Hillsdale College K-12 Classical Education Podcast

Diana Kinser, French teacher at Seven Oaks Classical School in Ellettsville, Indiana, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss teaching a modern language at a classical school, how modern languages helps teach students virtue, and the rewards from seeing students succeed. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kathleen O’Toole, associate vice president for K-12 Education at Hillsdale College, is joined by Charles R. Kesler to discuss the Declaration of Independence and the legacy of the American Founding. Charles R. Kesler is editor of the Claremont Review of Books and professor of government at Claremont McKenna College. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Michael Berndt, director of curriculum at the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, Allison Postell, assistant professor of Philosophy at Hillsdale College, Paul Rahe professor of history and Charles O. Lee and Louise K. Lee chair in the western heritage at Hillsdale College, and Joshua Gibbs, director of the classical teaching institute, for a panel on the classical virtue of ambition.  The four discuss whether the virtue of ambition can exist in a Christian world, ambition in the classical worldview, and the importance of developing excellence. This panel was held at the Classical Education Forum in February, 2026. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kayla Cruthers is the Head of School at Ivywood Classical Academy in Plymouth, Michigan. Join Scot Bertram as he and Kayla discuss why classical education is important to a community and how Hillsdale’s K-12 Education Office helped shape her understanding of and vision for an American Classical Education.  Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Mittermeier, Upper School Humanities teacher at Cincinnati Classical Academy in Cincinnati, Ohio, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the importance of formal logic, why formal logic plays such an important role in classical education, and how formal logic helps student improve their reading comprehension. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kathleen O’Toole, associate vice president for K-12 Education at Hillsdale College, is joined by Matthew Spalding to discuss his new book, The Making of the American Mind: The Story of our Declaration of Independence, and the importance of teaching American history properly. Matthew Spalding is vice president of Washington Operations and dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College in Washington, D.C. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join John Peterson, lecturer in education and politics at Hillsdale College, Jonathan Gregg, assistant professor of education at Hillsdale College, Kevin Gary associate professor of education at Hillsdale College, and Ryan Hammill, executive director of the Ancient Language Institute, for a panel on David Hick's Norms and Nobility: A Treatise on Education.  The four discuss the degree with which classical education is consistent with democracy, the focus on forming students instead of empowering them, and the challenges that modernity poses to classical logic and rhetoric. This panel was held at the Classical Education Forum in February 2026 Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tina Bolin, literacy coordinator at Treasure Valley Classical Academy in Fruitland, Idaho, and a literacy trainer with Hillsdale College K-12 Education, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss her journey from home school teacher to classical school teacher, the unique challenge of teaching teachers, and the joy that comes from seeing students learn to read. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sonja Bindus, teacher support lead for Hillsdale College K-12 Education, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss teaching students how to appreciate art, learning from the artistic masters, and how to help students develop artistic skills. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joshua Villarreal, teacher support lead at Hillsdale College's K-12 Education Office, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the classical themes in the film Die Hard, the importance of education in forming character, and the differences between classical and progressive methods of education. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kathleen O’Toole, associate vice president for K-12 Education at Hillsdale College, is joined by James Hankins to discuss the first volume of his co-authored series of textbooks, The Golden Thread: A History of the Western Tradition, and the importance of classical education. James Hankins is a visiting professor of humanities at the Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julie Apel, assistant headmaster at Hillsdale Academy in Hillsdale, Michigan, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss Hillsdale’s Master Teacher Program, what makes a teacher a master teacher, and how the program aligns with classical education principles and best practices. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Peterson, assistant director of curriculum at Hillsdale College's K-12 Education Office, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the concept of history as rhetoric, the importance of speeches and arguments in history, and how the American education system typically teaches history. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vivian Stewart, a student at Hillsdale College and graduate of Atlanta Classical Academy in Atlanta, Georgia,  joins host Scot Bertram to discuss how her experience at a liberal arts school prepared her to study at Hillsdale, building friendships in a new place, and how she's adjusting to the cold weather of southern Michigan. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benjamin Payne, Director of School Leader Support at Hillsdale College’s K-12 Education Office, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the Hillsdale College K-12 School Leader Fellowship, the diverse range of skills that make a good school leader, and the benefits of joining the Hillsdale College K-12 network. For more info, and to apply to the School Leader Fellowship, follow this link: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/Schools/School-Leader-Fellowships/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kathleen O’Toole, associate vice president for K-12 Education at Hillsdale College, is joined by Robert Pondiscio to discuss a recent essay he wrote on how educators should emphasize resiliency and hope in the classroom. Robert Pondiscio is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) and an affiliate of AEI’s James Q. Wilson Program in K–12 Education Studies, where he focuses on K–12 education, curriculum, teaching, school choice, and charter schooling. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julie Apel, assistant headmaster at Hillsdale Academy in Hillsdale, Michigan, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss what makes classical education different, why there is a renewed interest in classical education, and what students can expect to learn in a classical classroom. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abigail Teska, lower and upper school art teacher at Seven Oaks Classical School in Ellettsville, Indiana, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss using narration to help students understand artistic concepts, how to help students understand a work of art, and what narration activities students respond to the best. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jennifer Jackett, a fifth grade teacher at Seven Oaks Classical School in Ellettsville, Indiana, and Julia McNeely, director of Title I at Seven Oaks Classical School, join host Scot Bertram to discuss the Institute for Excellence in Writing curriculum, principles for better writing, and how writing helps students succeed throughout a school's curriculum. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Payne, director of leader support for Hillsdale College's K-12 Education Office, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss helping students build emotional durability, focusing on developing virtue over value, and the essential principles when helping students to reframe their attitudes. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kathleen O’Toole, associate vice president for K-12 Education at Hillsdale College, is joined by Christopher Nadon to discuss a recent essay he wrote on how educators are failing their students by embracing the importance of “lived experience.” Christopher Nadon (B.A., M.A., Ph.D., University of Chicago) has taught political philosophy and humanities at Emet Classical Academy, Claremont McKenna College, Trinity College, and Kyev-Mohyla Academy. He writes on the character and history of republican government understood as self-rule in authors such as Herodotus, Xenophon, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Sarpi, Hobbes, Locke, Tocqueville, and Lincoln.   Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Cox, a founding board member of Thomas More Classical School in Anchorage, Alaska, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss his role in starting a classical school in Alaska, the decision to make Thomas More Classical School a private institution, and the process of becoming a Hillsdale College K-12 Education partner school. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gabrielle Lewis, a teacher support lead and Core Virtues director at Hillsdale College’s K-12 Office, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the relaunched Core Virtues program, cultivating the moral imagination through stories, and how schools can utilize the Core Virtues program. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin Jackson, English professor and Edrie Seward Kennedy Chair in English at Hillsdale College, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss his upcoming co-authored book on teaching students the elements of analysis, the art of close analysis, and what texts teachers should use to teach close analysis. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benedict Whalen, associate professor of English at Hillsdale College, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss why short stories are worth studying, how to prepare your class to learn from a short story, and why reading short stories out loud can help your students better understand them. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jenny Pridgeon, director of field recruitment for the Admissions Office at Hillsdale College, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the art of writing a memorable letter of recommendation, how to stand out from other college applicants, and activities that students should include on their high school resume. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Lund, upper school humanities teacher and senior thesis coordinator at Treasure Valley Classical Academy in Fruitland, Idaho, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the least interesting parts of great books, how Homer's list of ships in The Iliad relates to the poem's themes, and the importance of the extracts in Melville's Moby Dick. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel Higgins, one of the founders of the Self Authoring and Understand Myself programs, joins Kathleen O’Toole, associate vice president for K-12 Education at Hillsdale College, to discuss the Self Authoring Suite, how students can benefit from the "Future Authoring" process, and the nuances of Aristotle and Plato. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vincent Kane, head of school at Idaho Novus Classical Academy in Boise, Idaho, delivers a lecture on how classical education helps bolster 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.

