The State of State Schools
John Stamper
Show overview
The State of State Schools has been publishing since 2023, and across the 3 years since has built a catalogue of 78 episodes, alongside 1 trailer or bonus episode. That works out to roughly 25 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence.
Episodes typically run ten to twenty minutes — most land between 15 min and 21 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Kids & Family show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 2 months ago, with 3 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2023, with 53 episodes published. Published by John Stamper.
From the publisher
The State of State Schools podcast explores the most important topics and resources in education from a Christian perspective. The goal is to help teachers, parents, and families stay up-to-speed on what's going on in public schools, private schools, and home education. John Stamper is a former homeschooler, former public school teacher, and author of the books "Courage to Stand: Profiles of Enduring Faith" and "Conflicted: Pulling Back the Curtain on Public Education." His homeschool background, coupled with his experience teaching in the nation’s third largest public school system, provide a unique perspective on education that parents and teachers will want to hear.Website: johnstamper.orgTwitter: @thesosspodcastInstagram: thestateofstateschoolsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9PXMwAv4_RcVXknCBY1BfyhsuPCawSR0
Latest Episodes
View all 78 episodes
Ep 77Ep. 77 / E. Ray Moore / The Rise in Anti-Homeschooling Bills
E. Ray Moore, founder of The Exodus Mandate Project, urges Christian parents to pull their kids out of public schools and put them in private Christian schools or homeschool them instead.He wrote the book entitled Let My Children Go and produced an award-winning documentary called IndoctriNation: Public Schools and the Decline of Christianity in America.Websites discussed:exodusmandate.orgpublicschoolexit.comindoctrinationmovie.comhttps://christedu.org/news/ceis-church-based-scholarship-funds-information
Ep. 76 / UNESCO, Homeschooling, & the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Feb. 2026--Education topics discussed in this episode include:· UNESCO…What is UNESCO?· The 2030 Agenda—what is that?· How do these two impact the United States?· What are “Sustainable Development Goals”?Sources: · Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development· Sustainable Development Goals for Education
Ep 75Ep. 75 / State-Regulated Homeschooling, Why Worldview Matters
Jan. 2026--Education topics discussed in this episode include:Plans & efforts to bring homeschooling & private schooling under State regulation.Worldview and why it matters.Sources:Parental Choice and the Right to EducationWhat you need to know about homeschooling through a human rights lensHome-Schooled Kids are Not All RightNYT Declares War on Homeschooling
Ep. 74 / Courage to Stand (Talk 3 of 3)
This special episode was recorded on November 8, 2025 at the Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE) annual youth conference in Carol Stream, Il.Drawing from his own story of conflict, John dives into what it truly means to live as a Christian in today’s turbulent culture. From the blazing heat of Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace to the horrors of the Holocaust and the modern-day battle against Christianity, he weaves together powerful stories from the Bible and his book, Courage to Stand. With passion and urgency, he showcases how men and women—young and old—have faced overwhelming spiritual warfare yet stood unshaken, boldly anchored in God’s Word.
Ep. 73 / Urgency & Obedience (Talk 2 of 3)
This special episode was recorded on November 8, 2025 at the Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE) annual youth conference in Carol Stream, Il.Building on powerful past stories, John highlights the unwavering faith, obedience, and urgency that have guided courageous Christians throughout history—from biblical times to today. His message serves as a heartfelt encouragement to all Believers, reminding them that God is always near, ready to lead and strengthen those who seek Him. With patience, trust, and a willing heart, every follower of Christ can hear His voice and walk boldly in obedience, knowing that His plans are always for our good, and His promises never fail.
Ep. 72 / The Generational Impact of a Godly Heritge (Talk 1 of 3)
This special episode was recorded on November 8, 2025 at the Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE) annual youth conference in Carol Stream, Il.In this talk, John recounts the extraordinary journey of his parents—two individuals with only high school educations—who, against the tide of cultural norms, made the bold choice to homeschool in the early ‘90s. Little did they know that this act of faith, obedience, and courage would ripple through time, impacting John’s life nearly three decades later. Their story is a powerful testament to the unfailing truth of God’s Word, which never returns void (Isaiah 55:11), and a stirring call to families everywhere to pursue a legacy grounded in faith.
Ep 71Ep. 71 / Secret Abortions, Wasting Public Funds, and...Hulk Hogan?
