The University of Dallas Classical Education Podcast

SummaryIn this conversation, Shannon Valenzuela and Jason Baxter explore the profound relationship between literature, beauty, and the human experience. Jason Baxter shares insights on how immersion in literary worlds fosters depth, prudence, and a sense of the divine, emphasizing the importance of literature and the arts in cultivating the soul and a deep sense of inwardness.Topics Covered:Art and literature and the communication of experienceThe importance of immersion and analysis for understanding literary textsThe relationship between experiencing landscapes and experiencing literary textsThe power of art and literature to close the gap between self and beautyWhy literature matters, especially in our world todayToday's Guest:Dr. Jason Baxter is the Director of the Center for Beauty and Culture at Benedictine College. He holds a Doctorate in Literature from the University of Notre Dame. Prior to joining Benedictine, he spent time as a visiting associate professor at Notre Dame preceded by twelve years at Wyoming Catholic College. His written works include The Medieval Mind of C.S. Lewis and A Beginner’s Guide to Dante’s Divine Comedy, among others, and he is currently working on an original translation of Dante’s Divine Comedy. Baxter has written many academic and popular articles, and he frequently makes media appearances ranging from podcasts to EWTN.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:54 Why Literature Still Matters14:15 Inhabiting Worlds23:39 Experiencing Beauty Through Literature27:28 Finding Beauty in Sardinia30:51 The Communion of Beauty and Art40:28 Experiencing Dante's World47:15 The Pilgrim WayEpisode Links:More from Jason Baxter: https://www.jasonmbaxter.com/University of Dallas Links:The Donald and Louise Cowan Center: https://udallas.edu/faith-service/centers-institutes/cowan/index.phpClassical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-edSt. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/The Quest: Seasons 1 and 2 now streaming on Relevant Radio+ and EWTN+ and at quest.udallas.edu.Support the showIf you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!

SummaryIn this conversation, Shannon Valenzuela and Robert Jackson explore the principles and practices of classical education, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and the role of experience in the learning process. They discuss the journey of educators within the classical education movement, the significance of building a supportive faculty culture, and the need to reclaim experiential learning in an increasingly digital world. The conversation highlights the philosophical underpinnings of classical education, including the pursuit of wisdom and virtue, and contrasts it with modern notions of self-actualization.Topics Covered:The definition and purpose of classical educationThe importance of the relationship with traditionThe role of mentorship in developing the next generation of teachersCreating vibrant school communities to support the work of educationClassical education and self-actualization The importance of experiential learningToday's Guest:Dr. Robert Jackson has promoted liberal education through teaching, scholarship, and administrative activities for 25 years. He began as a professor of English and education, then worked as chief academic officer at Great Hearts, where he founded the GH Institute. Currently, Jackson serves as the executive director of the Florida Institute for Classical Learning. He also serves as a senior fellow for Flagler College and the Chesterton Schools Network, while contributing as an associate editor for Principia journal. Jackson has received teaching awards from Florida State University and The King’s College, and was the 2021 recipient of the Salvatori Prize for American Citizenship. He and his colleague Philip Kilgore also run Classical Commons, a digital platform connecting local K-12 schools to the essential resources needed for promoting classical liberal arts education.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:24 Initial Experience with Classical Education06:23 The Role of Classical Commons in Teacher Development11:31 Collaboration Between Homeschooling and Classical Education18:31 Mentorship and the Craft of Teaching26:35 The Mutual Learning Experience in Education27:32 Emerging Talent and Mentorship in Education31:56 The Pursuit of Wisdom and Virtue in Classical Education37:09 Self-Actualization: Classical vs. Modern Perspectives43:44 The Importance of Historical Perspective in Education50:13 Reclaiming Experience in LearningEpisode Links:Classical Commons: https://classicalcommons.orgFlorida Institute for Classical Learning 2026 Summit: https://flclassical.org/2026summit/University of Dallas Links:Classical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-edSt. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/Support the showIf you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!

