Discussion
Room
Equipping teachers to boldly fulfill their God-given calling
Discussion Room
Open for 30 Minutes after select live sessions
When you're learning so much, you want to discuss it! Join us to ask questions and process insights in these live Zoom discussions following the sessions listed below.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17 at or around 9 pm ET
DISCUSS Brant Hansen's session: How to be Unoffendable in a Culture of Offense
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 at or around 12 pm ET
DISCUSS Elizabeth Styffe's session: Helping Students Handle Big Emotions
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 at or around 2 pm ET
DISCUSS Christian Educator Panel session: I’m Caught in a Culture War! Navigating Ideological Challenges with Truth & Love
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How can I get my certificates for the classes I completed?
I watched Jill Millers session on, “How to turn Even Difficult Parents to Effective Partners.” Excellent!
Takeaway – Communication is the key – Seek to partner
I just finished “Classroom Management that Works/Whole Brain Teaching,” by Chris Biffle. I watched examples of how to engage the whole brain with mirror words.
Takeaway- Rewarding for ability=grades, while rewarding for improvement = growth!
I just finished the session “Bridging the Gap between Teacher and Student,” by Leslie Rob. Two thumbs up!!
Takeaway – Emotions cannot dictate teaching, love must – love is a choice.
I just watched Brant Hansen “How to be Unoffendable in a Culture of Offense,” and I have never thought about anger in this light. It was eye opening for me. My takeaway is to decide in advance to forgive people.
How do I download my certificate to receive PD hours?
Lee Strobel: The Case for Christ in Public Education: Planting Seeds in Students’ Lives-Mrs. White, Lee’s fifth grade teacher never knew Lee came to Christ and she was instrumental by being a positive example and the children knew she was a Christian because she had a Bible on her desk.
A lot to process from the sessions and literally dismantle from other resources. This first year of teaching – so, so, so many voices. I’m going with my brothers and sisters. Thank you, Teach 4 the Heart and Christian Educators. Thank you speakers.
Helping Students Handle Big Emotions take away:
Disarm fear, give voice.
There are no perfect teachers, only growing teachers.
A truly Christian approach to students in trauma. My take away is be curious not furious. Do not take offense, ask questions to clarify and find out what students need. Nurture and structure go hand in hand one providing trust and the other providing growth. I want to see my students as Jesus sees them and meet them right where they are. Thank you so much for the insight. I did take the TRBI training a few years ago so this was a terrific review.
What a mind shift. So simple, yet so deep. I need to watch this again and read the book to let it soak in. Why don’t animals have chronic anxiety? Remember, our faith is in someone who knows the ending.
In the session with Brant, I loved the idea of having a gratitude journal for students and teachers. I have noticed when I make it a habit to write about what I am grateful for, it is easier for my mind to continue to look for: whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy. (Philippians 4:8NKJV-condensed).
My favorite session so far was with Brant Hansen. I loved his reply to criticism – I don’t always say things the right way. I am always learning. Thank you.
I will use this when dealing with a difficult parent next time. Thanks Brant!
So much encouragement tonight. Be honest, be yourself, extend grace, push don’t shove!
I loved the first session with Brant. I think my favorite part was the gratitude journal idea. It’s easy to leave school worn out and letting little things nag you, but I know taking the time to write down what I am grateful for would change me. Thank you!
Also, praying for David and fam, I think I barely heard Linda say he had an emergency?
I really appreciate when he said “Don’t be upset by the same things everyday. ” Often times, I find myself praying about whatever has “set me off” during the day, going home in a better mood, then when something similar happens the next day or a couple days down the road, I’m right back at Square 1, upset about the same thing…AGAIN! I really need to work more on trusting God to handle it and let it go! #RELEASE
I agree with you completely. I let a negative parent or student interaction carry over to the next day and it stresses me out and makes me sad and frustrated. I need to work more on getting rid of that frustration before the sun goes down so I don’t drag it back and forth from work to home like ungraded papers. I liked his reminder that War is not exceptional – peace is.
Jen P.
