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Hillsdale College K-12 Classical Education Podcast

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.

Aug 18, 202523 min

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.

Aug 14, 202536 min

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.

Aug 11, 202523 min

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.

Aug 7, 202540 min

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.

Aug 4, 202514 min

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.

Jul 31, 202545 min

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.

Jul 28, 202517 min

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.

Jul 24, 202538 min

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.

Jul 21, 202517 min

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.

Jul 17, 202533 min

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.

Jul 14, 202518 min

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.

Jul 10, 202541 min

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.

Jul 7, 202515 min

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.

Jul 3, 202553 min

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.

Jun 30, 202514 min

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.

Jun 26, 202545 min

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.

Jun 23, 202520 min

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.

Jun 19, 202555 min

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.

Jun 16, 202526 min

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.

Jun 12, 202543 min

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.

Jun 9, 202518 min

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.

Jun 5, 202538 min

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.

Jun 2, 202519 min

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.

May 29, 202546 min

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.

May 26, 202518 min

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.

May 22, 202547 min

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.

May 19, 202519 min

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.

May 15, 202541 min

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.

May 12, 202521 min

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.

May 8, 202544 min

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.

May 5, 202516 min

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.

May 1, 202553 min

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.

Apr 28, 202518 min

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.

Apr 24, 202543 min

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.

Apr 21, 202517 min

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.

Apr 17, 202541 min

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.

Apr 14, 202522 min

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.

Apr 10, 202548 min

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.

Apr 7, 202524 min

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.

Apr 3, 202548 min

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.

Mar 31, 202520 min

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.

Mar 27, 202546 min

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.

Mar 24, 202523 min

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.

Mar 20, 202534 min

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.

Mar 17, 202520 min

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.

Mar 13, 202544 min

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.

Mar 10, 202520 min

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.

Mar 6, 202547 min

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.

Mar 3, 202521 min

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.

Feb 27, 202552 min