Michael Berndt, Academic Dean & Astronomy and Philosophy Teacher at Founders Classical Academy of Leander (Texas), talks with host Scot Bertram about eleventh grade curriculum, how students approach great novels, and how to manage distractions and maintain student focus.

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.

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.

A 20-minute podcast featuring professors, K-12 te…

Hillsdale College K-12 Classical Education Podcast

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Michael Berndt, Academic Dean & Astronomy and Phi…

Ages & Stages: Eleventh Grade Curriculum

Kathleen O’Toole, associate vice president for K-12 Education at Hillsdale College, is joined by Robert Pondiscio to discuss a recent essay he wrote on how educators should emphasize resiliency and hope in the classroom. Robert Pondiscio is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) and an affiliate of AEI’s James Q. Wilson Program in K–12 Education Studies, where he focuses on K–12 education, curriculum, teaching, school choice, and charter schooling.

Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/

Kathleen O&rsquo;Toole, associate vice president for K-12 Education at Hillsdale College, is joined by Robert Pondiscio to discuss <a href="https://www.nationalreview.com/magazine/2025/10/theres-too-much-doom-and-gloom-in-the-classroom/">a recent essay he wrote</a> on how educators should emphasize resiliency and hope in the classroom. Robert Pondiscio is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) and an affiliate of AEI&rsquo;s James Q. Wilson Program in K&ndash;12 Education Studies, where he focuses on K&ndash;12 education, curriculum, teaching, school choice, and charter schooling.
Learn more: <a href="https://k12.hillsdale.edu/">https://k12.hillsdale.edu/</a>

 Kathleen O’Toole and Robert Pondiscio: Combating Doom and Gloom in the Classroom

Julie Apel, assistant headmaster at Hillsdale Academy in Hillsdale, Michigan, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss what makes classical education different, why there is a renewed interest in classical education, and what students can expect to learn in a classical classroom.

Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/

Julie Apel, assistant headmaster at Hillsdale Academy in Hillsdale, Michigan, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss what makes classical education different, why there is a renewed interest in classical education, and what students can expect to learn in a classical classroom.
Learn more: <a href="https://k12.hillsdale.edu/">https://k12.hillsdale.edu/</a>

Classical Education 101

Abigail Teska, lower and upper school art teacher at Seven Oaks Classical School in Ellettsville, Indiana, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss using narration to help students understand artistic concepts, how to help students understand a work of art, and what narration activities students respond to the best.

Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/

Abigail Teska, lower and upper school art teacher at Seven Oaks Classical School in Ellettsville, Indiana, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss using narration to help students understand artistic concepts, how to help students understand a work of art, and what narration activities students respond to the best.
Learn more: <a href="https://k12.hillsdale.edu/">https://k12.hillsdale.edu/</a>

Ages & Stages: Eleventh Grade Curriculum

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Hillsdale College K-12 Classical Education Podcast

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