We will be updating this page with 2021 information soon!

God is With You!

Praise the Lord He hasn’t left us to figure out this crazy year on our own. He is with us each day, offering us His grace, His strength, His peace, His wisdom, and His hope!

He’s also given us community to encourage one another and share ideas and solutions.

To that end, we warmly invite you to join us at the Rise Up Summit, a free online conference for Christian educators.

"Connecting with other Christian educators through this summit has really encouraged and inspired me."

-2019 Summit Participant

Join us as we...


  • Connect you with fellow educators who share your faith and calling
  • Provide real solutions to teach effectively this year without burning out
  • Uplift your weary heart to teach with HOPE by God’s grace
  • Equip & encourage you to transform your school with the light of His love. ❤️

The event is completely free! Just click the button below to reserve your spot:

How the Rise Up Summit Works:

1

Register today for FREE

Sessions are designed for Christian educators in private and public schools. Everything is online & there’s no cost to attend.

Click here to register now.

2

Join us live Oct 23-24

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 22-27

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.

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.

Practical, Uplifting Sessions!

Here are some of the amazing sessions you can expect in Rise Up Summit 2020 as we seek to rise up and fulfill our God-give mission as educators.

(Please note that session topics and times are evolving and may be subject to change.)

Live Sessions


Friday, Oct. 23 @ 8:00pm EST
RISE UP TO YOUR CALLING

with Mary Poplin, David Schmus, & Linda Kardamis

In this inspirational summit kick-off, we'll examine our God-given calling as educators and discover how to gain strength by keeping our eyes on our calling & mission.

Idea Swap

Friday, Oct. 23 @ 9:00pm EST
IDEA SWAP FOR EDUCATORS

with YOU & your fellow educators

Teachers have the best ideas, so why not share them?! Join us on Zoom to seek and share solutions with fellow educators.  

Saturday, Oct. 24 @ 11:00am EST
navigating the legal landscape as educators

with Jonathan Alexandre of Liberty Counsel & Caleb Dalton of Alliance Defending Freedom

From expressing personal opinions on matters of public concern, to interacting with students’ special requests (such as students with gender dysphoria) or worries about religious discrimination, Christian educators in both public and private schools face a variety of legal concerns. Join us for a briefing from Alliance Defending Freedom and Liberty Counsel attorneys on current cases, recent Supreme Court rulings, and answers to your questions. 

Linda Kardamis

Saturday, Oct. 24 @ 1:00pm EST

TAME YOUR OUT-OF-CONTROL TO-DO LIST

with Linda Kardamis of Teach 4 the Heart

Do you spend way too much time working and still feel behind? In this super-practical session, you’ll learn actionable strategies and mindset shifts to rein in your out-of-control to-do list and find a bit of balance - without sacrificing your effectiveness as a teacher.

Saturday, Oct. 24 @ 2:30pm EST

building joyful community

with Ashley Ogal of We Teach Joy

Do you find yourself frustrated, stressed, or anxious? One of the most powerful antidotes is community. Join us to discover how joyful teaching flows from uplifting company - and how to create a community where you support, edify, and encourage each other in the Lord.

Dennis Eastman

Saturday, Oct. 24 @ 4:00pm EST

creating worldview conversations with essential questions

with Dennis Eastman of Biola University

What if Biblical integration in your public or private school classroom was as simple as starting with a question? Open-ended Essential Questions encourage higher-order thinking, spark further inquiry. and can be used in any subject or grade level. And most importantly, they sponsor biblically integrated moments as students search for answers. Come learn how to integrate Essential Questions in your teaching!

Dave Stuart Jr.

Saturday, Oct. 24 @ 7:30pm EST

MOTIVATING STUDENTS IN 2020-21

with Dave Stuart, Jr.

Struggling to keep students focused & engaged in this challenging year? Discover how to leverage five key beliefs that students hold about themselves and about school. The result: self-motivated lifelong learners - no matter what form learning takes!

Saturday, Oct. 24 @ 8:30pm EST

staying grounded in turbulent times

with Linda Kardamis & David Schmus

With everything happening this year, it's so easy to lose focus. Join us as we discuss how to keep our hearts grounded in the truth so we can rise up and fulfill our mission in these challenging days.