SummaryIn this conversation, Shannon Valenzuela and Joseph Tabenkin explore the intersection of classical education and modern learning tools, particularly in the realm of astronomy. They discuss the importance of maintaining friction in the learning process, the value of a beginner's mindset, and the need for accessible educational resources. Joseph shares his journey in creating 'Tracing the Sky' to make astronomy more approachable for teachers and students alike. The dialogue emphasizes the formative nature of education, the challenges faced by educators, and the significance of fostering confidence in teaching science. Ultimately, they advocate for a liberal arts perspective that encourages curiosity and engagement with the world.Topics Covered:The role of modern technology and tools in a classical contextThe importance of the beginner's mindset in teachingAstronomy as a training ground for the imagination, modeling, and understanding changeThe power of the story of scientific discovery to inspire wonderClassical education, technology, and navigating a rapidly changing worldToday's Guest:Joseph Tabenkin is an entrepreneur focused on creating tools and resources for educators. He has previously developed learning programs such as Let’s Diagram and Read With Me, and was a Junior Fellow at the Boethius Institute, where he explored classical approaches to knowledge and education. With Tracing the Sky, he is turning his attention to astronomy with a particular focus on supporting teachers—especially those without a background in mathematics or astronomy—by helping them build confidence in the subject. The curriculum provides step-by-step guidance to make astronomy accessible to those who may find the subject intimidating, so they in turn can bring it thoughtfully and confidently into the classroom.For more information about Tracing the Sky: https://www.tracingthesky.com/More by Joseph: https://classicaleducationapps.com/To work with Joseph one-on-one, please email [email protected]:00:00 Introduction05:25 An Unconventional Path07:21 The Importance of a Beginner's Mind08:53 Building Educational Tools for Astronomy15:49 The Narrative of Astronomy's Development20:26 Identifying Needs in Astronomy Education28:49 Astronomy as Formation32:20 Understanding Knowledge and Certainty35:51 Navigating Change in a Rapidly Evolving World38:27 The Importance of the Liberal Arts Tradition46:24 The Human Connection to the Night SkyUniversity of Dallas Links:Classical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-edSt. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/Support the showIf you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!

SummaryIn this episode, Shannon Valenzuela and Peter Ulrickson explore the significance of the Quadrivium in education and Dr. Ulrickson's unique presentation of teaching these arts in his books A Brief Quadrivium and the accompanying teacher's guide. They discuss the interconnectedness of mathematics and the arts and highlight the unique perspectives offered by each discipline. They explore the importance of modeling, proof, and observation and the role of rhetoric and logic in mathematics. The conversation also addresses the sensory engagement in learning and the value of teaching mathematics classically.Topics Covered:The importance of proof and the power of modelingThe arts of the Quadrivium and their perspectives on cosmic orderThe role of rhetoric and logic in the study of mathematicsEngaging the senses in the experience of learning mathematicsThe transformation of students' perceptions of mathematics through an encounter with the QuadriviumToday's Guest:Peter Ulrickson is a professor of mathematics at the Catholic University of America. In addition to his work on the quadrivium, he publishes original research in various areas of modern mathematics. Professor Ulrickson received his Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame.For more information about the books: briefquadrivium.comTimestamps:00:00 Introduction03:28 Introduction to A Brief Quadrivium04:07 Exploring Music and Astronomy in the Quadrivium10:01 Proof and Modeling in Mathematics13:09 Developing the Sense for Order20:45 Engaging the Senses in Mathematical Inquiry26:51 The Ordering of the Quadrivial Arts30:48 Exploring the Teacher's GuideResources Mentioned in Today's Episode:Peter Ulrickson, A Brief Quadrivium (publisher, Amazon) and Teaching the Quadrivium (publisher, Amazon)"The Quadrivium and the Stakes for Ordering the Mathematical Arts" by Lesley-Anne Dyer WilliamsUniversity of Dallas Links:Classical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-edSt. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/Support the showIf you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!

