Anchored by the Classic Learning Test

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Katie Wiens, Executive Director of CESA - the Council on Educational Standards & Accountability. They discuss her journey from working in an organic chemistry lab to founding a Christian school in urban Boston. They also discuss her work with CESA and how they serve the needs of Christian schools across the country.

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Anthony Turner, Vice President of Enrollment at Charleston Southern University in Charleston, SC. Anthony tells of his journey to working in higher education after initially seeking a career in elementary education, including his unique experience of growing up with deaf parents. He also discusses reasons for declines in college enrollment and the lasting value of higher education.

On this episode of Anchored, CLT’s CFO Noah Tyler is joined by Dr. Dave Arnott, professor of Management and Economics at Dallas Baptist University. Dr. Arnott is the author of several books covering the intersection of Christianity and economics and is host of The Christian Economist podcast. The two discuss the liberating power of the free market, the relationship between economic principles and scripture, and the importance of choice in the marketplace of education. They also discuss how a Christian worldview empowers individuals to make morally-sound decisions in a market economy. 

On this special episode of Anchored, Jeremy visits the University of Navarra with prominent leaders in the Catholic educational renewal movement. Sean Maltbie, Headmaster of Sacred Heart Academy in Grand Rapids, MI; Oscar Ortiz, Principal of Nolan Catholic High School in Fort Worth, TX; Brinton Smith, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Fort Worth; Elias Moo, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Denver; and Chris Weir, President of Servite High School in Anaheim, CA, engage in a lively discussion covering the faithful Catholic identity of the University of Navarra, the importance of fostering Christian culture through education, and steps that school leaders can take to nurture the faith life of students.

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Andrew Pudewa, Founder and Director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing. He recounts his unique educational and life journey that ultimately led him to found IEW and convert to the Christian faith. The two discuss many of the problems facing mainstream education and explain how homeschooling provides a fruitful alternative to public schooling.

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Paul List and Ali Ghaffari, co-authors of the new book Mount Doom: The Prophecy of Tolkien Revealed. The three examine the mythology of Tolkien’s works, examining many of the psychological, spiritual, and philosophical themes and allegories present throughout. This supports their argument that Tolkien foresaw an over-reliance on technology and artificial intelligence that afflicts society in the current age. They also discuss Tolkien’s Catholic faith and the influence it had on his life and writings.

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Keith Nix, head of the Veritas School in Richmond, VA, and Eric Cook, President of the Society for Classical Learning. The two are co-directors of Gordon College’s new graduate program in Classical School Leadership. They discuss some of the challenges faced by the classical renewal movement, providing insight as to how Gordon’s new graduate program prepares classical educators for effective leadership at their schools. They also share tips for choosing a college that will enrich a student’s faith life.

On this episode of Anchored, CLT’s Adam Roate is joined by Dr. Jason Jewell and Dr. Andrew Jacobs of Faulkner University’s Center for Great Books and Human Flourishing. The two share about their educational journey and how Faulkner University fostered their love for classical education. They discuss the importance of faith in the academy, the value of overcoming challenges in education, and share details about graduate and undergraduate degree programs at Faulkner University. They also hear from admissions counselor Megan Lee, who shares information for interested prospective students. 

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Ginny Gentles, Director of the Education Freedom Center of the Independent Women’s Forum. They discuss Ginny’s background, which includes serving as a senior political advisor for the George W. Bush Administration, as well as championing school choice at the Florida Department of Education. They also discuss the harmful effects that radical ideology can have on individuals and society.

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. David Diener, Professor of Education at Hillsdale College. David shares how his educational journey led him to teach at a Christian school in Bogota, Colombia, before moving back to the US to pursue a passion in classical education. He emphasizes the need for good leadership in the classical renewal movement, and highlights the new Master of Arts in Classical Education program at Hillsdale College. He also discusses how classical education transcends geographic and ideological boundaries in pursuit of human flourishing for all.