Colin Mullaney, director of operations at Hillsdale College’s K-12 Education Office, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss Dr. Kevin Majeres’ OptimalWork platform, how to apply OptimalWork in the classroom, and how to help students bring their highest ideals into each day. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Rose, headmaster and superintendent at Cincinnati Classical Academy in Cincinnati, Ohio, delivers a lecture on the rewarding life of a classical school leader. 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.

Andrew Russell, associate professor of biology at Hillsdale College, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss developing research in anti-aging methods, the importance of diet and exercise, and the ethics of extended lifespans. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Semi Park, headmaster at Orange County Classical Academy in Orange County, California, delivers a lecture on how to lead students to truly pursue happiness. 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.

Monica Dix, art teacher at Naples Classical Academy in Naples, Florida, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss developing a student's aesthetic sensibilities, teaching Renaissance art, and whether or not artistic students should attend art school. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelly Gunter, director of school operations at Pineapple Cove Classical Academy in Brevard County, Florida, delivers a lecture on instilling good habits in a student body. 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.

Julian Peterson, son of bestselling author and clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson, joins Kathleen O’Toole, associate vice president for K-12 Education at Hillsdale College, to discuss his new digital writing tool Essay.app, constructing an argument, and the importance of learning the art of writing. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Margaret Hagedorn, head principal at Lake Country Classical Academy in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, delivers a lecture on how leadership helps build a healthy school culture. 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.

Joshua Andrew, Head of School at Atlanta Classical Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, delivers a lecture on the joys and difficulties of leading a classical school. 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.

Megan Wagner, college counselor at Lake Country Classical Academy in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss what parents and teachers should know about college applications, how to tell if a college is right for you, and the kind of activities that college admissions boards look for in students. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zak Dombrowski, upper school humanities teacher at Golden View Classical Academy in Golden, Colorado, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss how teachers can help students celebrate Constitution Day, where to find resources for civic education, and how the Declaration of Independence informs the Constitution. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Shipp, headmaster at Seven Oaks Classical School in Ellettsville, Indiana, delivers a lecture on the rewarding life of a classical school leader. 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.

Allison Postell, assistant professor of philosophy at Hillsdale College, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss how we develop habits, the Aristotelian understanding of habit, and how to break bad habits. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kenneth Calvert, professor of history at Hillsdale College, delivers a lecture on the intellectual roots of 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.

David Yu, dean of students at Ascent Classical Academy of Northern Colorado in Windsor, Colorado, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss how mathematics helps students develop a moral compass, how to create a sense of wonder in the classroom, and how to prioritize the Good, True, and Beautiful in education. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karissa Moschel, 4th grade teacher at Seven Oaks Classical School in Ellettsville, Indiana, delivers a lecture on the importance of high-quality literature in elementary education. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.