SummaryIn this episode, Shannon Valenzuela and Jake Tawney explore the significance of the quadrivium in education, particularly focusing on mathematics as a bridge between the material and the divine and the ability of mathematics to help students access truth. They discuss the eternal nature of language and mathematics, explore music as number in ratio to itself, and consider the importance of proofs in mathematics. The conversation emphasizes the need for pedagogical approaches that prioritize understanding and wonder over mere proficiency, ultimately arguing that the study of mathematics reveals deeper truths about the universe and God.Topics Covered:A different way of understanding the four arts of the quadriviumMathematics as a bridge between the material world and the eternalThe arts of language and mathematics as foundational to educationMusic and mathematicsProofs in mathematics as a form of rhetoric The power of lessons that present engaging problems that motivate inquiryThe study of mathematics and a unique longing in the human soulSuccess measured as love, not just skill proficiencyToday's Guests:J. Jacob (Jake) Tawney has been enamored by mathematics for as long as he can remember, from kindergarten to calculus. But he truly fell in love with it during his sophomore year at Denison University during a course on mathematical proofs. After completing an undergraduate degree in mathematics and computer science from Denison, he continued his studies at The Ohio State University. There he earned a master’s degree in mathematics, submitting a thesis on the mathematics of juggling. During his time in Ohio, Tawney taught at Upper Arlington High School and the Pontifical College Josephinum, including courses in Euclid and the philosophy of mathematics. In 2014 he relocated his family to Phoenix, Arizona, to join Great Hearts Academies, where he currently serves as the chief academic officer. Jake is the proud husband of Christina and the proud father of eight children, all of whom have something unique in their souls that can only be satisfied by wondering about mathematics.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction03:50 The Eternal and the Earthly: Understanding the Significance of Three and Four10:34 Music and Mathematics: The Relationship of Ratios and Intervals14:54 Math's Unique Contribution: Bridging Heaven and Earth24:48 The Importance of Proof: Rhetoric in Mathematics33:09 Bridging Theory and Practice in Mathematics Education39:00 Wonder and Conversation in the Math Classroom45:14 A Different Way to Measure SuccessResources Mentioned in Today's Episode:Another Sort of Mathematics by J. Jacob Tawney at Encounter Books and on AmazonMore on the Quadrivium Retrieval: https://quadriviumretrieval.org/University of Dallas Links:Classical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-edSt. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/Support the showSupport the showIf you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!

SummaryIn this episode, Shannon Valenzuela and Dr. Merrill Roberts explore the beauty of the quadrivium for the middle school classroom.  They discuss the integration of nature studies, mathematics, and science in middle school education, highlighting the importance of play, joy, and sensory learning. The discussion also delves into the relationship between mathematics and beauty, the role of the imagination in learning, and the interconnectedness of disciplines across the curriculum. The conversation concludes with reflections on the importance of arts and music in education and the profound impact of experiencing the night sky on students' understanding of the universe.Topics Covered:The quadrivium and middle school math and scienceBeauty and wonder in math and science educationPlay and joy as pedagogical toolsLearning through the senses and working toward abstraction The quadrivium across the curriculumArts and music are integral to a classical educationThe power of dark skiesToday's Guests:Dr. Merrill Roberts received his Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts from Thomas Aquinas College in 2003. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from The Catholic University of America in 2018, where he has also served as a Lecturer in Physics, teaching multiple courses, including a course in Solar Physics designed for students planning to teach in primary and secondary schools. He worked for over a decade as a researcher at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD, where he studied solar coronal transients and performed forward modeling for the Parker Solar Probe mission. Dr. Roberts is a Senior Faculty Consultant for the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE), giving workshops and developing curriculum centered around the Quadrivial Arts since 2013, and is also an Associate Fellow at the Boethius Institute, helping with the creative retrieval of the Quadrivium. He combines his passions for nature and education as the Nature Studies teacher at St. Jerome Academy in Hyattsville, MD, where he has instructed 5th through 8th graders since 2010. He is also, along with his wife Elizabeth, the Co-director of Music at St. Jerome Parish, where he strives to emphasize the beauty and truth inherent in the Mass.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction03:27 From NASA to the Classroom06:41 St. Jerome Academy's Model of Education10:44 Experiential Learning and the Senses17:09 Playing with What We Don't Fully Understand24:50 The Relationship Between Questions and Answers39:16 The Quadrivium and the Imagination44:28 The Importance of Music50:19 Experiencing the Night Sky: A Learning Journey55:25 ConclusionUniversity of Dallas Links:Classical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-edSt. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode:More on the Quadrivium Retrieval: https://quadriviumretrieval.org/Support the showIf you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!

SummaryIn this episode, Shannon Valenzuela, Dr. Jeff Lehman, and Dr. Andrew Seeley explore the retrieval of the quadrivium and its significance in classical education, particularly in mathematics and science. They discuss their personal journeys in mathematics, the transformative power of the quadrivium, and the importance of integrating imagination and reason in learning. They emphasize the need for a community of educators to foster a deeper understanding of these subjects, and offer suggestions for teaching. The discussion also touches on the moral implications of education and the beauty inherent in mathematics and the arts.Topics Covered:The creative retrieval of the QuadriviumThe Quadrivium and the formation of the intellect and imaginationThe importance of fellowship among teachersBeauty and structure are integral to the arts and sciences.The Quadrivium and its contribution to moral formationToday's Guests:Jeffrey S. Lehman is co-founder and Dean of Fellows at the Boethius Institute and Professor of Philosophy and Theology and Director of the M.A. in Catholic Education program at the Augustine Institute’s Graduate School of Theology. He is the founder and President of the Arts of Liberty Project, a Founding Fellow of the Center for Thomas More Studies, and he has taught at Biola University, Thomas Aquinas College, Hillsdale College, and the University of Dallas. He is the author of numerous publications, including Socratic Conversation: Bringing the Dialogues of Plato and the Socratic Tradition into Today’s Classroom.Andrew Seeley is co-founder and President of the Boethius Institute. He also serves as the Director of Advanced Formation for Educators at the Augustine Institute. Over his three decades as a Tutor at Thomas Aquinas College in California, Dr. Seeley taught every subject in its integrated Great Books curriculum. Dr. Seeley co-founded the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education in 2005, where he served as Executive Director for 12 years. He became Executive Director of the Arts of Liberty Project in 2021. He was named the 2023 recipient of the Circe Institute’s Paideia Prize.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to the Quadrivium and the Boethius Institute03:21 The Creative Retrieval of the Quadrivium07:16 The Importance of the Quadrivium in Classical Education12:09 Transformative Experiences in Teaching the Quadrivium16:27 Understanding the Four Arts of the Quadrivium20:52 The Role of Imagination in the Quadrivium23:23 The Interplay of Reason and Imagination33:46 Mathematics and Moral Formation39:18 Reimagining Mathematics Education43:38 Favorite Resources  48:11 ConclusionUniversity of Dallas Links:Classical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-edSt. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode:More on the Quadrivium Retrieval: https://quadriviumretrieval.org/Francis Su, Mathematics for Human FlourishingStratford Caldecott, Beauty for Truth's SakeSupport the showIf you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!

SummaryIn this conversation, Shannon Valenzuela and John Mays explore the principles of teaching science classically. They discuss the importance of beauty to the work of education, the importance of textbook design, and the need for a mastery-oriented curriculum that emphasizes long-term retention of knowledge. Mays introduces his Wonder-Integration-Mastery model for science education, which serves as a framework for teaching that integrates various disciplines and fosters the development of wisdom and virtue in students. The conversation highlights the role of teachers in modeling honesty and virtue, and the importance of effective communication in the classroom.Topics Covered:The role of beauty and wonder in educationTextbook designThe Wonder-Integration-Mastery model in education Integration of disciplines enriches the learning experienceThe end of a classical education: wisdom and virtueSelf-reflection and modeling for teachersToday's Guest:John D. Mays spent 14 years in industry in engineering and engineering management in the areas of electrical, controls, and telecommunications systems and has completed graduate degrees in Secondary Education (MEd) and Liberal Arts (MLA). John served as the Math-Science Department Chair at Regents School of Austin from 2001 until 2009, when he became Director of the Laser Optics Lab at Regents. He founded Novare Science in 2009 and Centripetal Press in 2015, both of which became part of Classical Academic Press in 2019. John is the author and editor of numerous student science texts and teacher resources. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction04:24 Introduction to Science Education and Curriculum Development06:18 The Cram-Pass-Forget Cycle11:39 Mastery-Based Teaching Model13:55 Textbook Design Philosophy17:41 The Importance of Beauty in the Education Environment23:05 Wonder, Integration, and Mastery in Science Education34:38 Distinctions between Modern and Classical Education40:40 The Importance of Self-Reflection for Teachers53:21 Modeling Virtue: The Teacher's Role55:28 ConclusionUniversity of Dallas Links:Classical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-edSt. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode:From Wonder to Mastery: A Transformative Model for Science EducationCentripetal Press: https://centripetalpress.com/Novare Science (Classical Academic Press): https://classicalacademicpress.com/collections/novare-scienceSupport the showIf you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!

SummaryIn this conversation, Shannon Valenzuela, Robert Puschautz, and AnneMarie Johnson explore the profound role of art in education, emphasizing its ability to connect beauty with truth and goodness. They discuss the artist's vocation as a divine calling, the importance of constraints in fostering creativity, and how beauty serves as a powerful tool for evangelization. The conversation also highlights the necessity of creating beautiful learning environments and integrating art into various subjects, and the deep desire for human authenticity in the age of AI.Resources & Links:Stabat Mater FoundationTopics Covered:Art and teaching students to appreciate beautyThe vocation of the artistArt and evangelizationBeauty and our environmentThe rise of AI and the desire for authentic human experiencesToday's Guests:Robert Puschautz is a representational artist based out of Tyler, Texas. He received his bachelor’s in Painting and Art Education from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and continued his studies in classical painting at the Ravenswood Atelier in Chicago. He is the Executive Director of Stabat Mater Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is the renewal of beauty in our world and culture by praying for and supporting artists. To see more of his work visit robertpuschautz.weebly.com.AnneMarie Johnson’s work focuses on the relationship between finitude and transcendence in the human experience. She graduated from the University of Dallas in 2018 with a B.A. in Art - Painting. In 2024 she completed the three-year Classical drawing and painting program at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts. Additional studies include classical drawing at the Florence Academy of Art, U.S., and graduate painting and art history at the University of Dallas (2021). AnneMarie is currently the Art Fellow and an instructor of drawing at the Stabat Mater Foundation in Tyler, TX.Timestamps:02:26 The Mission of the Stabat Mater Foundation04:18 Bringing Beauty into Education06:49 Art as a Reflection of Divine Creation12:02 Art as a Means of Evangelization22:27 Co-Creating with God: Integrating Beauty and Intellect24:48 Training Discernment: Truth, Goodness, and Beauty28:33 Bringing Art into the Classroom33:30 The Human Connection: Art in the Age of TechnologyUniversity of Dallas Links:The Way of Beauty (Season Two, The Quest television series): quest.udallas.eduClassical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-edSt. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode:Ever Ancient, Ever New: Art History, Appreciation, Theory, and Practice, Level One (Grades 5-9)Ever Ancient, Ever New: Art History, Appreciation, Theory, and Practice, Level Two (Grades 7-12)Support the showIf you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!

SummaryIn this conversation, Shannon Valenzuela interviews Dr. Joe Carlson, a University of Dallas alumnus and translator of Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy. They discuss his journey into the world of Dante, focusing on the personal nature of translation and the importance of delight in education. He emphasizes the role of enthusiasm in teaching, the art of translation, and the significance of medieval cosmology in understanding both literature and the sacramental nature of reality. The conversation also explores the distinction between contemplation and analysis in education, advocating for a more immersive and engaging approach to teaching classical texts.Resources & Links:Dr. Carlson's Dante translation and curriculum: dantepoem.comDr. Carlson's editions of John Milton's Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained: miltonpoem.comTopics Covered:Delight as the key to a lasting educational experienceThe process of translating The Divine ComedyMedieval cosmology and the sacramental nature of realityPractical tips on teaching epic worksPractical tips on teaching translation in language coursesToday's Guest:Dr. Joe Carlson lives in Moscow, Idaho with his wife and son. He graduated from New Saint Andrews College with a BA in Liberal Arts in Culture, and from the University of Dallas with an MA in Humanities and a PhD in Literature. He has managed a chain of coffee shops, published (micro) epic poetry, co-pastored a church, co-founded a university campus ministry, and taught many different kinds of classes over the years. Currently, he is an adjunct lecturer at New Saint Andrews College, a humanities teacher with Logos Online School, and a curriculum developer at Roman Roads Press. He is the author of, among other things, the Dante Curriculum, which includes an original blank verse translation of The Divine Comedy, published by Roman Roads.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Joe Carlson and His Work08:11 Delight as a Key Ingredient in Learning17:46 The Teacher as a Leading Learner21:39 The Process of Translation and Its Challenges31:32 The Influence of C.S. Lewis and Medieval Cosmology38:47 Practical Tips for Teaching Dante45:02   Contemplation and Immersion in Teaching Literary TextsUniversity of Dallas Links:Classical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-edSt. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/Books Mentioned in Today's EpisodeDante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy, translated by Dr. Joe Carlson.John Milton, Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained, edited by Dr. Joe Carlson.C.S. Lewis, "Meditation in a Tool Shed"C.S. Lewis, The Voyage of the Dawn TreaderMichael Ward, Planet NarniaSupport the showIf you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!

SummaryIn this conversation, Shannon Valenzuela interviews Mandi Gerth, the author of the new book Thoroughness & Charm: Cultivating the Habits of a Classical Classroom. They explore the principles of classical education, focusing on the importance of classroom management, the role of joy and order in learning, and the integration of the imagination and the intellect. They discuss how embodiment and enculturation can enhance the learning experience and delve into the significance of liturgy in the classroom, the concept of ordered loves, and the teacher's role as a lifelong learner. The discussion also touches on insights from Machiavelli regarding classroom management and the importance of establishing authority while fostering a love for learning.Resources & Links:Mandi's Website: https://mrsgerthteaches.com/Thoroughness and Charm - CiRCE InstituteTopics Covered:Embodiment and enculturation in classical educationClassroom managementThe formation of the intellect, the imagination, and the heartThe importance of joy and order in educationClassroom liturgies and catechismsGuest:Mandi Gerth is a teacher and classical education consultant who lives in Dallas, Texas. She currently serves as the Administrative Director of the Cowan Center at the University of Dallas. She holds a master of humanities degree from the University of Dallas with a concentration in classical education. Her first book, Thoroughness & Charm is now available from CiRCE Press. You can find Mandi on LinkedIn, Substack, and Instagram (@mrsgerthteaches). Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:08 Introduction to Mandi and her work04:20 Enculturation and the Role of Tradition05:28 Liturgical Classroom Practices11:59 Ordered Loves and Their Significance in Education22:53 Reconnecting with the Joy of Teaching26:34 The Role of Lifelong Learning in Teaching30:24 Critical Thinking and Student Engagement34:39 Classroom Management Insights from Machiavelli38:33 Balancing Order and Joy in the ClassroomUD LinksClassical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-edSt. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/Books Mentioned in Today's EpisodeCharles Taylor, Modern Social Imaginaries Karen Swallow Prior, Evangelical Imagination Joshua Gibbs, Something They Will Not Forget David Hicks, Norms & Nobility Donald Cowan, Unbinding PrometheusSupport the showIf you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!Support the showIf you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!

SummaryIn this conversation, Shannon Valenzuela interviews Charity Hill, an 11th grade integrated humanities instructor for Valor North Austin and host of the Bright Wings podcast on children's literature. They discuss the importance of discernment in selecting children's literature, the interconnectedness of truth, goodness, and beauty, and the transformative power of reading. Charity shares her experiences as a teacher and podcaster, emphasizing that children's literature is not just for children but holds profound significance for readers of all ages. The conversation highlights the role of literature in shaping values and understanding the human experience.Resources & Links:Charity's Website and Podcast: https://www.brightwingschildrensbooks.com/Charity's Literature Discernment WorksheetTopics Covered:Discernment in children's literatureChildren's literature as formationTruth, goodness, and beauty in literature The benefits of reading aloud togetherChildren's books that aren't just for childrenGuest:Charity Andrzejewski Hill is a 2002 University of Dallas graduate, where she majored in English. After graduating, Charity did youth and family ministry in Canada and Ireland and then earned a masters of theology at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage an Family. She is married to Conor Hill for almost 18 years and together they have four children. Charity started a podcast in 2020 on children's literature, and she authors the Family Supplement for Well-Read Mom, pairing children's literature with the material the women read each month. She also contributes yearly to the publication Magnificat. What currently dominates her time and her thoughts are her 11th grade students, to whom she teaches integrated humanities at the public charter school Valor North Austin.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction04:41 Evaluating Children's Literature06:43 Truth, Goodness, and Beauty in Literature08:36 Moral Clarity in Children's Books10:57 The Significance of Children's Literature12:25 Beauty in Literature and Its Impact14:19 The Role of Beauty in Action16:15 The Long Gaze: Discernment in Literature22:06 Children's Literature Beyond Childhood27:10 Literature and Formation30:14 Transformative Books from Childhood34:08 The Importance of Slowing Down in Reading36:11 Teaching 11th Grade Literature41:56 ConclusionUD LinksClassical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-edSt. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/Support the showIf you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Dr. Junius Johnson discusses the significance of fairy stories in cultivating wonder and imagination within classical education. He emphasizes the transformative power of fantastical narratives, drawing parallels with C.S. Lewis's Narnia and the importance of teachers as guides in exploring these realms. The dialogue explores how fairy stories can enrich the curriculum, broaden literary canons, and foster a love for learning through delight and engagement. We also discuss how to choose books for your curriculum, and what question you must ask of every text before it goes on your syllabus.Topics CoveredThe role of fairy stories in a classical curriculumFairy stories and the art of seeingBuilding a culture of wonder and exploration in the classroomThe teacher as tour guide through worlds of wonder Curriculum design and choosing a book listToday's GuestDr. Junius Johnson is a writer, teacher, speaker, independent scholar, and musician. He is currently the executive director of Junius Johnson Academics, through which he offers innovative classes for both children and adults based in cutting edge scholarship that aim to ignite student hearts with wonder and intellectual rigor. Junius has scholarly expertise in philosophical and historical theology, especially the Medieval period, and in Classical and Medieval literature. His constructive work focuses on beauty, imagination, and wonder, and how these are at play in the Christian and Classical intellectual traditions. He holds a BA from Oral Roberts University, a Master of Arts in Religion from Yale Divinity School, and an MA, two MPhils, and a PhD from Yale University. He is the author of 5books, including On Teaching Fairy Stories: A Guide to Cultivating Wonder in Students. He is also a professional french horn player and founder and horn emeritus for the quintet Brass.Chapters00:00 Introduction02:56 Defining Fairy Stories vs. Fairy Tales04:48 Engaging Students Through Creative Expression28:58 Building a Supportive Classroom Culture30:45 The Power of Fantastical Literature37:08 Evaluating Fairy Tales in Education41:59 Connecting Classical Literature with Fantasy46:12 The Role of Delight in Learning47:30 Teachers as Guides in the Learning Adventure50:52 ConclusionResources & LinksRead On Teaching Fairy Stories: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1600514928/Find out more about Junius Johnson here: https://www.juniusjohnson.com/Hear more from Junius here: The Classical Mind podcast and the All Things Wild and Wonderful podcastTake courses with Junius here: Junius Johnson AcademicsMore from the University of Dallas:Classical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-edSt. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/Support the showIf you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!

