Ep.42 Reaching Gen Z thru Literature and the Power of Presence with Cindy Lee, M.Div Student & English Teacher

In this episode of Faith and Feels, Rika Lopez sits down with Cindy Lee, a high school English teacher, former missionary, and current M.Div. student, to talk about the transformative power of education and faith.Cindy shares how her experience as a missionary shapes the way she teaches, emphasizing authentic relationships, supportive classroom culture, and engaging students in critical thinking through literature. She introduces the Harkness table method, which fosters respect, listening, and honoring of differing views and opinions—skills that shape students far beyond the classroom.With humility and deep care, Cindy even wrote a personal letter to each of her students before graduation, a gesture that reflected her heart as a servant-leader and her desire for each student to know they are seen and valued. From addressing mental health struggles to being an advisor for a school club called "Gentlemen’s of Tomorrow," Cindy demonstrates in tangible ways the love of Jesus as a teacher, mentor, and guide.She also encourages parents to connect with their teens through open communication and reminds us that being authentic and vulnerable, rooted in Christ’s love, is at the core of reaching the next generation.For more of Cindy's writings and reflections, you can visit her blog at https://thewildernesstable.comChapters:00:00 Introduction to Faith in Fields Podcast01:48 Cindy Lee: A Journey from Missionary to Teacher08:00 Understanding the Challenges of Today's Students12:33 Creating a Supportive Classroom Environment18:15 Building Authentic Relationships with Students24:45 The Harkness Table: Fostering Critical Thinking32:21 Leaving a Legacy Through Literature and Respect34:13 The Impact of Teaching Methods38:01 Mental Health Challenges in the Classroom42:21 Navigating Modern Relationships and Ethics49:35 Understanding Gen Z: Technology and Social Dynamics55:22 Teaching Values Through Literature01:00:14 Gentlemen of Tomorrow: A New Initiative01:04:06 Advice for Parents of Teens