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In this episode, Jeremy Tate speaks with Gary Arnold, former Head of School at Little Rock Christian Academy and Partner and Co-Founder at NextEd. They talk about Gary’s journey in Christian education, why curiosity and thoughtful questions matter in the age of AI, and how schools can pursue excellence in academics, the arts, and athletics while engaging culture through a Christ-centered mission.  References:  Flourishing Together: A Christian Vision for Students, Educators, and Schools by Lynne Swanner and Andy Wolfe Christ and Culture by H. Richard Niebuhr To Change the World: The Irony, Tragedy, and Possibility of Christianity in the Late Modern World by James Davison Hunter In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership by Henri Nouwen

In this special edition of The Anchored Podcast, Jeremy Tate speaks with Erika Donalds, the new First Lady of Florida. Erika is also a member of CLT’s Board of Academic Advisors, the Founder and CEO of the Education Freedom Foundation, Chair of Education Opportunity at the America First Policy Institute, and Founder and Chairman of Optima.  They discuss classical education's rise from the margins into the mainstream and Florida's push to rethink its education system. They also cover the initiative to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, where AI belongs (and doesn't) in the classroom, and how Erika stayed grounded on the campaign trail.

This week we’re sharing the Education Policy Panel from CLT’s 2025 Annapolis Summit. CLT’s CFO, Noah Tyler, leads Dcn. Harrison Garlick, Adam Kissel, and Bill Mattox in a conversation about the challenges and tensions they’ve navigated in education policy, where they’ve experienced success, and where things need to go from here. We’re looking forward to more engaging conversations next year at the 2027 Summit!  Dcn. Garlick is Chancellor and In-House Counsel for the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma and co-host of Ascend: The Great Books Podcast. Adam Kissel is a Visiting Fellow on Higher Education Reform for The Heritage Foundation, Senior Fellow at the Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy, Chairman of the West Virginia Professional Charter School Board, Visiting Scholar for the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and a Visiting Lecturer at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. Bill Mattox is an award-winning writer and the Director of the J. Stanley Marshall Center for Education at The James Madison Institute.  References:   Risk, Uncertainty and Profit by Frank H. Knight  Slacking: A Guide to Ivy League Miseducation by Adam Kissel, Rachel Alexander Cambre, and Madison Marino Doan

In this episode, Jeremy speaks with Dr. Ryan Lister, Dean of Students at Boyce College, the undergraduate school of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. They talk about how Boyce's new Master of Arts in Classical Christian Education forms classical teachers to think carefully about integrating the moral and theological dimensions of education into their work with students.  References: Norms and Nobility by David V. HicksWisdom and Eloquence: A Christian Paradigm for Classical Learning by Charles T. Evans and Robert LittlejohnAugustine’s Confessions Holiness by John WebsterThe Moviegoer by Walker Percy The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness: The Path to the True Christian Joy by Timothy KellerLearn more: boycecollege.com/macce

In this episode Jeremy Tate speaks with Dr. Liliana Worth, Founding Head of School at the first Jewish classical elementary school in America, Hadar Jewish Classical Academy. Dr. Worth has also recently joined CLT's Board of Academic Advisors. She shares about how her rich educational background led her to where she is today and how Hadar is now successfully harmonizing Hebrew immersion, classical learning, and moral formation.  References: Learn more about Hadar Jewish Classical Academy at https://hadaracademy.orgThe Red and the Black by StendhalLittle Women by Louisa May Alcott

In this episode, we're spotlighting the incredible accomplishments of Umatilla High School in Umatilla, Florida. Adam Roate, CLT's Senior Director of Partnerships, talks to Brent Frazier, principal at UHS. Brent shares his principles for effective administrative leadership and strategies for building a strong school culture that prepares students for success inside and outside the classroom. References: – Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton – Strengths Based Leadership from Gallup – Acceleration for All by Sharon V. Kramer and Sarah Schuhl