Can't make it live? Grab the all-access pass instead and watch anytime, anywhere.
Find out more about the all-access pass.

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

-2019 Summit Participant

On-Demand Sessions


Available October 22-27

Grace Over Grind: How God’s Grace Enables Us to Work Without the Stress

with Michele Holiday of Feed Their Needs

The pressure of our to-do list can be overwhelming, but yet God calls us to rest. How can this be? Join us to discover a God-centered approach to work and how to rely on His grace to truly eliminate stress and find balance, despite the busyness.

Crystal Kershaw

helping students overcome anxiety

with Crystal Kershaw

Many of our students are struggling with anxiety during this challenging year. In this session, you’ll discover practical tools to help all students cope with and overcome anxiety. We’ll also explore how to counsel Christian students to find hope and peace in God and His truths.

real racial reconciliation for challenging times

with Will Ford and Matt Lockett, authors of The Dream King

Sometimes it feels like our nation and schools are coming apart over racial division and how to heal it. Does God have a plan? Come hear the remarkable story of the “son of a former slave” and the “son of a former slave owner” whose lives intersected in a miraculous fulfillment of Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech. You will be filled with hope that God is at work and can bring healing to our nation and classrooms if we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

creating a welcoming, diverse classroom

with Taren Mangual

God has gifted us with beautifully diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities. Join us to discover how to celebrate diversity in your classroom and make everyone feel welcome. Plus, we'll also answer the common question, "Shouldn't we just be colorblind?"

Paula Phillips

Uplifting teachers & students

with Paula Phillips of Right Road Kids

This year is full of extra challenges. Join us for an encouraging session where we'll discuss ways to uplift our students, coworkers, and ourselves!

Jackie Matthews

a christ-centered approach to dealing with difficult people

with Jackie Matthews of The Empowered Classroom

As educators, we sometimes encounter difficult people, whether they be parents, co-workers, school leaders, or students. But, as Christians, our response should look vastly different than what we see in the world around us. Join us as we seek to follow Christ’s example in dealing with those who frustrate us.

FREE to speak: Supporting Students' Rights to express their faith

with Eric Buehrer of Gateways to Better Education

We have all witnessed sweeping changes in the fundamental values of popular culture. Even the idea of religious freedom is now being called “religious privilege” by some. There is an urgent need to promote a renewed understanding of religious freedom among students. Join us for a conversation about the religious freedoms students and educators have in public schools. Discover the recent actions of the federal government to protect them, and a blueprint for leading a shift toward greater value for religious freedom in our schools.

David Schmus

SETTING THE CAPTIVES FREE: SPIRITUAL WARFARE IN THE CLASSROOM

with David Schmus of CEAI

Does the unseen world impact our classrooms? Absolutely. Scripture tells us that our enemy is not flesh and blood, but rather spiritual forces who seek to interrupt God’s plan for our lives and teaching. Learn how these unseen forces operate in our lives and how to get greater freedom and victory for ourselves and our students.

Mike Keas

teaching the whole story of evolution

with Dr. Mike Keas of Discovery Institute

Like it or not, many science educators are required to teach the theory of evolution. Our textbooks, however, only tell one side of the story, while good science (and the laws of several states) demand that we teach the whole story, including evidence against it. Join us to discover why we should teach both sides of the evolution debate as well as practical tips and curriculum for doing so.

Vicki Davis

Innovate without Overwhelm (+ tech tips!)

with Vicki Davis of the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast

Overwhelmed with all the new expectations being thrown at you? In this session, Vicki Davis shares her secret for learning new skills and technology without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll also get specific tips and ideas for how to use digital tools to enhance learning in-person or online.

conquering math anxiety: how to help all students succeed at math

with Rick Scarfi of MathLight

Do you have students who are terrified of math or just think they can’t do it? We know that’s not true!  Every student can succeed at math, and this session will give you five core strategies to help students conquer their fear of math and experience success!

Easy Differentiation for ELA
(or any subject)

with Laura Kebart of LanguageArtsTeachers.com

Differentiation can feel so overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! Join us to discover simple ways to differentiate - without taking a ton of time! Some ideas are specific for ELA, but many will work in any subject.

