Christian Principals Podcast | Christian School Leaders and Administrators

Summary:

Matt George and Mark Zockoll talk about why a Christian school sets aside time for spiritual emphasis, how Matt's school runs it, and what to plan for if you want to try it.

In This Episode:

• Why do it: Matt wanted to bring some of the energy of a Christian camp into everyday school. A guest speaker can reach students in ways their own teachers and administrators sometimes can't.
• How it began: After a teachers conference workshop, the school held its first emphasis time last year with a guest evangelist. This year's speaker is Rand Hummel.
• Why three days: It runs Monday to Wednesday in October. That's busy, but it falls after routines are set. Matt says a shorter, packed stretch is easier to remember than a week of meetings.
• On campus vs. off campus: Mark compares this with taking students away to a camp. An on-campus format may get more buy-in from families.
• Church and school together: The school and church split the speaker's costs about 50/50. The church also takes a love offering. Youth group students and sports fans are invited too, so the emphasis reaches beyond the school day.
• Choosing a speaker: Matt looks for someone students will relate to, who communicates clearly and has a genuine passion for God. Name recognition matters less.
• Letting go of the schedule: Matt is willing to give up class time so a speaker can have real conversations with students. He says what students gain is worth the lost academics.
• Listener question: How does your school handle spiritual emphasis time? Does your speaker meet with faculty or small groups of students?

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Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today!

Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

Summary:

Hosts Matt George and Mark Zockoll check in on their lives and the small blessings in them. Matt shares some hands-on repair wins. Mark announces a new role and an old problem he ran into.

In This Episode:

• Mechanic time: Matt talks about a summer of fixing things himself, with help from YouTube, and about what he picked up from his dad's farm-life example. A broken window mechanism got fixed with help from good pal Mark who had done the same repair before.
• An HVAC blessing: Matt thought his system was dead and he'd need a costly replacement. A second opinion pointed to a couple replacement parts and about an hour of work.
• Mark's new role: Mark describes how his work with the Maryland Association of Christian Schools led to a connection with Jeff Trimbath of the Maryland Family Institute. That led to an offer to become executive director of the Maryland Christian Education Association.
• A LinkedIn reminder: Mark updated his profile after realizing someone had cited it. His advice is to refresh yours even if you're happy where you are.
• Freedom threatened: Mark recounts an attempt made in Maryland to extend state control of education. A reminder to stay vigilant.

Follow Us:

YouTube: Christian Principals Podcast

Instagram: @cprincipalspod

Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com

Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com

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LinkedIn: Christian Principals Podcast

Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today!

Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

Summary:

This episode of the Christian Principles Podcast is a discussion between Matt George and Mark Zockoll about the documentary Untold Swamp Kings and the leadership lessons they pulled from it. They focus on how very different people can unite around a shared mission, why athletes and staff need different coaching approaches, and how pressure can be handled with more perspective and less panic.

Timestamps:

•

00:00 - Why we wanted to talk about Swamp Kings

•

01:27 - What the documentary covers and why it interested us

•

03:31 - Tim Tebow and Brandon Siler as an unlikely pairing

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06:07 - How shared mission can unite very different people

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08:14 - Brandon Spikes learns to wait, watch, and earn his chance

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12:39 - Why school culture can drift into entitlement

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13:08 - Urban Meyer's coaching style and the fake punt lesson

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15:09 - Why leaders should not coach everyone the same way

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16:31 - When peer influence reaches where coaching cannot

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17:47 - Pressure on the coach before the championship game

•

19:58 - The fake punt that changed the game

•

21:25 - Letting go, enjoying the work, and making better decisions

•

23:51 - Christian Administrator Spotlight for Dusty Neal

Follow Us:

YouTube: Christian Principals Podcast

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Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com

Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com

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LinkedIn: Christian Principals Podcast

Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today!

Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

Summary:

This episode is a practical challenge to the habit of describing a school as “small” in ways that shrink its mission. Mark Zockoll and Matt George discuss why language matters, how size can become an excuse or a badge of false humility, and how school leaders can frame their work around calling, value, and service instead. They also widen the conversation to include larger schools and associations, arguing that leadership should encourage, not diminish, schools of every size. Examples from Christian camps and administrative gatherings show how small and large organizations can share resources, creativity, and encouragement.

