

Hillsdale College K-12 Classical Education Podcast
Hillsdale College K-12 Classical Education Podcast
A 20-minute podcast featuring professors, K-12 teachers, and friends of Hillsdale College, all speaking about classical education—what it is, why it’s still relevant today, and what makes it unique. Hosted by Scot Bertram.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 1min
Teaching 'Tales From Shakespeare'
In a captivating discussion, Benedict Whalen, an associate professor of English at Hillsdale College, shares insights on teaching 'Tales From Shakespeare' to children. He emphasizes the importance of children's literature in developing virtue and moral character. Whalen explores the complexities of popular adaptations and the need to engage young readers with Shakespeare's works through imaginative storytelling. He also highlights the Lamb siblings' significant contributions to romantic literature and the evolution of moral themes in children's narratives.

Feb 10, 2025 • 20min
Teaching Music History: A Classical Approach
Noah Bush, music teacher at Orange County Classical Academy in Orange, California, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss what attracted him to teaching at a classical school, how to make classical music exciting for young students, and the importance of music appreciation education. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 6, 2025 • 47min
The Philosophical and Humane Nature of Science
David Diener, assistant professor of education at Hillsdale College, delivers a lecture on how philosophy and theology should inform the way we teach the sciences. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: The Sciences,” in February 2024. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 3, 2025 • 29min
How to Combat Screen Addiction
Melanie Hempe, founder of Screen Strong, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss how to prevent your children from forming a lifelong screen addiction, simple tips for reducing screen time, and how to answer questions from other parents. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 30, 2025 • 44min
The Real American Founding
Paul Moreno, the William and Berniece Grewcock Chair in Constitutional History and professor of history at Hillsdale College, delivers a lecture on the history of slavery and the American Founding. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: American History,” in April 2024. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 27, 2025 • 17min
An Overview of Science in a Hillsdale K-12 School
Emily Williams, dean of faculty and science teacher at Kootenai Classical Academy in Post Falls, Idaho, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss how the sciences fit into the overall goal of Hillsdale K-12 schools, how to instill a feeling of wonder in students, and how to best integrate experiments into science instruction. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 23, 2025 • 44min
Practical Tips for Science Instruction
Tari Thiery, high school science teacher at Hozho Academy in Gallup, New Mexico, delivers a lecture on a series of practical tips science teachers can use to improve their classroom. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: The Sciences,” in February 2024. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 20, 2025 • 18min
Journey to Teaching at a Hillsdale School
Chrystie Klingbeil, upper school math teacher and department chair at St. John's Classical School in Fleming Island, Florida, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss her journey from classical school parent to teacher, the fruits she's seen in her own children's lives from their classical education, and the unique difficulties of teaching your own children in a classroom setting. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 16, 2025 • 42min
Teaching the U.S. Constitution
Adam Carrington, associate professor and co-director of the Ashbrook Center at Ashland University, delivers a lecture on how to make the Constitution exciting for young students. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: American History,” in April 2024. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 13, 2025 • 21min
Exercise Routines in Classical P.E.
Damon Gibbons, dean of lower school students and P.E. faculty member at Cincinnati Classical Academy in Cincinnati, Ohio, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss how classical education encourages students to tackle difficult tasks, why schools shouldn’t dismiss physical education, and good online resources for P.E. instructors. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.