boy on Identity & Hope, provides valuable insights, helping us view race and identity through the lens of the Gospel and exploring how we can exhibit care, grace, and love in our classrooms and conversations.
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR MINDSET
Responding to Controversial Issues with Compassion, Conviction, & Hope
with author/speaker Dr. Sean McDowell
So much of our cultural discourse has devolved into shouting past each other. How can we engage with students, parents, and colleagues on important controversial issues in ways that both speak the truth and demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus? Join author and Christian apologist Sean McDowell as he equips & inspires us to be a light in our schools through conversations we may have previously thought impossible.
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR MINDSET
Walking in Hope When Life is Hard
with Vicki Davis of The Cool Cat Teacher
Whether they happen in or out of the classroom, trials are never easy - but, oh, how God can work in through them! In this hopeful session, Vicki Davis shares how God showed up and showed Himself strong as she dealt with a debilitating broken foot. Discover how you, too, can walk in hope every day of your life and rest in God's goodness, even in the midst of trials.
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR MINDSET
Overcoming self-censorship amidst a cancel culture
with Clint Elliott of A Cornerstone Law Group
In our current cancel-culture environment, many Christian educators end up self-censoring their own speech and actions. But when we fail to speak truth, our students’ learning is diminished, and we start to feel disillusioned and dispirited. In this session, we’ll examine recent research about why this is happening and discuss an empowered path forward to overcome self-censorship through faithful living.
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR METHODS
Critical Thinking Skills to Help Students Navigate Our Confused Culture
with Dr. Bunnie Claxton of Liberty University
From social media to school hallways, students are bombarded with ideas and arguments that they rarely stop to analyze because the information is disguised or misleading. As a result, students believe false ideas which may hurt themselves and others. In this session, Dr. Claxton will teach a framework to help students think critically and discern truth for themselves in both public and private schools.
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR MISSION
Building Positive Relationships with Students, Colleagues & Parents
with Sarah Trussell of TeachBeyond
Having good relationships is vital if we hope to make a difference in our students' lives, but that doesn't mean it's easy. In this session, Sarah Trussell from TeachBeyond will provide guidance on how to develop positive relationships not only with students but also with colleagues and parents.
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR MISSION
Gender Identity, Anxiety, and Depression: Reshaping Identity Issues with the Gospel
with Jonathan Holmes of Fieldstone Counseling
At the core of many of the issues facing both teens and adults is a question of identity. From confusion about gender or sexual identity to struggles with anxiety, depression, and self-worth, how we view ourselves is at the core. Join us to discover the differences between a traditional view of identity and a modern one, and how a Gospel identity transcends and transforms both views, enabling us to overcome with our identity fixed in Christ.
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR MINDSET
Stop Being a Superhero: Preventing Teacher Burnout
with Pratia Jordan of Prayer and Pedagogy
Too often we find ourselves trying to be a superhero, thinking somehow we can keep going, serve everyone, get everything done without getting the rest and refreshment that we need. Join us as we discuss the need to establish patterns of work and rest, bear each others' burdens, and see Jesus as the Superhero, not ourselves.
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR METHODS
Building Belonging: Strategies for Engaging Students of All Abilities
with Tyler Harms of All Belong
Too many students are simply not engaged at school, but with some intentional planning, you can change that in your classroom. Discover practical strategies to keep your students engaged and create a classroom community where students feel they belong.
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR MINDSET
Prioritizing Your Time when There's Not Enough to Go Around
with Dr. Sandra Battige of Liberty University
Do you ever feel like you're living at warp speed twenty-four/seven? In this session, you'll learn how to prioritize your time and integrate spiritual disciplines throughout your day so you can walk in peace and experience true rest, despite the busyness.
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR METHODS
Teaching Reading Comprehension with Scripture (or Any Text)
with Laura Kebart of Language Arts Teachers
Want to increase students' reading comprehension without needing a multitude of texts from different levels? Language expert Laura Kebart shares how you can use any single text (including Scripture in Christian schools) to both address reading struggles and also challenge advanced students.