Timestamps:

•

00:00 - Opening gripe: traffic, frustration, and the setup for a bigger complaint

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01:05 - Why “we’re small” is the phrase that sets off the conversation

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02:04 - Speech habits that annoy leaders and shape culture

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03:07 - Why small schools should not lead with self-diminishment

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04:48 - The “woe is me” school mindset and why it’s harmful

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06:42 - “Small” depends on context, region, and comparison

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08:11 - Three categories of unhelpful language about size

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09:09 - How school choice, hybrids, and micro schools changed the landscape

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10:08 - Why this is a terrible time to hide behind enrollment numbers

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11:13 - The deeper question: what is the point of saying it that way?

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12:24 - Why every member school should speak and vote with confidence

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13:29 - Students own their experience, but leaders shape the environment

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14:19 - Why every child deserves advocacy, no matter the school size

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15:24 - Why enrollment numbers may not be the right way to lead the conversation

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16:12 - Bigger does not automatically mean better, and smaller can be an advantage

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17:10 - A conversation starter focused on mission instead of size

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18:27 - How words like “scholars” help form school identity

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19:13 - Why careless language about size carries real weight

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20:06 - When it is appropriate to mention size

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21:04 - A reminder to larger schools: don’t dismiss smaller schools

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22:43 - Why belittling another school’s work is especially harmful among peers

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24:07 - A Christian camp gathering where size differences led to resource-sharing

•

25:50 - How larger and smaller camps each contributed something meaningful

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27:22 - Another example from a Christian schools retreat where every voice mattered

•

28:14 - Christian administrator spotlight: Josh Emery of Heartland Christian School

Follow Us:

YouTube: Christian Principals Podcast

Instagram: @cprincipalspod

Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com

Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com

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LinkedIn: Christian Principals Podcast

Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today!

Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

Christian education is worth fighting for because what happens in the classroom shapes families, churches, and the future of a nation. On this 250th episode of the Christian Principals Podcast, Matt George and Mark Zockoll mark America’s 250th year with a candid conversation about legacy, biblical truth, and what schools must never surrender.Rather than treating the anniversary as a simple milestone, Matt and Mark use it to ask bigger questions: What are we preserving? What beliefs are worth defending? And what do our schools need to look like if they are going to outlast trends, pressure, and cultural drift?You’ll hear Mark share why biblical truth must belong in every classroom, why prayer is non-negotiable, and why Christian schools must partner with the home and the church instead of replacing them. Matt makes a case for gospel-centered teachers, student leadership opportunities, and disciplined classrooms where real learning can happen. Together, they challenge the idea that education should be shaped by the loudest student in the room or by a system that treats behavior management as the goal instead of formation.They also reflect on what America’s founders might think of 2026, why constitutional longevity matters, and why the legacy of Christian education should be something future generations can learn from and build on. The episode closes with a heartfelt prayer for Kim Pendleton of Victory Christian Academy in Gastonia, North Carolina.Essential listening for anyone who cares about Christian education, school leadership, and building something that lasts.Follow Us:

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Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com

Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com

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Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today!

Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

Summary:

Matt George and Mark Zockoll discuss a book that has been recommended to them at a recent conference: Rethinking Sustainability, a Strategic Financial Model for Christian Schools by Alan Pue. The conversation centers on two ideas that stood out to them as especially practical and timely: shared sacrifice during financial strain and making Christian education accessible without pretending it is cheap.In this episode, they connect the book’s principles to a recent conversation about tightening budgets, staff retention, board responsibility, and the realities of tuition, payroll, and ministry priorities.

Timestamps:

•

00:00 - Reading a book on money and why audiobooks sparked a debate

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01:06 - Introducing Rethinking Sustainability and why the book matters for Christian schools

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02:02 - How the book came recommended at a Christian school association summit

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03:01 - Connecting the book to a recent episode about tightening the belt financially

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04:35 - Recording on the road at the Southeast Christian School Association conference

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06:23 - Why this book felt easy to read and immediately practical

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07:25 - Biblical non-negotiables as the starting point for financial leadership

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08:18 - Why cutting a vital program can signal instability

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09:54 - Shared sacrifice: boards should not ask staff to do what they will not do themselves

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12:57 - The problem of board decisions when leaders are not personally invested in the school

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15:44 - Accessible versus affordable education

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17:09 - A practical example of helping a family access Christian education

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18:29 - Why tuition has to support teacher pay, not just lower the barrier for families

•

20:37 - Shout-out and prayer for Scott Clemens of Heartland Christian School

Follow Us:

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Instagram: @cprincipalspod

Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com

Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com

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LinkedIn: Christian Principals Podcast

Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today!

Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

September enrollment came in wrong - now what? If your Christian school is staring at a budget gap, a surprise dip in enrollment, or the opposite problem of growing faster than expected, this conversation gives you a clear way forward before panic sets in.Matt George and Mark Zockoll break down the real decisions school leaders face when the numbers do not match the forecast. They compare the pressure on Christian schools with public school districts, point to the broader reality of shrinking student populations and rising costs, and then get practical about what administrators can actually do next.You'll discover:

• When staffing changes become necessary, and why that is usually the hardest but most immediate place to recover financially
• How to evaluate programs, field trips, extracurriculars, and events without gutting your mission
• Why substitute spending may be hiding a bigger staffing strategy than most schools realize
• How to think about donor development, tuition dependence, and smarter long-term budgeting
• Ways to reframe cuts with transparency and wisdom instead of fear

Mark and Matt also wrestle with the ministry side of the equation: how to stay faithful, steward resources well, and avoid making broad cuts that punish everyone when one adjustment might solve the problem. They share candid examples from their own school context, including how due diligence and prayer changed the direction of a difficult year.This is essential listening if you lead a Christian school, serve on a board, oversee finance, or have ever had to make hard calls when enrollment does not land where it was supposed to. Practical, honest, and hopeful, this episode helps you respond with clarity instead of chaos.Follow UsYouTube: Christian Principals Podcast
Instagram: @cprincipalspod
Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com
Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com
X: @CPrincipalsPod
LinkedIn: Christian Principals Podcast

Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com.

Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community!

And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at cpp.gradelink.com today!

Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

Summary:

This episode looks at where walkie talkies still make sense in a school setting, especially for communication, dismissal, playground supervision, and emergency response. Matt George and Mark Zockoll compare walkie talkies with phones, apps, and more expensive school communication systems, and they make the case that simple tools are still worth using when they are cheap, reliable, and effective.

We discuss where walkie talkies fit best, what they solve, and what tradeoffs come with different tiers of equipment. The conversation is practical, specific, and aimed at school leaders thinking through safety, availability, and budget.

Timestamps

•

00:00 - Walkie talkies, school communication, and the episode setup

•

01:00 - Why schools spend on communication and security systems

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03:00 - Why teachers having phones changes the old assumptions

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05:44 - Letting go of the idea that walkie talkies are "too low-tech"

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08:09 - Car line and dismissal as the first major use case

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09:15 - Why relying on an intercom chain was inefficient

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11:05 - Moving dismissal communication into every homeroom

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12:20 - Playground supervision and bathroom trips as a security issue

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13:32 - Using walkie talkies for drills and instant accountability

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15:29 - Walkie talkies as temporary intercoms in modular buildings

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16:08 - Why Matt still sees them as essential for reachability

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18:30 - The beginning of the year as the biggest need for fast communication

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20:06 - Phones vs walkie talkies and why urgency feels different

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21:13 - Open channels, privacy concerns, and frequency limits

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22:24 - Contractor interference and the story of switching channels

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23:28 - Phones, apps, and the option of not buying more equipment

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24:24 - How to test entry-level walkie talkies before committing

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26:26 - Low-end units, channel finding, and frequency basics

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27:35 - Why teachers still need training, even with simple devices

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29:06 - Common user mistakes and headset confusion

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30:03 - Mid-tier walkie talkies with private calling features

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31:21 - High-tier units, wall penetration, and emergency features

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33:17 - Enterprise-class systems, GPS, and nationwide range

•

35:03 - Closing thoughts and the administrator shoutout

Follow Us

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Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com

Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com

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Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today!

Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

Back in the Classroom: El Paso ISD’s Central Office Sub PolicyEl Paso ISD’s plan to have central office staff serve as substitutes is framed as a cost-saving measure, but the conversation goes deeper than budgets. Hosts Mark Zockoll and Matthew George discuss how getting administrators back into classrooms could strengthen school culture, sharpen decision-making, and reconnect leaders with the day-to-day realities teachers face.The episode also features the Christian Administrators Shout Out for David Fry of Frankfurt Christian Academy.