8/22/25--Education topics discussed in this episode include:Francis Howell School District paid $230k to superintendent who never worked a single day. (FirstAlert4)Florida School Board chair responds to Hulk Hogan’s death by saying, “Good, one less MAGA in the world.” (Fox13News)School officials in Virginia are under investigation for allegedly organizing free, secret abortions for students. (The New American)
Ep 70Ep. 70 / Congratulations, Class of 2025!
This special episode is the commencement speech I gave to the 2025 Master Books Homeschool graduates. I hope it encourages each of you to boldly and faithfully walk in obedience to God's Word.
Ep 69Ep. 69 / DOE, Homeschoolers, Vouchers, & Forced Speech
4/16/25--Education topics discussed in this episode include:· Is the DOE really abolished?o "Elimination of the Education Department Has Begun," Paul Dragu, The New Americano Behind the Deep State with Alex Newman· IL HB2827o Read Full Text· Vouchers & Forced Speech Issues in Coloradoo “Lawmakers try to tighten rules after most homeschool voucher funds went toward non-academic expenses,” Austin Gelder, Arkansas Times, arktimes.como Read HB25-1312Recommended Resources:· Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA): https://hslda.org/· Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/· Classical Conversations: https://classicalconversations.com/· The Noah Plan: https://face.net/curriculum/
Ep 68Ep. 68 / Illinois HB2827 (The Homeschool Act) & President Trump's Education Policies
Week of 3/3/25--Education topics discussed in this episode include:· Illinois HB2827, The Homeschool Act· President Trump’s Education Policieshttps://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/HB/PDF/10400HB2827.pdfhttps://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2827&DocTypeID=HB&GA=104&GAID=18&SessionID=114&utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://hslda.org/post/illinois-house-bill-2827-expanded-government-oversight-severe-penalties?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://mahometdaily.com/illinois-lawmakers-introduce-homeschool-act-to-establish-notification-and-oversight-requirements-for-home-education/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Ep 67Ep. 67 / Andrea Crum, author of Christ over Culture
Andrea Crum, a biblical worldview, apologetics, and family discipleship leader, equips families with biblical truth for navigating today’s cultural chaos. A wife and mother of two, she beautifully combines her passion for the Word of God and the family by leading Genuine Family Ministries with her husband, Matt, and hosting the Raising Christian Kids Conference.https://andreacrum.com/https://www.masterbooks.com/
Ep 66Ep. 66 / Bryan Osborne, author of Woke Injustice
Bryan Osborne is a dynamic speaker and apologetics expert with a passion for defending biblical authority and reaching the lost with the gospel. He is the author of Woke Injustice, Quick Answers to Tough Questions, and Quick Answers to Social Issues. With over 20 years of experience teaching and equipping youth and families, Bryan’s practical, engaging style equips believers of all ages with biblical truth, helping Christians defend their faith. He currently serves with Answers in Genesis, speaking at conferences and churches around the world.Where you can buy Bryan's Books: https://answersingenesis.org/store/product/woke-injustice/?srsltid=AfmBOopVv8L2KVKLWpppKRnBr9weXZ79h3C078fV4KriFiaVhCNWDq2whttps://www.masterbooks.com/woke-injusticehttps://www.amazon.com/Woke-Injustice-Biblical-Response-Critical/dp/1683443721/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1A1HUJLUR4B00&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LBtaiWG1obp4hu8JxXQGlGOAYozUrxTXXBFLrc85t-XGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.tY4veeS6A2IM0CmZNRtvyFE8o2Cs4uUxqJ7A15jwmM0&dib_tag=se&keywords=woke+injustice+bryan+osborne&qid=1732289386&sprefix=woke+injustice%2Caps%2C140&sr=8-1More about Bryan Osborne: https://answersingenesis.org/bios/bryan-osborne/
Ep 65Ep. 65 / Inspecting the Walls (Back to the Cross Ministries, Manteno, Il, October 20, 2024)
