The Old School

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller push their luck in hopes that their listeners really liked the first sandwich episode. In this episode, they tackle the rest of the states, Jewish dietary restrictions and the general decorum and good taste that should go into making a great sandwich.After a hunger-inducing episode and perhaps, a sandwich of your own, you might be interested to feed of a different kind - the hunger to find out what issues ail our education system with our book, The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education.

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller step away from the cerebral to tackle one of the pressing issues of our day - what constitutes a good sandwich. These type of conversations are not always easy but the two endeavor to shed light on this particular culinary quagmire. The Old School's The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education is a serious look at the challenges facing our education system and possible solutions...insofar as we know the solutions.

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller engage in a great conversation with Dr. Weinhold on the life and works of William Shakespeare and how we can approach him today.Tired of reading the same ole thing? Needing some new and critical to read? Check out our book on the American education system and start your own revolution within your local school board.The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education

We welcome Dr. Shelita Cannon-Hoey and Dr. Marvin Rainey to discuss their new book on transformational, instructional, and servant leadership within schools. Musical credits:"Turning Back" Steven Bourgeois Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved "Blues" Steven Bourgeois and Wyeth Tvenge from Jazz Duo ©2004 All rights reserved

The two hosts, well known as old curmudgeons, tackle the seemingly foreign topic of hope and optimism. It turns out, both have much to say on the two concepts.Referenced works:The Greek legend of SisyphusThe Myth of Sisyphus by Albert CamusOptimism: An Essay by Helen KellerEssays and Aphorisms by Arthur SchopenhauerIf you are interested in more contemporary readings, we invite you to purchase and read and enjoy our own book:The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller go back to their bread and butter - education - with a look at how schools schedule their classes. We find the answer a bit depressing but there is joy in the discovery.If you've gone through half the summer and are currently panicing about not having polished off a good book for the season, may we kindly recommend our humble little book - The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education. Exclusively found at amazon.com. Follow the link the below and prepare to be overwhelmed with insight and humor.https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cannot-Hold-Contemporary-Education/dp/1736530518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=SDVRQSXE0WES&keywords=the+center+cannot+hold+a+critical+look+at+contemporary+education&qid=1690145328&sprefix=the+center+cannot+hold%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-1

Mr. Miller makes his way across Germany, diagnosing cultural distinctions and peculiarities.Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Mr. Miller returns to Italy, eluding authorities and creating havoc once again.Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Mr. Miller faces his very last week as a teacher. Prepare for a "special" episode of The Old School.Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

