
Hillsdale College K-12 Classical Education Podcast
432 episodes — Page 2 of 9

How to Maintain a Rich and Well-Ordered Learning Environment
Jenny Mulvey, fourth grade teacher at Golden View Classical Academy in Golden, Colorado, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss maintaining a rich and well-ordered classroom, engaging students in their work, and setting up your classroom to prevent needless distraction. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teaching American History to Middle and High School Students
Steven Battaglia, history and Latin teacher and assistant headmaster of the Upper School at Seven Oaks Classical School in Ellettsville, Indiana, delivers a lecture on how to teach American history to upper school students. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: American History” in January 2025. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mission-Driven Extracurriculars
Ian Nugent, assistant principal and philosophy teacher at Atlanta Classical Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, and Aaron Schepps, upper school principal and literature teacher at Atlanta Classical Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, join host Scot Bertram to discuss how to build mission-driven extracurricular for students, how to gauge the success of extracurricular activities, and some activities that schools can implement. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Using Labs in Upper School Science Class
Claire Marie Huff, science department chair and upper school dean of students for girls at Atlanta Classical Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, delivers a lecture on how to use labs to enhance upper school education. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: The Sciences” in November 2024. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Children's Garden: Integrating Nature and Literature
Kimberly Miller, librarian at Hillsdale Academy in Hillsdale, Michigan, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the importance of outdoor activities to pedagogy, how outdoor spaces help spark the imagination and creativity of children, and book recommendations for outdoor story time. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teaching Poetry in Grammar School
Elizabeth Offord, curriculum director at Lafayette Academy in Lake St. Louis, Missouri, delivers a lecture on how teach poetic recitation to students in grammar school. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Children's Literature” in September 2024. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The History of American Education
John Peterson, Assistant Director of Curriculum at Hillsdale College's K-12 Education Office, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the history of American education, the ideological basis for progressive education, and the roots of classical education. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teaching Literature Through the Seminar Method
John Peterson, assistant director of curriculum at Hillsdale College's K-12 Education Office, delivers a lecture on how the seminar method improves literature instruction. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Upper School Literature” in February 2025. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Makes an Award Winning School?
Stephen Shipp, headmaster at Seven Oaks Classical School in Ellettsville, Indiana, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss Seven Oaks winning The Henry Salvatori Prize for Excellence in Teaching, encouraging firm and kind leadership, and developing an excellent school culture. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Using Labs in Elementary Science Class
Jennifer Jackett, 5th grade teacher at Seven Oaks Classical School in Ellettsville, Indiana, delivers a lecture on how to use labs to enhance elementary education. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: The Sciences” in November 2024. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supporting Art Instruction over Summer Break
Abigail Teska, art teacher at Seven Oaks Classical School in Ellettsville, Indiana, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss summertime art instruction, simple and meaningful art activities, and how families can engage with great works of art over the summer. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Grammar Instruction Matters in Elementary School
Penny Jenson, dean of lower school at Cincinnati Classical Academy in Cincinnati, Ohio, delivers a lecture on the importance of grammatical instruction during a student's elementary years. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Reading and Writing” in March 2025. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supporting P.E. Instruction Over Summer Break
Przemyslaw Grzesiak, physical education teacher at Hillsdale Academy in Hillsdale, Michigan, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss summertime physical education instruction, how to encourage the spirit of competition, and how to get a workout on a rainy day. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why You Should Read and Teach Dante
Stephen Smith, dean of the humanities and professor of English at Hillsdale College, delivers a lecture on the themes of freedom, education, and leadership in Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Upper School Literature” in February 2025. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supporting Science Instruction Over Summer Break
Lisa Roberts, science teacher at Hillsdale Academy in Hillsdale, Michigan, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss summertime science instruction, how keeping a journal can help students retain information, and the educational value of playing outside. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Principles of Literacy Instruction
Jennifer Mills, Title I coordinator at Seven Oaks Classical School in Ellettsville, Indiana, delivers a lecture on the importance of phonics as the foundation of literacy. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Reading and Writing” in March 2025. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supporting History Instruction Over Summer Break