On Sunday, October 20, 2024, I was honored to speak at Back to the Cross Ministries in Manteno, Illinois--home church of dear friends and Pastors Norman and Myra Lapinski. The title of this speech is "Inspecting the Walls" and the key biblical texts come from the Book of Nehemiah. The story of Nehemiah inspecting and rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem directly relates to the condition of the government school system. I share valuable information on the history of the public school system in America, and encourage listeners to follow Nehemiah's example and return to God's commandments, statutes, and judgements. Back to the Cross Ministries: https://www.backtothecrossministries.org/
Ep 64Ep. 64 / School Choice, Parental Rights, & Using Public Funds to Control Education
Ep. 64Week of 9/19/24--Education topics discussed in this episode include:· Courage to Stand: Profiles of Enduring Faith: https://www.masterbooks.com/courage-to-stand· Initiative 138: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/initiative%2520referendum_2023-2024%20138v1.pdf· Parental Rights in Maryland: https://thenewamerican.com/us/maryland-parents-ask-supreme-court-to-rule-on-schools-mandatory-lgbtq-lessons/· Homeschool Hub: https://www.edchoice.org/engage/johns-hopkins-launches-homeschool-hub/
Ep 63Ep. 63 / Family-Friendly Story Hours, CRC Research, Gender Ideology for 5 year-olds, & Christian Homeschool Resources
Week of 8/19/24--Education topics discussed in this episode include: · “See You at the Library Day: https://thefederalist.com/2024/08/19/conservative-families-to-dwarf-drag-queen-story-hours-world-record-with-second-see-you-at-the-library-day/ · The Latest Research from the Cultural Research Center in Glendale, Arizona: https://www.arizonachristian.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/CRC-Release-AWVI-4-Aug-6-2024-Fourth-Draft.pdf https://www.arizonachristian.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CRC-Release-AWVI-3-May-28-2024.pdf · Chicago Public Schools continue to drill their 5 year-old students with gender ideology: https://www.dailywire.com/news/report-shows-chicago-public-schools-pushing-kids-toward-hardcore-queer-theory · Christian Home Educators Support System (CHESS): https://www.chessup.org/2092/
Ep 62EP. 62 / The SAFETY Act & Trans Policies in High School Athletics
Ep. 62Week of 8/12/24--Education topics discussed in this episode include:California AB1955 (https://realimpact.us/action-alerts?vvsrc=%2fBills%2f65543) A high school coach in Oregon who was fired for saying that “trans students” should not compete in women’s’ sports. (https://thenewamerican.com/us/coach-sues-school-for-firing-him-for-opposing-transgenders-in-girls-athletics/) Sneak Peek!!! Courage to Stand: https://www.masterbooks.com/courage-to-stand
Ep 61Ep. 61 / BONUS EPISODE / "Where did School Choice come from?"
6/14/24. In this episode, John discusses the School Choice movement and Milton Friedman's 1955 essay, "The role of Government in Education". https://christedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Vouchers-Revision-11-28-22.pdfhttps://illinoisfamily.org/education/the-cost-of-school-vouchers-sky-high-inflation/https://www.hhs.gov/answers/grants-and-contracts/what-are-legal-obligations-when-receiving-a-federal-grant/index.htmlhttps://la.utexas.edu/users/hcleaver/330T/350kPEEFriedmanRoleOfGovttable.pdf
Ep 60Ep. 60 / Efforts to Control Home Education
Ep. 60Week of 5/13/24--Education topics discussed in this episode include:Homeschool Hub: https://harbingersdaily.com/experts-warn-new-homeschool-hub-is-seeking-to-control-next-generation-of-home-educators/ Update on Jessica Tapia’s Lawsuit: https://www.foxnews.com/us/christian-ex-teacher-scores-big-payday-california-school-district-refusing-transgender-directives
Ep 59Ep. 59 / AI, DEI Hiring Practices, & "Community Schools"
April 2024--Education topics discussed in this episode include: AI: https://www.register-herald.com/news/nation_world/athletic-director-used-ai-to-frame-principal-with-racist-remarks-in-fake-audio-clip-police/article_29c55cd7-c204-5d12-b425-c42c8e91c8ee.html DEI hiring practices: https://defendinged.org/investigations/dei-hiring-in-k-12-schools/ “Community Schools”: https://www.freedomproject.com/2024/04/24/tnr20240424/
Ep 58Ep. 58 / BONUS EPISODE / A Brief History of America's "Public" School System
4/11/24--In this episode, John provides a brief history of public education in America.https://www.johnstamper.org/p/resources/https://www.publicschoolexit.com/https://rumble.com/v2zsnno-5-minute-history-of-public-education.htmlhttps://familyrenewal.org/school-choice-think-twice/https://open.spotify.com/episode/32lg5WfeYEZRPnQ3ki4x3B?si=F8bzI4V0RouiejFmeCKc4g