The Gospel & Gradebooks Podcast

Teach Boldly Ep. 32: Bring Your Best

Let’s be honest—some mornings, just getting out of bed feels like a victory.
Maybe the bills are piling up. Maybe there’s tension in your marriage, or you’re grieving a loss no one at work even knows about. Maybe you're drained from the weight of being everything to everyone at home—parent, spouse, caretaker, counselor—and then you're expected to walk into school and instantly become an energetic, patient, fully present educator.
That’s not just hard. That feels impossible some days.
But here’s the challenge—and the calling: when you step into that classroom, those kids don’t see what’s going on at home. They don’t see the sleepless night, the anxious heart, or the brokenness behind your smile. What they see is you. And what they need is your best.

Episode 24: Easter Celebrations & the Strength (and Struggles) of Samson

In Episode 24, Jamie and Timm kick things off by sharing all the highlights from their Easter weekend. Then, they dive into the powerful (and often complicated) story of Samson. Together, they unpack what Samson's life teaches us about strength, temptation, and God's purpose, even when we fall short. Whether you're recovering from too much Easter candy or just need some midweek encouragement, this episode will challenge and inspire you.
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Teach Boldly Ep. 31: Slow to Anger: Teaching with the Patience of Christ

Let’s be real. Teaching can be one of the most emotionally demanding jobs on the planet.
You’re pulled in every direction—kids who are loud, parents who are upset, administration breathing down your neck, lesson plans that aren’t going to finish themselves, and… let’s not even mention state testing. With all of that pressure, it’s easy—natural, even—to let your temper flare.
But God calls us to something higher. James 1 tells us to be slow to anger. Not because our anger isn’t understandable—but because it’s not productive in the kingdom.

Teach Boldly Ep. 30: The Ministry of Showing Up

There’s a quiet kind of faithfulness that doesn’t always get applause. It’s not flashy. It’s not loud. It doesn’t go viral. But it’s powerful.
It’s the ministry of showing up.
Showing up when you're exhausted. Showing up when the lesson plan falls apart. Showing up when the students don’t seem to care. Showing up even when no one else notices.

Episode 23 – Resurrection Reflections & The Rise and Fall of King Saul

In this special post-Easter episode, Timm and Jamie share some of their favorite Easter memories and reflect on the significance of Holy Week. From sunrise services to sweet family traditions, it's a time to remember and rejoice. They also have a little fun ranking some of the greatest praise and worship songs of all time—get ready to sing along! Then, the conversation turns to the complex story of King Saul. Once anointed and full of promise, Saul’s life became a cautionary tale of pride, insecurity, and disobedience. Join the guys as they unpack lessons from Saul’s journey and explore how his story speaks to the hearts of men today.

Teach Boldly Ep. 29: Resurrection Monday

Easter Sunday was glorious—filled with hope, energy, worship, and powerful reminders that Jesus conquered death. But now it’s Monday. The sunrise doesn’t come with trumpets or lilies. It’s just your alarm clock, a coffee cup, and a long to-do list. The kids are tired. You’re tired. Testing is around the corner. The countdown says 25 days to go.
It’s easy to leave the empty tomb behind and slip back into survival mode.
But here’s the truth: Resurrection was never meant to be a one-day celebration. The angel’s question still rings out today: “Why do you look for the living among the dead?”

Teach Boldly Ep. 28: Good Friday

Good Friday marks the darkest day in human history—but also the most hopeful. It is the day Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, was crucified for the sins of the world. The Gospel accounts—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—together paint a sobering yet redemptive portrait of this sacred day.

Episode 22: Final Four Faith & the Story of Cain and Abel

This week, Timm and Jamie tip their hats to Auburn Men's Basketball and their inspiring Final Four run—not just for the plays on the court, but for the way the team boldly shined a light on their faith in God. Jamie shares updates on Nae’s softball season, full of big moments and lessons learned. Then, the conversation shifts to one of the earliest and most powerful stories in the Bible: Cain and Abel. It's a tough but necessary dive into jealousy, sin, and what happens when we ignore God’s voice. Join the guys as they explore how this ancient story still speaks to the hearts of men today.

Teach Boldly Ep 27: Building Each Other Up with Words

Words matter—more than we often realize. They can shape a person’s day, their self-image, even their future. As teachers, we know that a single positive comment can completely change a student's outlook. But what if we gave students the opportunity to be encouragers too?
Creating a "Words of Encouragement" board is more than a classroom activity—it's a way to cultivate a culture of Christlike affirmation. It gives students a platform to speak life over one another and teaches them the value of uplifting words.

Teach Boldly Ep. 26: Demonstrating Patience, Kindness, and Christlike Love

Teaching is a calling that requires more than just knowledge—it requires heart. Each day, we interact with students who bring their struggles, emotions, and unique challenges into our classrooms. Some are eager to learn, while others test our patience. Some are kind, while others are difficult.
In these moments, we have a choice: react out of frustration or respond with Christlike love. The way we handle our students, especially in difficult situations, can reflect the love and grace of Jesus.