Bryce Horswell, teacher support lead for Hillsdale College K-12 Education, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss summertime history instruction, summer activities that help improve a student's appreciation of history, and the many educational resources that local libraries provide. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grammar as a Liberal Art
Benjamin Beier, chairman and associate professor of education at Hillsdale College, delivers a lecture on grammar and the development of the liberal arts. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Reading and Writing” in March 2025. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supporting Literature Instruction Over Summer Break
Sam Foat, dean of upper school at Treasure Coast Classical Academy in Stuart, Florida, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss summertime literature instruction, how to encourage students to read over the summer, and how leisure activities can supplement that reading. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Middle Ages: Their Meaning and Enduring Significance
Charles C. Yost, assistant professor of medieval history at Hillsdale College, delivers a lecture on how the Middle Ages were instrumental in developing Western Civilization. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Western Civilization” in April 2025. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supporting Math Instruction Over Summer Break
Nikki Teeple, lower school math specialist at Atlanta Classical Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss summertime mathematics instruction, promoting wonder and discovery, and examples of fun daily practices to keep students sharp. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forming the Imagination Through Literature
Joshua Villarreal, Teacher Support Lead for Hillsdale College K-12, delivers a lecture on how literature forms a student's moral imagination. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Upper School Literature” in February 2025. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summer Break for the Classical Teacher
Tomek Grzesiak, fourth grade teacher at Hillsdale Academy in Hillsdale, Michigan, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss how classical teachers can best use their summer break, activities that can help teachers make their summer productive, and methods for reviewing the previous year of work to make adjustments. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whitman, Melville, and the Poetry of the Civil War
Kelly Scott Franklin, associate professor of English at Hillsdale College, delivers a lecture on the Civil War poetry of Walt Whitman and Herman Melville. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Upper School Literature” in February 2025. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supporting Virtue Instruction Over Summer Break
Colin Mullaney, assistant director for school leader development for Hillsdale College K-12 Education, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss summertime virtue instruction, family activities that naturally promote virtue, and how to beat summer laziness. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Practical Structures for Teaching Close Reading
Aaron Schepps, upper school principal at Atlanta Classical Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, delivers a lecture on practical tips for teaching students to read closely. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Upper School Literature” in February 2025. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hallmarks of a Classical Summer
Sonja Bindus, teacher support lead for Hillsdale College K-12 Education, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss making the most of the summer, minimizing screen time, and summer activities that are both fun and educational. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Value of Diagramming Sentences
Daniel Coupland, dean of the Diana Davis Spencer Graduate School of Classical Education and professor of education at Hillsdale College, delivers a lecture on how diagramming sentences makes students better at language. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Reading and Writing” in March 2025. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Necessity of Summer Break
Mike Roberts, headmaster at Hillsdale Academy in Hillsdale, Michigan, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss why summer break helps support students, teachers, administrators, and parents in the pursuit of a classical education. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Practical Tips for Teaching Western Civilization in Elementary School
Kenneth Calvert, professor of history at Hillsdale College and former headmaster of Hillsdale Academy, delivers a lecture on making the ancient world exciting for young students. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Western Civilization” in April 2025. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governing a Hillsdale Classical School
Jed Hartings, founder and current board chair of Cincinnati Classical Academy in Cincinnati, Ohio, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss how to build a school's board, how to locate a building for a school, and how Hillsdale College's K-12 Education Office assists in school governance. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Progressive Revolution
Paul Moreno, the William and Berniece Grewcock Chair in Constitutional History, professor of history, and dean of social sciences at Hillsdale College, delivers a lecture on the rise of progressivism and the administrative state. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: American History” in January 2025. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Portrait of a Graduate
Stephen Shipp, headmaster at Seven Oaks Classical School in Ellettsville, Indiana, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss developing a "Portrait of a Graduate" to help guide your students, setting proper expectations for your graduates, and keeping true to your school's mission over the years. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discussions for Discovery in Mathematics
Sam Clausen, upper school mathematics teacher at Atlanta Classical Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, delivers a lecture on how to use discussion as a tool in mathematics instruction. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Mathematics” in October 2024. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Is There So Much Math in Science Class?