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR MINDSET
The Forgotten Power of Intercessory Prayer
with Tyler Staton of Bridgetown Church
Prayer is the subject of Jesus’ most audacious promises this side of grace, but prayer is also the subject of doubt and disappointment for so many believers. What if something as simple as prayer, properly understood and practiced, can not only become the source of intimacy in our personal lives but also create renewal and revival in our schools?
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR METHODS
Saving Time with Grading, Lesson Planning, & Paperwork
with Linda Kardamis, Alexx Seipp, Jen Frey, and Sarah Humes of Teach4theHeart
If grading, paperwork, and lesson planning are taking up way too much of your time, you won't want to miss this session. Join us as the Teach 4 the Heart team shares a variety of ideas to streamline and save time in these areas that need our attention but shouldn't be taking over our lives.
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR MISSION
Don’t Get Fired...Thrive: Best Practices & Common Missteps in Public School Employment
with David Schmus, David Piccolo, Finn Laursen, and Jean Lamfers of Christian Educators
Avoidable missteps can often land well-meaning Christian educators in unfortunate circumstances in our public schools. Let a panel of experts from Christian Educators help you remain long-term in your calling and be a blessing to your school. We will answer the most critical questions we receive from our members, helping you to avoid pitfalls, learn best practices, and thrive as an ambassador for Christ where He has placed you.
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR LEADERSHIP
Christian Admins in Public Schools: How to Lead Well
with the Public School Principal Panel: Jessica Cabeen, Ben Bakeberg, David Piccolo, Hayward Jean
Being a Christian principal or administrator in a public school is one of the most challenging callings in our culture today, yet holds incredible potential to extend justice and introduce students, faculty, parents, and entire communities to the culture and values of the Kingdom of God. Come learn from a panel of experienced public school principals who have successfully infused school culture with God’s love and wisdom while respecting the legal requirements of their roles.
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR METHODS
Choosing Hopeful Literature in a Depressing Culture
with Janie B. Cheaney & Team of RedeemedReader.com
As teachers, we know it’s vital for students to not only read well but to enjoy reading. But sometimes finding the right books for students can be difficult. In this session, the ladies of Redeemed Reader will teach us how to identify quality literature and use it to grow a love of reading in our students. We’ll also discuss how books can prompt worldview conversations and how to avoid books that could bring harm to the minds and hearts of our students.
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR MINDSET
Responding with Hope & the Love of Jesus
with Ashley Ogal of WeTeachJoy
Whether in the classroom or in school leadership, God gives us opportunities to influence those around us and to be excellent for the Kingdom. Join us as Ashley Ogal shares tools to help us be hopeful educators, responding like Jesus (even when we might not feel like it) and speaking to families in different ways because of the love God has given us.
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR LEADERSHIP
Marketing & Enrollment Strategies for Private Schools
with Sadie Elliot of the Herzog Foundation
"How can we increase enrollment?" If this question has been on your mind, this session with the Herzog Foundation will provide clarity, ideas, and next steps to improve your school's marketing, increase quality prospects, and, Lord willing, see your enrollment increase.
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR LEADERSHIP
Preparing Your School to Face Risks & Change
with Pete Marra of the Colson Center
Learn about the risks facing schools today, ranging from big tech, government mandates, and teacher shortages. You'll gain practical tools to help you identify and plan for mitigating risks. Best practices for Business Continuity Planning will also be shared to help you prepare your school and leaders to be risk aware. Additionally, you will learn where and how to find opportunities for innovation along the way.
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR LEADERSHIP
Trauma-Sensitive Schools: Building an Environment that Supports Healing & SuccesS
with Andrea Parson of Trauma-Sensitive School Leadership
Accepting students and responding compassionately to their needs leads them to greater success in academics and life. Come learn specific strategies and authentic examples of trauma-informed healing practices that will help transform your school to better serve your students.
