In the Trenches

Joshua Gibbs
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Dec 10, 2025 • 34min

The Death of Ivan Ilyich, Chapter 1: Part II

Death will always be a stranger.Visit The Classical Teaching Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Dec 3, 2025 • 35min

The Death of Ivan Ilyich, Chapter 1: Part I

Upon learning of Ivan's death, his friends get practical. Is that so wrong?Visit The Classical Teaching Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Nov 25, 2025 • 25min

The Death of Ivan Ilyich (Introduction)

For all those who wanted to attend the Fall Literature Retreat but couldn't, here's your chance.Visit The Classical Teaching Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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11 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 25min

Talking to Parents, Talking to Teachers

Parent-teacher conferences can often feel dull, but a little preparation can transform them into meaningful discussions. By avoiding vague questions and using targeted prompts in pre-conference emails, parents and teachers can engage more deeply. Incorporating student questionnaires offers invaluable insights into student attitudes and behaviors. This unique approach helps bridge gaps between home and school perspectives, fostering a richer dialogue about education. Tune in for tips on turning routine meetings into impactful conversations.
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12 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 24min

Should Protestant Schools Hire Catholic Teachers?

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.
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Sep 26, 2025 • 29min

A History/English Teacher Talks to Math/Science Teachers

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.
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Sep 8, 2025 • 27min

History Class as Time Travel

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.
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57 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 40min

Are We Teaching Virtue or Just Talking About It?

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.
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Jul 25, 2025 • 26min

Rethinking Professional Development

Stop offering professional development and start incentivizing it. Visit The Classical Teaching Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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9 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 21min

How to Teach a Book All Wrong

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.

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