By Andy Hale
This week on the CBF Podcast Conversation, we’re joined by Rebecka Peterson, the 2023 National Teacher of the Year and a passionate advocate for public education. A high school math teacher at Union High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Rebecka has spent over a decade bringing creativity, purpose, and compassion to her classroom. Drawing from her own journey as an immigrant of Swedish-Iranian descent and her experiences living around the world, she understands the power of inclusion and the deep importance of making every student feel seen and valued. In this conversation, Rebecka shares how discovering the “One Good Thing” blog transformed her approach to teaching—and how her “Teachers of Oklahoma” campaign is now lifting up the voices and stories of educators across the state.
Rebecka’s vision for education is rooted in love, storytelling, and justice. “Teaching,” she says, “is about making sure there’s a seat at the table for every kid.” But that mission extends beyond the classroom—she challenges all of us to ask how we are showing up for teachers, just as they show up for students. With wisdom drawn from the classroom and a spirit of grace shaped by her Christian faith, Rebecka reminds us that stories soften us, connect us, and ultimately change us. This conversation is an invitation to advocate for teachers, listen with empathy, and open our hands in blessing. Don’t miss it.
You can listen to the conversation here
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CBF’s podcast shares stories from across the Fellowship and innovative practices of those working to renew God’s world. The vision is to share ideas, stories, and innovations from ministers, authors, and practitioners.
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This podcast is presented by:
- Baylor’s Garland School of Social Work: Social workers can be found addressing the full scope of the human experience in churches, schools, prisons, government agencies, senior living centers, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies.
- Baptist Seminary of Kentucky: BSK equips leaders through their Homegrown Initiative, offering ministry leaders training and growth that fits into their busy schedules.
- The Gardner-Webb School of Divinity: The Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity aims to equip, nurture, encourage, and support men and women for their very best service in the Kingdom of God.
- The Center for Congregational Health: Strengthening congregations through consulting, leadership coaching, and intentional ministry.
- The Baptist House of Studies at Union Presbyterian Seminary: Exists by God’s grace to educate, inspire, and support generations of bold, faithful servant leaders as they seek actively to participate in God’s mission in the world.
- Community Transformation Center: Through educational opportunities, community conversations, and research initiatives in collaboration with universities and local leaders, PBACTC is at the forefront of integrating spiritual care into holistic community development.
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Andy Hale is the creator and host of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Podcast. Hale is the Associate Executive Coordinator of CBF North Carolina. He’s also served as CBF’s Church Start Specialist, the founding pastor of Mosaic Church of Clayton, and the senior pastor of University Baptist Church of Baton Rouge. Follow on Twitter @haleandy.