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR MISSION EXHIBITION SESSION
Using Education to Reach the Unreached Around the World
with Tim Wong of International Schools Consortium
More and more of the world is closing its doors to Christians, and countries like China and the UAE are limiting the number of Christians able to work and serve in them. But in spite of these closed doors, teachers and educators can still get into these largely unreached areas. Come and learn how education continues to be the key that opens even the greatest barriers and helps fulfill God's call to bring the gospel to the lost around the world.
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR MISSION EXHIBITION SESSION
5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering Teaching Abroad
with Heather Brown of TeachBeyond
Have you ever thought about teaching internationally? In this session, the Director of Mobilization at TeachBeyond will walk through self-coaching questions to help you discern if God is calling you to a new opportunity, perhaps teaching abroad. You’ll consider how God has been leading you up to this point and explore possible next steps to pursue serving with TeachBeyond.
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR METHODS EXHIBITION SESSION
Using Your Unique Strengths to Create Moments of Meaningful Connection
with Joe Elliot of The Catalyst Collective
With limited time in the classroom and lots of material to cover, it can be challenging to make the connections you desire to have with your students. In this session, you will learn how you can create intentional moments that drive a deeper connection with and among your students. Author, speaker and founder of the Catalyst Collective, Joe Elliott, will walk you through the 5 strategies that helped his team discover and leverage their strengths in order to spark a fresh movement of teen mentoring in Austin, Texas. Get ready to be inspired by real stories of impact that remind you why you chose to become a teacher in the first place!
CATEGORY: HOPE IN OUR METHODS EXHIBITION SESSION
Get a World-Class Graduate Degree Online with Liberty University
with Michelle B. Goodwin of Liberty University
Want a graduate degree but don't have time to commute to campus each week? We understand! We have solutions! Learn about Liberty University's online programs with flexible offerings to help you meet your educational goals! This session will provide you with an overview of Liberty’s programs that can help you prepare for a career in teaching, school administration, school counseling, curriculum development, higher education administration, and more.
Get access to all these sessions when you sign up for free!
Hear from fellow educators:
The highlight of my school year - the best teacher conference I have ever attended!
Diana A.
Secondary History and Art
The summit has provided a tremendous amount of Bible based, valuable tools we can take back to our classrooms. The speakers were fabulous and the prayers so encouraging.
Linda S.
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.
Join us NOW!!
CONFERENCE RUNS October 20-25.
Everything is online (no travel needed!)
All sessions are FREE.
Come away with solutions, inspiration, & hope!
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 together we’re creating this virtual summit – 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.
We hope you can join us online October 20 - 25!
The 2022 summit has ended.
However, you can enjoy both video and audio recordings of all sessions inside the All-Access Pass, available here.
What teachers are saying:
Special Thanks to our Summit Sponsors!
FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Yes! You can watch all the sessions for free anytime throughout the weekend of October 20-25. If you’d like to keep access after the weekend, you may purchase the all-access pass.
We'll be releasing more details about the sessions as we finalize the schedule.
Certificates of attendance will be available for all-access pass holders.
ACSI Teachers: The summit has been approved for 1.5 ACSI CEU’s following 9 hours of combined session attendance. ACSI CEUs are awarded to all-access pass holders.
Nope! Everything is online, and all you need is internet access. We’ll send you the links at the event gets closer.
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. You can get more information about the all-access pass here.
Email us at linda@teach4theheart.com
Rise Up Christian Educators Virtual Summit is presented by Christian Educators and Teach 4 the Heart. © 2023
CONTACT US | SIGN UP | BECOME A SPONSOR
Rise Up Christian Educators Virtual Summit is presented by Christian Educators Association International (CEAI) and Teach 4 the Heart. © 2022
CONTACT US | SIGN UP