Todd Steenbergen

TEACHING A BIBLE ELECTIVE COURSE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

with Todd Steenbergen

Did you know that many states now have laws allowing and even requiring schools to offer elective Bible courses in public schools? While these courses cannot be taught devotionally, they do expose students to the influence of Scripture on history, literature, and culture. Come learn pro tips on teaching a Bible elective course.

Dennis Eastman

integrating a biblical worldview through project-based learning 

with Dennis Eastman of Biola University

Education must move beyond the mere transmission of information from the lips of a teacher to the ears of a passive listener.  When a Biblically integrated curriculum meets project-based learning, students are invited to look more deeply at the why rather than just the what in the problem solving process. This model allows both public & private school students to dive deeper into the subject through sustained inquiry, depth of analysis, and an intentional exploration of a biblical worldview. 

understanding trauma (and how to help)

with Dr. Ivy Bonk of Every Child Whole

Is it possible that many of our students’ diagnosed learning disabilities are actually the effects of childhood trauma? Join us to understand the pervasive effects of trauma and how to implement trauma-sensitive practices for your students.

using god's blueprint to reduce trauma-related inequities

with Dr. Ivy Bonk of Every Child Whole

As educators, we are called to help unlock every child’s God-given story. But when trauma interrupts those stories, and our educational systems aren’t built to address these challenges, inequities result. This session is designed for educational leaders who want to help build new structures to enable every child to access their God-given story. 

Cara Starns

recognizing the signs of child trafficking

with Cara Starns of Safe Passage

The most common forms of child trafficking aren’t what we see in movies. In actuality, many victims appear to live “normal” lives, living at home and going to school. In this session, you will build awareness of these less obvious but more common methods of child trafficking and learn to recognize the signs of victimization in our students.

Jackie Matthews

strategies to engage students in remote learning

with Jackie Matthews of The Empowered Classroom

Struggling to keep remote learners focused? In this session, you'll discover 5 fun, easy ways to increase engagement during online learning, while having fun with your kids!

Dr. Bill Ziegler

getting your first (or next) teaching job

with Dr. Bill Ziegler

Finding your first (or next) job in the field of education can be so challenging. This session will provide practical, researched based, and relevant skills to land that job you’ve always wanted. You will learn: keys to finding the right job, resume building strategies, interview skills, and much more - all from a Christ-centered approach to job seeking. 

taking action to teach with joy

with Sarah Humes of Teach 4 the Heart

This session will empower you with practical action steps to make joyful teaching (and LIVING!) within your reach. God wants us to find joy in the everyday and you will learn how to do that with regular routines, practical problem solving, and identifying joy killers.

The thunder in all of us, find your passion at gcu

sponsored by Grand Canyon University

This video compilation allows you to explore some of the many facets of Grand Canyon University. From our robust campus life to our exceptional online degree programs that offer flexibility and convenience for working professionals with busy schedules, our distinct colleges offer a values-based curriculum developed so that you receive the well-rounded education you need to take your career to the next level. 

David Schmus

how to reach MORE STUDENTS WITH CHRISTIAN CLUBS (ENCORE)

with David Schmus of CEAI

Are you curious about Christian groups, clubs, and campus ministry? In this encore session from Rise Up 2019, David shares how you can use these extracurricular opportunities to spread the Good News across your public school campus.

David Schmus

teach with faith, not fear (ENCORE)

with David Schmus of CEAI

Where are the legal lines drawn for public school educators? Can we tell our students about our faith? Learn the key federal law that sets those boundaries and how it applies in specific situations in the classroom so you can shine your light with confidence.

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.

God is at Work!

We are facing unique challenges this year, but God is also working to do new things in our teaching, our hearts, & our students' lives.

Join us in this free conference for Christian educators in public & private schools to be encouraged and equipped to make a bigger difference this year than ever!

"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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 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."
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Christian Educators Summit

You Are Not Alone!

Join us for an exciting weekend of spiritual encouragement, practical ideas, fellowship, and inspiration!

Join us October 22-27.
Everything is online (no travel needed!)
All sessions are FREE.

Come away with solutions, inspiration, & hope!

Reserve your spot today.

What You Will Learn


We're working to assemble amazing speakers & sessions, in which you'll learn how to....

