We expect our students to respect us—but are we always giving them that same respect?

In this episode of Passing the Crown, Christian shares a real classroom moment when her frustration came out in the way she spoke to a student. What seemed like a small interaction became a reminder that our words, tone, and delivery can either strengthen our relationships with students or shut them down.

Kids are still learning how to manage their emotions, attitudes, and reactions. We are the adults in the room. That means we have the responsibility to model the same respect, self-control, and communication we expect from them.

• Why respect between teachers and students has to go both ways
• How our tone can change the entire meaning of our words
• Why correcting a student doesn't require embarrassing or belittling them
• Remembering that you are the adult in the room
• How thinking about the child you used to be can change the teacher you choose to become
• What it means to “Teach Like a Christian” through patience, compassion, correction, and love

02:02 — It’s All in How You Talk to Them

Why young people deserve to be spoken to with respect—and why respect has to go both ways.

03:31 — When My Words Stopped the Learning

Christian shares a real classroom experience where calling a student “little girl” out of frustration damaged their relationship and caused the student to shut down.

05:27 — Remember: You Are the Adult

A look at how the situation could have been handled differently by regulating emotions, changing the tone, and approaching the student instead of reacting across the classroom.

07:15 — Remember the Child You Used to Be

Think about the teachers you loved, the teachers you didn't like, and the teacher you needed. Are you becoming that teacher for your students?

11:10 — Your Voice Sets the Stage

A challenge to examine your words and tone, regulate yourself before correcting a student, and make sure your classroom voice reflects kindness, love, and God.

Pay attention to how you speak to your students—not just what you say.

Before responding out of frustration, ask yourself:

Would I talk to this child this way if their parent or an administrator were standing in the room?

You can correct them.

You can hold them accountable.

You can maintain high expectations.

And you can still do all of it with respect.

Because sometimes…it’s all in how you talk to them.

🎙️ Passing the Crown

A CrownedSpace for moms in and out of the classroom.

Being prepared doesn’t mean having everything perfect—it means giving yourself the structure you need to show up well.

In this episode of Passing the Crown, we’re talking about preparation in the classroom AND at home. I share how being unprepared has affected my instruction, classroom management, stress, and even my relationships with students—and how the same lesson has followed me into motherhood.

From preparing lessons before the kids walk in to creating systems that make mornings at home run smoother, preparation gives us more room to be present, patient, and effective.

👑 In this episode:

• Why preparation protects instructional time
• How preparation strengthens classroom management and culture
• Why higher-level students need us prepared, too
• How practicing your lesson makes you a stronger teacher
• Creating systems and routines at home
• Teaching our children preparation by modeling it ourselves
• A prayer for organization, structure, resources, and peace

Key Moments

02:06 — Why being prepared matters

04:14 — Preparation helps you get maximum results

05:48 — What happens when we're NOT prepared

09:22 — Preparation makes you a better teacher

11:08 — When lack of preparation shows up in the classroom 😩

14:24 — Preparation at home: motherhood, mornings & routines

16:13 — Our children learn systems and structure from us

17:20 — Closing prayer 🙏🏾

✨ The Crown to Pass: Preparation creates space for peace. When we build systems for ourselves, we’re also teaching our young people how to build systems for themselves.

Friend, your students don't just need to know that you can teach—they need to know you.

In this episode of Passing the Crown Podcast, we're talking about the power of building genuine relationships with our students. I share practical ways to bring your personality into the classroom, make space to actually listen to your students, and create connections that make teaching, redirecting, and learning a little easier.

And NO—we're not trying to be the “cool teacher.” 😂 We're learning how to have connection AND boundaries.

Because strong classroom culture isn't just built through systems, lesson plans, and expectations. It's built person to person.

• Why relationships are foundational to classroom culture
• How to show your personality without losing authority
• Simple ways to let students get to know you
• Why listening matters when students begin opening up
• How your own experiences can help students connect with you
• The difference between building relationships and becoming their friend
• Why boundaries and connection can—and should—exist together

02:59 — Why relationship-building matters in the classroom

03:29 — “Be a person, friend, not a robot.”

04:48 — A quick relationship-building strategy for busy teachers

06:39 — Relax your shoulders! It's okay to laugh and have fun

07:46 — When students start opening up to you, LISTEN

11:14 — Relationship does NOT mean becoming their friend

12:48 — The sweet spot: boundaries + connection

Be a person, not a robot.

Show your personality. Laugh a little. Listen when they talk. Let your students see that there is a real person standing in front of them—but don't lose the boundaries that allow you to lead them.

Relationships take time. Keep showing up. 👑