In the Trenches

Parent-teacher conferences naturally incline toward banalities, but you can get a lot out of them with a little preparation.Visit The Classical Teaching Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The discussion centers around whether Protestant schools should hire Catholic teachers. Pragmatic reasons highlight the quality and availability of Catholic educators. Concerns about student conversions are tackled directly, stressing that influence comes more from relatable behavior than secret proselytizing. Joshua shares personal experiences with Orthodox children in Protestant schools, arguing that competent teachers of any faith enhance students' religious commitment. Ultimately, the focus is on hiring the best educators, regardless of denomination, to foster a meaningful faith experience.

The distinction between "History/English people" and "Math/Science people" is overplayed. What do we do about it?Visit The Classical Teaching Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered what a Medieval onion farmer would think about today? This intriguing discussion explores why students often link history to war, missing out on the everyday lives of common people. By examining microhistory, the conversation reveals how studying villagers can provide insights into our modern world. Through a unique classroom exercise, students engage with the past, leading to deeper, more thoughtful questions. The episode also highlights how these experiences can challenge modern assumptions and enrich our understanding of history.

Explore why Christian students drift from their faith in college, probing into classical schools' accountability. Delve into the disconnect between discussing virtue and actively imitating virtuous figures from history. Experience a personal journey confronting timidity and the thrill of defiance at a bus depot. Reflect on moral bravery in education through literary examples, emphasizing the importance of boldness over gentleness. The discussion urges educators to engage students in meaningful moral and political dialogues, moving beyond mere neutrality.

Stop offering professional development and start incentivizing it. Visit The Classical Teaching Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This podcast dives into the unconventional world of teaching literature poorly. It critiques outdated methods that sap the joy from classic texts like 'Paradise Lost.' The discussion highlights how unengaging lectures can alienate students, urging a more relatable approach to pedagogy. It emphasizes the need to connect literature with real-life experiences, ensuring that learning is both fun and meaningful.

Why are commencement speeches often so uninspiring? A dive into the clichés reveals the blandness that audiences have come to expect. Graduation is likened to weddings, marking significant life transitions. Joshua Gibbs discusses the challenges graduates face when leaving home, testing their beliefs and values. He warns of the spiritual risks posed by secular universities. Emphasizing the need for memorable, honest speeches, he shares tips on how to connect with graduates through difficult truths.

Exploring the intersection of faith and education, the discussion draws parallels between the rapid growth of Christianity and classical Christian schools. It delves into the appeal of monastic life as a response to anxiety in faith practices. A bold proposal emerges for creating a monastic-like track within existing schools, complete with distinct uniforms and a unique admission process. By emphasizing handwritten assignments and experiential learning, the idea aims for deep character formation over traditional college prep. It champions the need for rigorous education to meet passionate family demands.

Explore the art of classroom governance and discover why many new teachers feel unprepared. Delve into how elementary classrooms create a mood of order, making learning enjoyable. Learn the benefits of starting class with group recitation to foster community and expectations. Joshua Gibbs makes a case for intentional seating arrangements that promote focus and responsibility. Plus, find out why honest discussions about classroom chaos are essential for improvement, and how a simple bell can create clear transitions. Ideal for educators seeking effective strategies!