Michael Tripepi, assistant professor of physics at Hillsdale College, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the daily realities of teaching in a science classroom, the best methods for keeping students engaged, and the relationship between science and mathematics. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

History: The Most Humanizing of the Arts
Wilfred McClay, the Victor Davis Hanson Chair in Classical History and Western Civilization at Hillsdale College, delivers a lecture on how history helps us better understand ourselves. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: American History” in January 2025. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inspiring Teachers to Inspire Students
Steven Battaglia, history and Latin teacher and assistant headmaster of the upper school at Seven Oaks Classical School in Ellettsville, Indiana, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss building a school culture, what resources are available to school leaders to inspire teachers, and how inspired teachers help to inspire students. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chemistry in a Classical Curriculum
Matthew Young, dean of natural sciences and professor of chemistry at Hillsdale College, delivers a lecture on how chemistry and the other natural sciences factor into a classical education. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: The Sciences” in November 2024. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Legacy of Calvin Coolidge
Dr. Vincent Kane, head of school at Idaho Novus Classical Academy in Eagle, Idaho, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss president Calvin Coolidge's upbringing and political legacy, what we can learn from Coolidge's presidency, and how classical education fulfills Coolidge's federalist vision for the United States. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teaching The Little Prince
J. A. Jackson, chair and professor of English at Hillsdale College, delivers a lecture on how to teach The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Children's Literature” in September 2024. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The History and Philosophy of Physical Education
Michael Roberts, headmaster at Hillsdale Academy in Hillsdale, Michigan, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the development of physical education in ancient Greece, how to make fitness a life-long passion for students, and where physical education fits into a classical education. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Enduring Principles of the American Founding
Paul Moreno, the William and Berniece Grewcock Chair in Constitutional History and professor of history at Hillsdale College, delivers a lecture on the foundational principles of the American Founding as enumerated in the Constitution. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: American History” in January 2025. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Path to a Classical School – One Student’s Tale
Lindsay Horton, institutional advancement associate at Hillsdale College, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss her family’s decision to move to Michigan so she could attend Hillsdale Academy, how classical education shaped her, and how she has used her classical education in her professional career. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Science and the Modern Spirit
Michael Berndt, director of curriculum in the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, delivers a lecture on how to reconcile science and modern thought in a classical classroom. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: The Sciences” in November 2024. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reclaiming Science Through Classical Education
Emily Williams, dean of faculty at Kootenai Classical Academy in Post Falls, Idaho, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss her journey from public to classical education, how science education can fail students, and how to use classical methods to reclaim a proper view of science education. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mathematics and Humor
David Gaebler, associate professor of mathematics at Hillsdale College, delivers a lecture on how to use humor to help students understand mathematical concepts. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Mathematics” in October 2024. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Raising the Standard for Standardized Tests
Jonathan Gregg, assistant professor of education at Hillsdale College, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss how standardized tests can help supplement a classical education, the best methods for prepping students for standardized tests without compromising quality pedagogy, and what parents and teachers should know about standardized tests. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teaching American History to Elementary Students
Sarah Martin, curriculum coach at St. Johns Classical Academy in Fleming Island, Florida, delivers a lecture on teaching American history to elementary students and the best methods for keeping history exciting. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: American History” in January 2025. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Explanation of English Spelling
Elizabeth Offord, curriculum director and literacy specialist at Lafayette Academy in Lake St Louis, Missouri, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss why teaching morphology is important, how morphology contributes to literacy, and why morphology is associated with classical education. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teaching Science Classically in the Modern World
Emily Williams, dean of faculty at Kootenai Classical Academy in Post Falls, Idaho, delivers a lecture on the history of science education and how teaching classically can help students strive for what is true, good, and beautiful. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: The Sciences” in November 2024. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.