Key topics

• El Paso ISD’s plan for central office staff to substitute teach about eight days a year
• How classroom experience can help administrators make better-informed decisions
• Why the hosts see potential benefits in a policy some employees may view as a drawback
• How Christian schools may already use administrators to teach or cover classes
• The effect of declining enrollment and budget pressures on schools
• How role-swapping days can build empathy and unity across a school
• The Christian Administrators Shout Out for David Fry of Frankfurt Christian Academy

Follow Us

YouTube: Christian Principals Podcast

Instagram: @cprincipalspod

Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com

Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com

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LinkedIn: Christian Principals Podcast

Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today!

Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

Summary:

Matt George and Mark Zockoll talk about why Christian schools should invite legislators onto campus early in the school year. They focus on a recent visit from Maryland State Senator Mary Beth Carozza to Faith Baptist School, why that relationship matters, and how these visits can shape future policy conversations. The episode is part practical strategy, part advocacy, and part encouragement to build real relationships with lawmakers before a crisis hits. It also closes with a Christian Administrator Spotlight on Todd Falk of Fishers Christian Academy in Indiana.

Timestamps:

•

00:00 - Opening the case for inviting legislators to campus

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00:58 - Why the school wanted a legislator visit in the first place

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01:38 - Senator Mary Beth Carozza comes to Faith Baptist School

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03:09 - Maryland Christian education and the pressure of recent legislation

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04:33 - Why the goal is to shape lawmakers before votes happen

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05:59 - Why bringing a legislator in early in the year matters

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07:01 - Helping students see governance as real and local

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08:56 - Legislators enter session with school issues already in mind

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09:55 - Coalition building instead of tribal thinking

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10:21 - The school is at its freshest in the first month

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11:20 - Prayer, pledges, and the tone of the visit

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13:54 - Matt’s decision to keep the school’s opening distinct

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15:22 - Why praying with a legislator matters

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16:21 - Relationship makes the invitation easier to extend

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17:46 - Pastors, schools, and intentional prayer with legislators

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18:31 - Start with one visit and do it respectfully

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19:58 - Why even an opposing legislator benefits from seeing the school

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21:24 - A legislator only needs a short window, not a full day

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22:20 - What the public often misunderstands about Christian schools

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24:14 - How a visit helps correct false assumptions

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26:09 - Facilities, growth, and the practical realities schools face

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27:07 - Going to Annapolis to defend freedom and education

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28:32 - The gospel opportunity in public witness

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28:33 - The direct call: get legislators into your building

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29:50 - How to prepare for a legislator visit

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30:45 - Start local if you need to build the connection

•

31:33 - Christian Administrator Spotlight: Todd Falk

•

32:01 - Prayer for Fisher's Christian Academy and its leadership

•

33:28 - Closing blessing and sign-off

Follow Us

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Instagram: @cprincipalspod

Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com

Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com

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LinkedIn: Christian Principals Podcast

Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today!

Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

The largest Christian school conference they’ve ever attended turned into a real-time reaction episode, complete with candid voices, big names, surprise connections, and teachers eager to shout out their favorite principals.Matt George and Mark Zocko share their experience at the Southeastern Christian School Conference in Myrtle Beach—from the energy of an 1,800-person gathering to hearing teachers describe what makes their administrators exceptional. If you lead a Christian school, teach in one, or support one, this episode offers a front-row seat to the conversations, relationships, and encouragement that make the work worthwhile.Hear about the conference atmosphere, the packed vendor hall, the new dot card technology they tested on the fly, and what it was like to attend a conference without presenting a workshop. Matt and Mark also reflect on the leaders they met, the schools represented across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and why the event felt both exhausting and deeply encouraging.In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why this conference felt different from others they’ve attended
• What happened when they jumped into networking between major booths
• How the dot card worked in the wild—and why the card beat the band
• What teachers shared in quick-fire shoutouts to principals and administrators
• Why small interactions at conferences can matter as much as the big sessions

They also talk candidly about serving a community of Christian school leaders seeking encouragement, connection, and practical support. It’s a reminder that the work matters, the people matter, and time spent together can strengthen the mission.Perfect for Christian educators, administrators, school founders, and anyone curious about what happens when a podcast team takes its message on the road and meets the people it serves.Follow us
YouTube: Christian Principals Podcast
Instagram: @cprincipalspod
Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com
Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com
X: @CPrincipalsPod
LinkedIn: Christian Principals Podcast

Explore the Herzog Foundation’s offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com.

Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community!

And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at cpp.gradelink.com today!

Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

Summary:

This episode follows Matt George and Mark Zockoll as they unpack a summer that was anything but routine for a Christian school administrator. The conversation centers on building out temporary modular classrooms, managing enrollment changes, and staying faithful under pressure while preparing for a new school year. Matt George shares what it looked like to balance ministry, family, staffing, and a major campus project while also leading into a new middle school program. Mark Zockoll frames the discussion around the reality of school leadership and how God’s provision showed up through people, timing, and support.

Timestamps:

•

00:00 - Matt’s summer setup and the real topic of the episode

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00:21 - Why the hosts wanted to talk about a summer in school leadership

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01:12 - Last year’s record enrollment and why that matters

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02:05 - The usual rhythm of an administrator’s summer

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03:36 - Family travel, office time, and the shift back into school mode

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07:19 - What changed this summer and why it was different

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08:30 - Launching a new middle school program

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09:00 - The modular classroom project begins

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09:59 - Why the project consumed nearly every school day

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10:57 - Final inspection and the race to the finish line

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12:33 - Talking honestly about office hours and working from home

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14:49 - The first building project versus this one

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17:14 - Balancing temporary classrooms with long-term ministry goals

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18:09 - Expansion to maintain enrollment, not just to grow

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19:33 - God’s provision in moving and placing the modulars

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21:01 - Floors, HVAC, and the limits of one administrator’s skill set

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22:24 - Learning to rely on specialists and trust the process

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23:32 - Cost, quality, and why the finished classrooms exceeded expectations

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25:24 - Late-summer enrollment changes and the stress they created

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28:24 - Prayer, uncertainty, and families coming in at the last minute

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30:21 - Why the new classrooms were justified by the size of the incoming classes

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31:10 - School board, pastor, and administrative team support

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34:34 - Faculty pitching in with painting and practical help

•

35:17 - When the school year finally feels easier again

•

36:27 - The “jumping off a cliff” metaphor for the summer grind

•

37:29 - Gratitude, encouragement, and prayer for a fellow principal

Follow Us

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Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com

Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com

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LinkedIn: Christian Principals Podcast

Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today!

Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

The federal scholarship tax credit could reshape Christian education, and this episode explains why the biggest shift may happen faster than most people expect. If you care about tuition relief, school funding, or what’s coming next for Christian schools, this conversation gives you the clearest read yet.Fresh off the Maryland Association of Christian Schools meeting, the hosts unpack what they learned from the AACS National Legislative Conference and from Randy Melchert, who leads the Accord Kids Scholarship Granting Organization. The big headline: a new federal tax credit scholarship offering up to $1,700 per taxpayer could turn tax dollars into direct support for Christian education, with real momentum building behind it.You’ll discover:

• How the federal tax credit scholarship works on a dollar-for-dollar basis
• Why the ability to direct money to a specific Christian school changes everything for families and donors
• What happens when states opt in, and why even blue states may feel pressure to join
• Why the hosts believe public schools may also push to participate once the money is on the table
• How this could benefit Christian schools without forcing them to compromise their mission

Matt George and his co-host Mark Zockoll break down the practical impact, the political implications, and the reason this update left them more encouraged than they expected. They also reflect on what this could mean for Maryland in particular, including the hope that Governor Moore opts in sooner rather than later.This is essential listening for Christian school leaders, parents, grandparents, donors, and anyone trying to understand how the new scholarship landscape could change the future of faith-based education. If you want to know where this is headed and why the next tax season matters, don’t miss this update.

Follow Us

YouTube: Christian Principals PodcastInstagram: @cprincipalspodEmail: info@christianprincipalspodcast.comWebsite: www.christianprincipalspodcast.comX: @CPrincipalsPodLinkedIn: Christian Principals Podcast

Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com.

Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community!

And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at cpp.gradelink.com today!

Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

Summary:

This episode looks at why teachers often struggle to engage with research and what school leaders can do to make that interaction more practical. Mark Zockoll shares findings from his article on Christian educators and research, while Matt George responds from an administrator’s perspective with examples from faculty support and professional development.

We discuss the biggest barriers teachers name most often, including time, lack of administrative support, and resistance to change. We also cover how administrators can build margin, offer training, and model a culture of lifelong learning.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Opening confusion and setting up the topic
• 00:44 - Welcome to the Christian Principals Podcast
• 00:58 - Why this article on teachers and research matters
• 02:23 - Mark explains the publication and article background
• 03:52 - Introducing the article topic and main question
• 04:21 - How teachers usually respond to research and best practices
• 06:14 - Lifelong learning as a core expectation for educators
• 07:20 - Proverbs and the call to seek understanding
• 08:46 - Research as more than just journals and academic articles
• 10:12 - Podcasts and other media as ways to interact with research
• 11:08 - The study basis: 28 master’s students and 92 forum posts
• 12:31 - The first major theme: time constraints
• 14:27 - Why time is the most common barrier for teachers
• 15:14 - How administrators can realistically make time for research
• 16:48 - The second theme: lack of administrative support
• 17:31 - Policies and school structures that can hinder research
• 18:27 - Why some Christian schools resist new ideas
• 20:42 - The next theme: skepticism and resistance to change
• 21:35 - DNP student examples and how professionals resist new practices
• 24:10 - Lack of training and confidence in doing research
• 25:37 - A simple example of a teacher using a podcast to stay informed
• 27:16 - What teachers should do to engage with research
• 28:14 - How administrators can protect time for research
• 29:39 - Training teachers to understand and use research
• 30:08 - A call for administrators and teachers to pursue excellence together
• 31:07 - Prayer for Principal Brian Rinehart of Fairhaven Christian Academy

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Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today!

Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

Football becomes a blueprint for Christian education in this episode, and the lessons are sharper than you expect. Mark Zockoll and Matt George unpack six defensive line principles that school leaders, teachers, and administrators can put to work immediately—from holding the line and doing what is not pretty, to filling gaps, collaborating under pressure, and staying agile when everything changes.What starts as a football analogy turns into a practical framework for leading a school mission with clarity. You will hear how the defensive front mirrors the realities of Christian education: the people who absorb pressure, the roles that go unseen, the staff members who make everyone else stronger, and the need for teams to move in sync instead of working in silos.You'll discover:

• Why “hold the line” is more than a sports phrase and how it applies to classrooms, policies, and culture
• How “nothing pretty” reminds leaders that mission-aligned people may not fit a traditional mold, but still get the job done
• Why “the unders” matters for teachers and staff who do the heavy lifting without getting the credit
• How “choreography” exposes the power of true collaboration across grade levels and departments
• Why “filling a gap” is essential when one person has to absorb more than their fair share
• How “agility” helps schools respond when staffing, budgets, facilities, or responsibilities suddenly shift

Mark and Matt also connect these lessons to real school-life challenges like staffing gaps, changing schedules, and supporting the people who quietly anchor the work. The result is a conversation that is equal parts practical, encouraging, and surprisingly useful for anyone leading in Christian education.Perfect for principals, teachers, pastors, and school leaders who need fresh language for teamwork, resilience, and mission-first leadership. If you are trying to build a stronger school culture without losing sight of the mission, this episode gives you a playbook worth borrowing.Follow UsYouTube: Christian Principals Podcast
Instagram: @cprincipalspod
Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com
Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com
X: @CPrincipalsPod
LinkedIn: Christian Principals Podcast

Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com.

Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community!

And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at cpp.gradelink.com today!

Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

Summary:

Micah joins Matt and Mark to explain how the Herzog Foundation Ambassador Program works, what she has learned in her first month, and why Christian school leaders should pay attention. We discuss how the program builds early-career connections, exposes ambassadors to Christian conservative organizations across the country, and gives them a front-row seat to the needs of Christian educators.