I had the same thoughts on righteous anger. I watched a group become very angry and were calling it righteous anger, but it sure didn’t seem like that to me. It looked like they were out of control. So I did some research in the bible as well and also decided that our anger is selfish. It’s us wanting our way. It’s because we aren’t trusting that God is in control.
Now you are totally free!! Praise the Lord!
I have familty members that I have trouble forgiving. Hearing that we respond in anger and unforgiveness because our ego is threatened convicted me. He is right.
Is Brant’s book in the Rise Up merchandise store?
Yes! And there is a deal if you purchase in his publisher’s store – SAVE 40% off Brant’s books with PROMO CODE: BRANT40
https://churchsource.com/collections/unoffendable-study
Yes, but it is cheaper on Amazon.
It was a great reminder how important to forgive!! Like he said when we truly forgive, the offense don’t keep the offense running around in our heads.
I love Brant’s casual matter-of-fact way of speaking and sharing. He’s saying, “Duh? Don’t you get this?!” without actually saying it. He makes it all sound so simple.
I have found that it is easier to forgive others. Forgiving myself is the hard part.
I absolutely agree!!
I also share Christian Educators daily devotionals with others on staff each morning and would encourage others to sign up to read them.
Anyone else have to keep refreshing the page in order to see new comments?
Let me pose this question:
At the beginning of the Olympics, there was that depiction of the Last Supper by people in drag. Lots of comments were posted on social media from people who were offended. Then I saw many others mock the offense because it was really “about the Greek gods.” How do you think Christians could’ve handled this situation differently in light of this session? Or maybe do you think it was handled correctly ?
It was not intended to be a depiction of The Last Supper but a depiction of the festival of Bacchus. The resemblance was a bit much for some people, understandably so. I saw it in a replay, and I took my time looking at it. Regardless, I don’t think it was in good taste either way, but this was not the first time, nor will it be the last time, something like this happens. As Christians, we have to decide how we’re going to react…or not.
Practicing journaling glimmer moments and gratitude to God for what He has done and is doing will transform the classroom environment.
I had a question. God has thankfully made me a person who can forgive very easily. My challenge is giving consequences to my students, who take it as “I don’t like them” because I’m punishing them. At my school we have something called ‘Fun Friday’ but if kids had misbehaviors during the week (and where I am teaching now, it is pretty bad!), then they don’t go to Fun Friday. So it ends up being Not Fun Friday for most kids and I really don’t like this system because then there are not more immediate consequences and it ends the week on a negative note. I forgive them, but I do still think there needs to be a consequence. We are not allowed to take away recess (which is what the school used to do, and which was effective, because it was the same day, and the kids don’t like missing recess. So I’m wondering if anyone has ideas or thoughts that could help me. I’m really trying to make the atmosphere better with my kids – again, they are rough and the behaviors are pretty constant and draining.
I think the delayed consequences for their behavior is a nationwide problem. There isn’t a lot of consequences to deter bad behavior.
My school (grades 3-12) doesn’t really even have a discipline plan…and the kids know it!
Teaching Redemptively by Donovan Graham deals with some of those thoughts. How do we correct and still show grace? Good book (but small print for old eyes like mine).
Thanks for the recommendation! I’m ordering it (good thing I just got new glasses ;D)
Is there something more immediate you could give as a consequence that relates to the behavior the student is doing (like a natural consequence)?
For example, one of my kiddos (I teach 3rd/4th) left the classroom without permission (unsafe) and hid in the hallway/common area. Once I found her (I counted to 3 that she needed to come back to class- doesn’t always work, but it did with this particular student), I had a 1 on 1 talk with her about why that’s not OK, she needs to tell an adult if she needs a break, etc. Her consequence was to finish her spelling test at home (because she missed it because she was hiding), and I emailed parents to give a heads up.
Or another example from my classroom: students were using whiteboard markers to draw unrelated pictures on their whiteboards instead of solve the math problem (it’s a lot of fun to use the whiteboard markers…) The consequence was no more white board markers, now you get to use paper and pencil instead until you can show me you can use it responsibly.