In this episode, Soren speaks with Jason Bedrick, Senior Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation, and James Shuls, Undergraduate Director of Civics and Liberty Studies and Head of the Education Liberty Branch of the Institute for Governance and Civics at Florida State University. They talk about their upcoming publication from Encounter Books, The Phoenix Principles: Toward a Rebirth of American Education. They explore how these principles can guide a rebirth of American education, improve civic and character education, and foster a more virtuous and effective educational system. References: – "Returning to the First Principles of American Education" with Jason Bedrick – "The Phoenix Declaration: An American Vision for Education" – The Phoenix Principles Toward a Rebirth of American Education edited by Jason Bedrick and James V. Shuls

In this episode, Soren is joined by Madeline Greb, Director of Assessments at CLT. Madeline provides a behind the scenes look into standardized testing, comparing CLT with ACT and SAT, and discusses the importance of reasoning and creativity in math and reading assessments. References: A Swiftly Tilting Planet by Madeleine L'Engle

In this episode, Jeremy speaks with Michael Schell, Headmaster of Sparhawk Academy and founder of the Sparhawk Institute, where he works to equip college counselors for their meaningful work with students. They discuss the state of school athletics, single-sex education, and Michael makes the case that the best counselors do far more than manage applications – they help young people understand who they are, what they are called to, and how to choose a path with wisdom instead of anxiety. References: Called to Life by Jacques PhilippeLearn more by emailing [email protected]

In this episode, Jeremy speaks with Eric Daniels, the Assistant Director of the Snow Institute for the Study of Capitalism (SISC) at Clemson University. They explore the intricate connections between education, capitalism, and moral formation. Eric also shares about how the Lyceum Scholars Program is shaping the next generation of American leaders.

In this episode, we're spotlighting the amazing work being done at Delaware Valley Classical School in New Castle, Delaware. Adam Roate, CLT's Senior Director of Partnerships, talks to Anthony Urti, Head of School at DVCS and a board member of the Association of Classical Christian Schools. Anthony shares the significant role that parent partnerships and music play in his school's success. References: – A History of Education in Antiquity by Henri Marrou – "How to Tell a Flatterer From a Friend” in Plutarch’s Moralia – The Rector of Justin by Louis Auchincloss – John Senior and the Restoration of Realism by Father Francis Bethel, O.S.B. – Plato’s Republic

In today’s episode, Soren speaks to Margaret Walsh, Founder and Director of Secret Garden Educational Pathways and author of A Catholic Approach to Literacy for Struggling Students. Margaret shares insights from her research on literacy development, speaks to the importance of foundational reading skills, and unpacks how a humane philosophical framework can inform effective teaching strategies for struggling students. References: A Catholic Approach to Literacy for Struggling Students: Connecting Philosophy and Practice by Margaret WalshDe Anima by AristotleThe Book of TobitBy What Authority? by Robert Hugh Benson

In this episode, Jeremy speaks with Dr. Leonard Sax, Director of the Montgomery Center for Research in Child & Adolescent Development and author of several books, including The Collapse of Parenting, Why Gender Matters, Boys Adrift, and Girls on the Edge. They discuss the decline of traditional parenting, the advantages of single-sex education, and how understanding gender differences can improve educational outcomes for boys and girls.  References: HeightsCast–Parental Authority: Dr. Leonard Sax on our RoleThe Collapse of Parenting by Dr. Leonard SaxWhy Gender Matters by Dr. Leornard SaxBoys Adrift by Dr. Leonard SaxGirls on the Edge by Dr. Leonard SaxThe Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis

In this episode, Jeremy speaks with Kendel Ehrlich, former First Lady of Maryland and current Executive Director of the American Journalism Institute. They discuss the shifting landscape of politics and journalism, social media's role in those changes, and Kendel's work training the next generation of young journalists with the Daily Caller News Foundation. References – Bottom Line with Bob and Kendel Ehrlich – The American Journalism Institute – [email protected] – To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

In this episode, Jeremy speaks with Miriam Washut, winner of the inaugural Presidential 1776 Award competition and daughter of Kyle Washut, president of Wyoming Catholic College and a member of CLT's Board of Academic Advisors. Learn about her journey to the White House and how her love for reading and classical education shaped her success. References: Killer Angels by Michael ShaaraAnna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy