Parent and Headmaster, John Heitzenrater on Raising Virtuous Children

Apr 28, 2022

Parent and Headmaster John Heitzenrater discusses raising virtuous children, emphasizing parental responsibility and character development. Topics include instilling virtues, shaping willpower, fostering humility and community, navigating student behaviors with patience, and the role of discipline in classical education. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy, consistency, and bridging education with family life for student growth.

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Introduction

00:00 • 3min

Shaping Virtues and Willpower in Education and Parenting

03:14 • 21min

Navigating the Will of Students with Patience and Understanding

24:29 • 3min

Reflections on Student Progress and Emotional Support in Education

27:26 • 5min

The Role of Discipline in Classical Education

32:44 • 25min

Reflections on Influential Books and Closing Remarks

57:51 • 3min

About our Guest

John W. Heitzenrater II has nearly 17 years teaching and administrative experience in classical schools. Mr. Heitzenrater began his career teaching history and humanities at the Lady Margaret Roper School and St. Peter’s Orthodox Classical School in Fort Worth, Texas. In 2015, he joined Responsive Education Solutions and served as a founding headmaster, Director of K-12 History, Regional Director under the superintendent, and most recently as headmaster of the second largest Responsive Ed school with a student enrollment of approximately 915 students.

Mr. Heitzenrater received his A.B. magna cum laude from the College of St. Thomas More where he studied literature, philosophy, theology, classical languages, and history. In graduate school he attended the University of Dallas where he received his Master of Humanities with a concentration in history in 2016. He brings a love for student excellence, a passion for classical education, and a quest for virtue, and wisdom to students and families. He and his wife Christina have 11 children, seven girls and four boys, many of whom attend Saint John Chrysostom Academy in Pennsylvania.

Show Notes

Trae and Adrienne interview John Heitzenrater, father of 11 and classical school headmaster on raising virtuous children. In this candid discussion, John shares his experiences and stories as a parent and headmaster. From discipline in a school to helping parents in the upbringing of virtuous children, this episode is rich with anecdotes and carries a spirit of humility throughout the show. John talks about the importance of headmasters partnering with parents regarding what is best for a child. We have a moral responsibility to bring up children in virtue, and the principles in classical education dictate how we behave and treat other people.

Some topics in this episode include:

“Having children is a matter of nature; but raising them and educating them in the virtues is a matter of mind and will. “ - St John Chyrsostom
- How has this quote shaped you as a headmaster?
How are principles in classical education different from a progressive education?
Creating a home that is working within the principles of a classical education
How technology affects the hearts and minds of families

Books & Titles Mentioned In This Episode

St John Chrysostom: Vainglory and the Right Way for Parents to Bring Up Their Children

Ideas Have Consequences by Richard M. Weaver

Hold On To Your Kids Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers by: Gordon Neufeld

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Credits:

Sound Engineer: Andrew Helsel

Logo Art: Anastasiya CF

Music: Used with permission. cellists: Sara Sant' Ambrogio and Lexine Feng; pianist: Alyona Waldo

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