There is a lot to unpack here. Fristly, it sounds like your students need to be reminded that punishment is done becasue you love them. Proverbs 13:27 states that pretty well. I’ve found having class discussions about what the rules are, why we have them, and what they think the punishment and rewards should be helps foster more of responsibility towards their own behaivors. This works for any age group. Obviously you can guide the discussion and lead them in feasible directions. Make sure whatever the plan ends up being is something you will be able to follow through on.
Without knowing the exact behaivor and problems I can’t offer much direction on what sort of reward/punishment shoud be in your classroom. I agree that immediate consequences are needed. You can check out pbis world for ideas related to specific behaivors. Here is the link: https://www.pbisworld.com/
I love the reminder to choose beforehand to accept and forgive others and continue to walk lovingly towards others .
I love what Brant said about “forgiving people ahead of time.” We already know people are broken and hurting. Let’s make it easier to build relationships by acknowledging this ahead of time, and be prepared to give a gentle answer to turn away wrath. We can apply it everywhere, not just in our classrooms!
I love the input about tribal groups on social media. I have learned to just keep scrolling rather than getting upset or engaging in the controversy.
I love the idea of having a gratitude journal to end the day with rather than focusing on all the things that went wrong. With a challenging class this year, I need fresh eyes to see the littles in my care that that it is not a battle against flesh and blood. That people need compassion and forgiveness.
Sarah, like you, I think having a gratitude journal to end the day is a great idea.
Yes, I liked that also.
Love the idea that we are not called to anger but called to action
Nobody owes me anything. I heard a preacher say. 🙏🏼
DAN MOHLER aka the best
I’m intrigued by the phrase “Its freedom not to trade insult for insult.” A deep concept that yes, I am free to walk away when I feel unappreciated by those who I am serving as a teacher.
I am not sure who originally said it, but in the comments JoAnn Slee said she was given the advice to observe-not absorb parent reactions and I want to remember this as I head into conferences next week. Thank you!
Thanks for the reminder to forgive in advance!
I guess I can respond to the 5 messages I received from a parent during this live presentation about 4th grade math homework without being snarky…..
Type your snarky remark into chatgpt, and have it make it professional for you, or for a faster note just type the topics and let it type the letter for you.
Hahaha love chat
I think your name says it all. You have that victory.
DONE!
One of my most difficult years I made a decision to forgive and pray for those that were giving me debilitating anxiety. These were adults. Every morning I put on my cross and began my prayer. While I still had to go out on medical leave, I felt better each time and was able to just hand the mess over to God.
What a positive way to end my day that started off by oversleeping.
Thanks!!😊
This was a great kickoff to the Summit! I am inspired and confirmed by Brant’s session.
We start the day with Jesus and pray for those who offend us.
Love the idea that we can be the Jesus someone in our classroom sees today. In a public school setting this reminder is something I need to remember daily.
Is this the discussion? Enjoyed the session. Especially the comment about starting your day with forgiveness.
Don’t carry the weight of the offenses because you will get sick – and the burden is supposed to be light.
Forgiveness is a choice and we need to let go of our righteous anger.
I love the reminder that only God can have righteous anger. And at the end, the analogy of a law officer being more effective when not angry was helpful!
Anger does not help you fight injustice. – This really spoke to me, especially tonight!
I also loved when he referred to our anger as cymbals. It’s just noise and serves no purpose.
I love the idea to be prepared and to plan to forgive, beforehand!
Absolutely. We know our happy will get bumped from time to time. If we decide in advance to forgive and return with a soft answer what a difference it will make.
Hi from Louisiana!
Really enjoyed this session!!
How do you start the conversation/get someone to read the book? My youngest son is very angry with us for “not accepting him as he is” and not honoring his choice to live in a gay relationship.
I think it begins with US loving others and accepting others 🙏🏾 once we begin to be the change, then we will reflect Gods ultimate love for others 🙏🏾
I think the best way is to begin by praying. Ask God how to love your son in a place that you know is not good for him. It may not begin with the book. It may begin with a cup of coffee.