SummaryIn this episode, we explore the profound purpose of education, emphasizing the importance of human flourishing, the role of wonder and beauty in learning, and the necessity of fostering imagination in students. We discuss some of the challenges faced by educators today and the need for community among teachers. The conversation highlights the integral connection between joy, wonder, and the holistic development of both students and teachers in the educational journey.Topics Covered:Education and human flourishingThe holistic vision of knowledgeThe poetic mode of learning, which engages the heart and imaginationThe importance of wonder, beauty, and the imagination in education The need for community and friendship among teachers Guests:Since his priestly ordination in 1985, Bishop James D. Conley has served the Catholic Church in a wide variety of ways—as pastor, college campus chaplain, director of Respect Life ministries, theology instructor, Vatican official and bishop. In all of these tasks, he has seen his life as a priest as a call to service and complete surrender to "God’s providential hand." For his episcopal motto, Bishop Conley, a convert to the Catholic faith, chose the same motto as the great 19th-century English convert, John Henry Cardinal Newman, "cor ad cor loquitur," which means "heart speaks to heart." On Sept. 14, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Bishop Conley as the bishop of the Lincoln Diocese in Nebraska. He was installed as the ninth Bishop of Lincoln on Nov. 20, 2012. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction05:44 The Human Person and Education08:39 The Role of Wonder in Education12:38 Faith and Science: A Harmonious Relationship15:58 The Poetic Imagination and Education27:02 Mental Health and the Modern Generation33:13 Engaging the Senses in Learning34:19 Teacher Burnout and Finding Joy in Teaching38:25 The Role of Humility in Teaching40:36 The Human Element in Education41:04 The Journey of Learning TogetherResources & Links:Bishop Conley's Pastoral Letter on Mental Health (2024): https://www.lincolndiocese.org/afuturewithhopeBishop Conley's Pastoral Letter on Catholic Education (2024): https://www.lincolndiocese.org/joyandwonderClassical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-edSt. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/Support the showIf you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!

SummaryIn this episode, we discuss some of the principles and practices of classical education, particularly as we understand it at the University of Dallas.  You’ll discover some of the aspects that make classical education distinctive and the importance of understanding the truth of the human person to education.TopicsClassical education and the understanding of the human personArt and experience in learningAwakening wonder in students Learning is a continuous journey for both students and educatorsThe study of classical education at UDGuestsDr. Paul Weinhold is the Director of the Classical Education Graduate Program, Assistant Dean of the Braniff Graduate School, and Affiliate Assistant Professor of Classical Education at the University of Dallas. For the past twenty years, he has been a teacher and leader in the classical education movement, serving as National Director of Continuing Education, Headmaster, Assistant Headmaster, Academic Dean, and Humane Letters Master Teacher for Great Hearts Academies.Mr. William Perales is the Director of the St. Ambrose Center for Catholic Liberal Education and Culture at the University of Dallas. He has over twenty years of experience in Catholic education as a teacher and principal at both the elementary and high school levels. He assists schools transitioning to a classical liberal arts vision, has designed curriculum for grades K-12, and leads professional development workshops for teachers and administrators.Timestamps:00:00 Welcome to the Podcast!05:52 Personal Journeys into Classical Education12:03 Diverse Expressions of Classical Education20:01 Theoretical Foundations: Truth, Goodness, and Beauty26:19 Enculturation and Human Flourishing32:54 Understanding the Human Person in Education36:00 Experiential Learning in Education39:25 The Importance of Engagement with Literature45:01 Classical Education's Holistic Approach50:46 Distinctives of the University of Dallas55:36 Practical Applications in Classical Education01:01:07 Lifelong Learning and Community in Education01:06:02 ConclusionResources & LinksThe Classical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: https://udallas.edu/classical-edThe St. Ambrose Center for Catholic Liberal Education and Culture Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/professional-development/Support the showIf you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!