As Mr. Miller faces retirement, he along with Dr. Bourgeois faces the prospects (and fun) of changes to the podcast. Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller wonder what has happened to the school prank and whether something is lost by its disappearance. Looking over your home library and asking yourself, something is missing? A volume lacking? Consider our book, The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education available through Ahart Education and exclusively through Amazon at:https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cannot-Hold-Contemporary-Education/dp/1736530518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2RFKHW5O4CV69&keywords=the+center+cannot+hold%3A+a+critical+look+at&qid=1682185630&sprefix=%2Caps%2C256&sr=8-1Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Dr. Steven Bourgeois and a suffering Mr. Ross Miller discuss the state of music education, focusing on what it looks like at the high school level. If you've listened to this podcast and thought to yourself, hey, these guys should write a book. Guess what? We did! Published through Ahart Education and offered exclusively on Amazon, pick up your copy at this link:https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cannot-Hold-Contemporary-Education/dp/1736530518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=BLLTE4XQM31U&keywords=the+center+cannot+hold%3A+a+critical+look+at&qid=1680360636&sprefix=%2Caps%2C340&sr=8-1Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Short on the particulars but very experienced with the effects, Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller dip their toes into the choppy waters of AI debate and discussion and look at how it could irrevocably change and hurt learning in general and public education in particular.For greater detail and more humorous anecdotes about the current education system and our proposals to fix the same, check out our book offered through Ahart Education and exclusively sold through Amazon at:https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cannot-Hold-Contemporary-Education/dp/1736530518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2SPC3BM5O61GH&keywords=the+center+cannot+hold%3A+a+critical+look+at&qid=1678038682&sprefix=the+center+cannot+hold+a+critical+look+at+%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-1Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller discuss the notion of happiness, how it is defined in schools and how we incorporate the notion of happiness within our curriculum. As mentioned in the episode, our book, The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education, is exclusively offered on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cannot-Hold-Contemporary-Education/dp/1736530518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1DLY0CMTRK95F&keywords=the+center+cannot+hold%3A+a+critical+look&qid=1670184214&sprefix=%2Caps%2C613&sr=8-1Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller discuss the impact of teacher unions on the profession and their continued utility. While largely experienced in non-union states, the two plow ahead and discuss the merits and deficiencies of teacher unions. The dynamic duo have published a book! Check out The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education. The book takes the reader though some of the major challenges facing education and our humble suggestions on how to improve what is taking place within the classroom.https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cannot-Hold-Contemporary-Education/dp/1736530518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1DLY0CMTRK95F&keywords=the+center+cannot+hold%3A+a+critical+look&qid=1670184214&sprefix=%2Caps%2C613&sr=8-1Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller ruminates over the latter's announcement that he is retiring and whether it is a good idea or not.Do you want to connect with your elders? Go a little old school like your two favorite curmudgeons and read their ideas between attractive front and back covers? Then we have a book for you.https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cannot-Hold-Contemporary-Education/dp/1736530518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1K5U8IEUTKGPB&keywords=the+center+cannot+hold%3A+a+critical+look&qid=1674416159&sprefix=%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-1Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller talk of the importance and lack of good civics education and the repercussions that this dearth of instructions has on our democracy and what schools can do about it.Many of the ideas that are discussed on this podcast can now be found in a handy, easy to carry book. Check out The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education exclusively on Amazon.https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cannot-Hold-Contemporary-Education/dp/1736530518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=6C3AW0PQL82Q&keywords=the+center+cannot+hold%3A+a+critical+look&qid=1673125515&sprefix=the+center+cannot+hold+a+critical+look%2Caps%2C129&sr=8-1Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller discusses the former's recent published review of Dr. Edward Deci's new work on motivation and self-determination theory. We also banter in a witty sort of way. Dr. Bourgeois' review on "Why We Do What We Do" by Dr. Edward L. Decihttps://classicaledreview.substack.com/p/why-we-do-what-we-doDo you like reading? Do you like books? Check out our new book, available exclusively on Amazon entitled, The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education.https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cannot-Hold-Contemporary-Education/dp/1736530518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=150L55GOQFPT9&keywords=the+center+cannot+hold+education&qid=1671288211&sprefix=the+center+cannot+hold+education%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-1Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller try to reconcile a "code of ethics" with an ethical teacher...with mixed results.Do you listen to our podcast and say to yourself, "I wish there was a book version of these ideas?" Well, you are in luck. Check out the link below for our book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cannot-Hold-Contemporary-Education/dp/1736530518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1E87K00V3TDKG&keywords=the+center+cannot+hold%3A+a+critical+look&qid=1670102195&sprefix=%2Caps%2C233&sr=8-1Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Dr. Steven Bourgeois and Ross Miller discuss the firing of NYU Chemistry professor, Maitland Jones and what it means for the future of rigor in the classroom.Do not forget to our amazingly insightful, occasionally humorous book from Amazon. It can be found at:https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cannot-Hold-Contemporary-Education/dp/1736530518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2MZP9PYEA39U3&keywords=the+center+cannot+hold%3A+a+critical+look&qid=1668278369&sprefix=%2Caps%2C479&sr=8-1Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois recounting their experience leading informal philosophy groups among high school students.Musical credit:"Thinking of You"Steven and Jim BourgeoisFrom Thinking of You (2017)©All rights reserved

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois recounting their experience leading informal philosophy groups among high school students.Musical credit:"Track 11"Steven BourgeoisFrom Out of the Darkness (2004)©All rights reserved

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois discuss challenges to classroom speech and a tendency to shield the classroom space from difficult conversations.Musical Credit:Steven Bourgeois Piano Improv July 24 2021a©2021 All rights reserved

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois raise a glass to celebrate the release of their new book: The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education . . . available now on Amazon.com . . . click here to order . . .Musical credit:"My Shining Hour"Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)From Thinking of You©2017 All rights reserved