  • Motivate students
  • Balance work and school
  • Work with troubled youth
  • Shine His light in your classroom
  • Identify students who may be victims of human trafficking
  • Help students overcome anxiety
  • Stay positive in tough teaching situations
  • Get students thinking about worldview (in public & private schools)
  • Fight well in spiritual warfare
  • Work by the power of God's grace
  • Support students' rights to share their faith
  • Create a "Bible as Literature" class in your school
  • Help all students succeed at math
  • Respond Biblically to difficult people
  • Create a trauma-sensitive learning environment
  • Innovate without overwhelm
  • Deal with common legal issues Christians face in education
  • And much more!

Our Vision

At Christian Educators Association 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.

Christian Educators Association International + Teach 4 the Heart

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 22 - 27!

YES, I'm Ready to Rise Up!

Find the clarity, hope & solutions you need to fulfill your calling in this crazy year!

Enter your name & email address to reserve your spot:

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 October 23-24. If you’d like to keep access after the weekend, you may purchase the all-access pass.

Can I find out more about the sessions?

Of course! A description of each session is available here.

Can I get a certificate for PD credit?

Certificates of attendance will be available for all-access pass holders.

This summit has also been approved for 1.5 ACSI CEU’s (available to all-access pass holders).

Do I need any special equipment to participate?

Nope! Everything is online, and all you need is internet access. We’ll send you the links at the event gets closer.

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. You can get more information about the all-access pass here.

Other questions?

Connect with These Amazing Guests!

David Schmus

David Schmus

Christian Educators Association Intl.

Event Host / Spiritual Warfare

Linda Kardamis

Linda Kardamis

Teach 4 the Heart

Event Host / Teaching with Balance

Matt Lockett

Dream Stream Company

Racial Reconciliation


Will Ford

Dream Stream Company

Racial Reconciliation

Mary Poplin

Claremont Graduate University

Rising Up to Our God-Given Calling as Educators


Dave Stuart Jr.

Dave Stuart, Jr.

DaveStuartJr.com

Motivating Students in 2020-21

Dennis Eastman

Dennis Eastman

Biola University

Teaching Worldview in Public & Private Schools

Crystal Kershaw

Crystal Kershaw

Fieldstone Counseling

Helping Students Overcome Anxiety

Ashley Ogal

We Teach Joy

Building a Culture & Community of Joy

Eric Buehrer

Gateways to Better Education

Free to Speak: Supporting Students' Rights to Express their Faith

Dr. Ivy Bonk

Every Child Whole

Trauma-Sensitive Teaching

Paula Phillips

Paula Phillips

Right Road Kids

Uplifting Teachers & Students

Michele Holiday

Feed Their Needs

Grace Over Grind; How God's Grace Enables Us to Work Without the Stress 

Cara Starns

Cara Starns

Safe Passage

Identifying Victims of Human Trafficking

Rick Scarfi

Mathlight

Overcoming Math Anxiety: How to Help All Students Succeed at Math

Todd Steenbergen

Todd Steenbergen

Barren County High

Teaching the Bible as a History/Literature class in public school

Dr. Bill Ziegler

Dr. Bill Ziegler

Chase Learning

How to Get Your First (or Next) Job

Mike Keas

Michael Keas

Discovery Institute

Teaching the Controversy of Evolution

Jackie Matthews

Jackie Matthews

The Empowered Classroom

A Christ-Centered Approach to Dealing with Challenging People

Caleb Dalton

Caleb Dalton

Alliance Defending Freedom

Legal Issues Facing Christians in Education


Laura Kebart

Language Arts Teachers

How to Run Centers and Stations in the ELA Classroom


Vicki Davis

Vicki Davis

The Cool Cat Teacher

Innovation without Overwhelm

Taren Hastings Mangual

Teach 4 the Heart

Creating a Welcoming, Diverse Classroom


Jonathan Alexandre

Liberty Counsel

Legal Issues Facing Christians in Education

Sarah Humes

Teach 4 the Heart

Taking Action to Teach with Joy


Please note that all speakers & sessions are tentative & subject to change. We are working to assemble the most helpful lineup of sessions possible. 

Yes, I'm Ready to Rise Up!

Find the clarity, hope & solutions you need to fulfill your calling in this crazy year!

Enter your name & email address to reserve your spot:

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