Timestamps:

•

00:00 - Introducing Micah and the Herzog Foundation Ambassador Program

•

00:57 - College of the Ozarks, public relations, and campus work

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01:31 - Why the community at College of the Ozarks stands out

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02:57 - How Micah heard about the ambassador program through Esther Ray

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04:29 - The 10-person cohort and shared H Plex housing

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07:04 - Early benefits: travel, networking, and national connections

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09:02 - What past ambassadors have done after the program

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09:34 - Majors represented in the cohort, including film and computer science

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11:36 - September travel plans and first-time visits to major cities

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14:30 - Helping with Herzog Foundation Institute trainings while learning

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15:58 - Ambassadors as greeters, helpers, and active participants

•

17:11 - The capstone project and the big question facing Christian education

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18:11 - Why Micah says the Herzog Foundation is an untapped resource

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20:19 - Advice for a high school sophomore who wants to prepare for the program

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22:10 - Possible next steps: communications, ministry, or classical Christian education

•

23:37 - Homeschooling, Classical Conversations, and STOA speech and debate

•

24:22 - Christian administrator spotlight and prayer for Mark Bollinger

•

25:22 - Closing prayer and final thoughts

Follow Us

YouTube: Christian Principals Podcast

Instagram: @cprincipalspod

Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com

Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com

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LinkedIn: Christian Principals Podcast

Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today!

Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

Should teachers grade homework - or stop grading it entirely? Matt George and Mark Zockoll take on one of the most practical, debated questions in Christian education and land on a surprisingly nuanced answer: homework matters, but not always in the grade book. Recording this one on a walk, the hosts unpack what homework is actually for, when it becomes little more than a point-chasing exercise, and why "graded" does not always mean "better." They push through the tension between accountability and learning, asking whether homework should measure performance, build habits, surface confusion, or simply help students practice without fear of a bad score.

You'll hear them break down:
Why homework as "rote practice" can help some students and fail others
The difference between grading for completion, effort, and real understanding
When pass-fail homework makes sense and when it creates new problems
Why certain subjects, like math, call for a different approach than section reviews in history
How teachers can use homework to identify weaknesses before the test, not just fill the grade book
The conversation gets especially interesting when they compare lower grades and upper grades, arguing that the kind of homework younger students do should be treated differently from the more critical-thinking work expected later on. Along the way, they land on a memorable principle: homework doesn't always have to be graded, but it does always need to be assessed.
If you're a teacher, school leader, or parent trying to figure out what homework should actually accomplish, this episode gives you a thoughtful framework instead of a one-size-fits-all rule. It's a strong listen for anyone who cares about academic rigor, student growth, and building a grade book that reflects more than just compliance.
Follow UsYouTube: Christian Principals Podcast Instagram: @cprincipalspod Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com X: @CPrincipalsPod LinkedIn: Christian Principals PodcastExplore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today!
Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

Summary:

Matt George and Mark Zockoll recap a gathering of state Christian school association leaders held at the Herzog Foundation in August. They discuss the size of the room, the range of states represented, and the practical conversations that took place around school choice, funding, leadership, and starting new Christian schools.The episode is also a window into how different state associations are navigating very different realities. From tax credit provisions to Title funding and school-launch initiatives, the conversation centers on what Christian schools can do now and how leaders can learn from one another without pretending every state situation is the same.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Christian school leaders gather at the Herzog Foundation
• 01:14 - How Lydia Quick brought state associations together
• 02:11 - More than 2,600 schools and 590,000 students represented
• 03:06 - Connections with Iowa, Heartland, and Jeff Walton
• 06:23 - First impressions of the Herzog Foundation campus
• 07:50 - Dr. Daryl Jones on prayer and the foundation’s origins
• 09:03 - Faith in Nations and student leadership opportunities
• 10:28 - Lydia Quick’s quiet leadership and Iowa’s momentum
• 11:39 - Why the room felt like a safe space for honest dialogue
• 13:58 - Disagreement without division in a room of Christian leaders
• 16:24 - Eleven states represented and wildly

Follow Us

YouTube: Christian Principals Podcast

Instagram: @cprincipalspod

Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com

Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com

X: @CPrincipalsPod

LinkedIn: Christian Principals Podcast

Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today!

Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

Psalm 51 hits differently when you realize how much more access to temptation today’s students have than David ever did. Mark Zockoll and Matt George unpack that sobering reality, drawing a straight line from David’s repentance after Bathsheba to the hidden battles young people face now.Mark shares the teaching moment that sparked the conversation, including how he framed Psalm 51 for a room full of students, parents, and church members. What started as a message on repentance quickly became a bigger warning about innocence lost, the early exposure kids now face, and why purity of heart is harder to protect than ever before.You'll discover:

• Why Psalm 51 still feels so personal and urgent in the age of phones, streaming, and instant access
• How Mark used real-life illustrations to help students think honestly about sin without shaming them
• Why the old world of magazines, cable TV, dial-up internet, and smartphones changed the fight for purity at every step
• What Matt and Mark think churches, parents, and Christian schools must do to guard students well

This episode doesn’t stop at diagnosis. It challenges listeners to think carefully about what children and teens are seeing, how early they’re seeing it, and what faithful protection looks like in a world that normalizes exposure too soon.If you care about student ministry, Christian education, parenting, or simply want a clearer, more honest way to think about Psalm 51, this conversation is essential listening. It’s a reminder that repentance is still possible, grace is still real, and vigilance matters more than ever.Matt George is a host of the Christian Principals Podcast, bringing pastoral perspective and practical concern for schools, families, and students.Mark Zockoll is a host of the Christian Principals Podcast, known here for turning Scripture, teaching, and cultural awareness into a candid warning about the challenges facing the next generation.

Follow Us

YouTube: Christian Principals Podcast

Instagram: @cprincipalspod

Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com

Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com

X: @CPrincipalsPod

LinkedIn: Christian Principals Podcast

Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today!

Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!

Summary:

This episode explores how Christian schools, associations, and advocacy groups can work together without losing their theological convictions. Matt George and Mark Zockoll discuss the history of Christian education, the growth of school associations, and why political cooperation matters more than tribal separation when the goal is protecting schools and students.

They also unpack a strong statement heard at a state association summit: tribalism in Christian education needs to end. The conversation broadens into practical examples from state lobbying, local school relationships, and coalition work across denominational lines.

Timestamps:

•

00:00 - Opening on desiloing Christian education and getting along better

•

00:38 - Early-morning banter and the unusually odd recording time

•

01:55 - Sponsors and transition into the day’s main topic

•

02:28 - Why the Christian School State Association Summit mattered

•

03:21 - A short history of Christian education and the rise of Christian schools

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05:04 - Prayer in schools, Christian school beginnings, and the movement’s roots

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06:55 - Growth in the 1980s and the modern era of school choice

•

08:16 - Accreditation, funding, and why associations still matter

•

09:14 - The broader association landscape across states and denominations

•

10:47 - AACS, ACSI, CSI, and other association alignments

•

12:06 - Why joining state and national associations can be valuable

•

13:40 - Who made the tribalism comment at the summit

•

14:55 - The claim that tribalism in Christian education needs to stop

•

16:22 - Shared goals and the case for cooperation across lines

•

18:30 - Separatism versus political cooperation

•

20:16 - Personal examples of political alignment and religious division

•

23:03 - Why “be not unequally yoked” is often stretched too far

•

24:27 - Jesus, Pharisees, and the limits of isolationism

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25:47 - Working with Catholics, Muslims, and other allies on school issues

•

27:07 - Should Christian school students be encouraged to enter politics?

•

28:41 - Practical advocacy and why legislators should visit schools

•

30:39 - Local community partnerships and public awareness

•

33:14 - Coalitions are stronger than fragmented associations

•

34:23 - March for Life as an example of broad coalition action

•

36:00 - Local government and community reputation matter too

•

38:25 - More people in the room and the reality of state advocacy

•

41:15 - Why anti-message organizations eventually collapse

•

44:22 - Christian administrator spotlight: Heather Daniel of Emmanuel Christian School

•

45:48 - Closing prayer and outro

Notable Quotes:

•

“Tribalism is over. It needs to be over.”

•

“When a coalition is able to go before the state and say, we are a million strong and we hold in this way the same value.”

•

“There has to be more people in the room.”

Christian Administrator Spotlight:

•

Heather Daniel, assistant principal at Emmanuel Christian School in Wabash, Indiana

Follow Us

YouTube: Christian Principals Podcast

Instagram: @cprincipalspod

Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com

Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com

X: @CPrincipalsPod

LinkedIn: Christian Principals Podcast

Explore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today!

Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!