I’ve struggles with holding grudges, so this was a perfect session for me. Allowed me to take a step back and think about how I have been handling my anger. This year especially hasn’t been easy. Lots of change, drama, etc.
I have been convicted about pride in my life, and what Brant said about anger being a result of an inflated ego reminded me of that! I will be examining my life for inflated ego and pride to eliminate anger in my life.
I came to teaching as a later-in-life career change, and I always say that I was too proud to have been a good teacher before that. “How DARE you speak that way to me?” would have flared up a lot more–definitely too many days that I still feel that, but by God’s grace, not AS many days.
Hello from Ohio! Loved this session, so much to take in and ponder.
This year we started our last class of the day with Thankful For things that everyone shares, after this I’m so excited to shift to the end of class and reflect on what is something they are thankful for in the school day that happened that day.
I love this idea! During a devotion one day last year, one of my colleagues shared with us the idea of “lovelies” at the end of the school day. It sparked an after school check-in where we all would share our highlight for the day. It was a great habit!
hi
Christ invited us to have His peace and His grace. We have that through forgiving others with His Divine help.
The idea that he was sharing at the very beginning about us not having righteous anger was interesting.
I thought that was interesting, too. I wonder, though about how imitating Christ fits into that picture. I don’t ever want to lack in forgiveness, but shouldn’t we love righteousness and be angry because of unrighteousness? Not that we become caught up in constant anger, but that we react righteously to unrighteousness because of righteous anger?
And please comment if you think I am wrong in thinking that. I am open to different opinions.
So important to forgive. I like the recommendation of starting your day off with a forgiveness mindset.
and to not leave the school before you journal gratitude! so often, I find myself leaving overwhelmed, over stimulated and just over it all
Is it me or the link doesn’t open the discussion room?
Not opening for me, either. Maybe they still need a few minutes to set it up?
Try reloading your browser. You should then see all the comments. I have to keep reloading to see new ones.
takeaway:start the day by forgiving in advanced
Hey everyone! From Geneseo, NY! Thoroughly enjoyed that session!
I loved the session and want to get the book
Me too! I went to our local library’s website. I’m #173 on the waitlist!!
It was excellent. I want to recommend the book/videos to my church as a study!
Me too!
We must show gratitude. That is the key.
I think it was an amazing session – thanks for sharing
I really like the idea of asking Jesus in the morning to help us walk in forgiveness for the things that will happen in the day.
YES! Proactivity…
Yes, such a wonderful idea! Forgiveness and wisdom are needed all day long!
YES! I love how he said….you already know what that kid is going to do, you already know what the admin is going to do, you already know what that parent is going to do….so forgive in advance! Wonderful concept!
I pray on my drive to school each day, and I need to start praying over my room each day as well.
I agree! Sure would make you see the day differently.
I saw Brant on the Love Like You Mean It Marriage Cruise, which is amazing and loved hearing this topic a second time.
Hi from South Korea! What amazing session.
Forgive much because you have been forgiven much.
This was an amazing talk. Definitely left me feeling more motivated but also gave me a lot to think about. As a teacher, it is easy to lose sight of the importance of what you are doing overall.
I agree. It is difficult in the every day mundane trying to meet the checkmarks to remember the feelings that I had on the other side of the room as a student. Some of my biggest influencers have been teachers though.
having the right team around definitely does help keep things in prospective. especially when they are able to pray with and for you.
So many things pulling us in so many directions that it’s no wonder how easily we lose sight of what we’re doing.
You are doing so much! Don’t lose sight of all the good that is happening. 🙂
Yes!! After a year of really being hard on myself and questioning everything about my teaching (after almost 30 years!) I realized this summer during an amazing online retreat that I need to be focused on God rather than on my myself. Adding forgiveness and gratefulness DAILY completes the recipe perfectly! Now to put in into practice with angry parents, demanding co-workers, disrespectful students, etc. ;-D So blessed to have this community of teacher-believers!
I hear you, Chris! Over 30 years for me, and I’ve found myself questioning more and more lately.
Hello from Pennsylvania