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois reflect on mentors who guided them through their respective teaching careers. Musical credit:"Thinking of Your"Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)From Thinking of You©2017 All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller continue with the escapades, capping off their European journey.Musical credit:"La vie en rose"Steven BourgeoisFrom Presence (2005)©2017 All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller provide playful banter as they travel through Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.Musical credit:"Blithe and Bonny"Steven BourgeoisFrom Presence (2005)©2017 All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller reflect on previous student exchange programs, highlighting the benefits and challenges.Musical credit:"Everything Happens to Me"Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)From Thinking of You©2017 All rights reserved

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois weigh the costs and benefits of Advanced Placement courses, tutoring, and test prep.Musical credit:"Exit"Steven BourgeoisFrom Out of the Darkness

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller make preliminary comments on how school years eventually end.Musical credit:"Thinking of Your"Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)From Thinking of You©2017 All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller discuss methods for teaching foreign language.Musical credit:"Dancing on the Edge"Steven BourgeoisFrom Presence (2005)©2017 All rights reserved

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois take a new perspective on what has been termed "the great retirement" of teachers in recent years. They examine teacher autonomy as a factor that may supersede issues relating to instructional technology and current events. Musical credit:"It Never Entered My Mind"Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)From Thinking of You©2017 All rights reserved

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois discuss perceptions the teaching profession and the status of teachers in the United States.Musical credit:"Rock Myself"Steven BourgeoisFrom Presence (2005)©All rights reserved

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois enter dangerous ground, discussing the role of parents in curricular choices.Musical credit:"Track 16"Steven BourgeoisFrom Out of the Darkness (2004)©All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller theorize on why teachers lose energy after spending 18-odd weeks in the classroom entertaining students. Reflections just prior to Christmas Break.Musical credit:"Track 7"Steven BourgeoisFrom Out of the Darkness (2004)©All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller are joined by Mr. Wes Upton, a high school counselor, on advanced coursework, college preparation, and career pathways.Musical credit:"Track 2"Steven BourgeoisFrom Out of the Darkness (2004)©All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller consider the pros and cons of advanced high school coursework including Advanced Placement (AP) and dual enrollment.Musical credit:"Track 4"Steven BourgeoisFrom Out of the Darkness (2004)©All rights reserved

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois take on (attack is too strong a word . . .) the idea of school holidays.Musical credit:"Track 9"Steven BourgeoisFrom Out of the Darkness (2004)©All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller welcome Dr. Matthew Post of the University of Dallas for a continuation of their discussion on classroom discourse.Musical credit:"Track 11"Steven BourgeoisFrom Out of the Darkness (2004)©All rights reserved

Musical credit:"Amadeus"Steven BourgeoisFrom Presence (2005)©2017 All rights reserved

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois navigate the precarious waters of school dress codes. Musical credit:"Thinking of Your"Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)From Thinking of You©2017 All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller welcome Dr. Larry Nyland, former Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, to a discussion on student voice. Musical credit:"Skylark"Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)From Thinking of You©2017 All rights reserved

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois reflect on their time in the classroom on September 11, 2001.

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller reflect on the first day of a school year and all such a momentous occasion entails.Musical credit:"Good Morning Heartache"Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)From Thinking of You©2017 All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller discuss the pros and cons of school athletics.Musical credit:"Your Presence"Steven BourgeoisFrom Out of the Darkness (2004)©All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller discuss how teachers and parents can foster or thwart quality motivation of children.Musical credit:"Dark Places Part II"Steven BourgeoisFrom Presence (2005)©All rights reserved

Musical credit:"Escapade!"Steven BourgeoisFrom Out of the Darkness (2004)©All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller tackle the controversial issue of learning styles, identifying unintended consequences. Specifically, they address how the idea of learning styles has become embedded in teacher education programs, teacher certification exams, teacher evaluations, and textbooks.Musical credit:"Rock Myself"Steven BourgeoisFrom Presence©2005 All rights reserved

Musical credit:"La vie en rose"Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano)From Thinking of You©2017 All rights reserved

Musical credit:"Let go!"Steven BourgeoisFrom Out of the Darkness (2004)©All rights reserved