Anchored by the Classic Learning Test

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Hans Zeiger, president of the Jack Miller Center, a nationwide, nonpartisan educational venture that is dedicated to America’s founding principles and civic education at every level. They discuss Hans’ journey from public policy to the Jack Miller Center, and the crisis in civic education that sparked his interest. They explore the importance of knowledge for self-governing citizens and for the survival of the country. They also discuss specific areas where the educational system has failed, and some of the university programs that provide beacons of hope. 

This week’s episode of Anchored features a speech delivered by Jeremy Tate, CEO of the Classic Learning Test, at the National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education at Benedictine College. Jeremy talks about the story of Catholic education in America. Jeremy highlights the challenges faced by Catholic schools today, including declining enrollment and the influence of secular educational standards, while also presenting a hopeful vision for revitalization through distinct Catholic identity and practices.

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Rachel Campos-Duffy, host of FOX & Friends Weekend and the From the Kitchen Table podcast. Rachel shares her personal educational journey, the importance of authentic Catholic schooling, and her family's commitment to classical education. She discusses the challenges faced by Catholic schools, the revival of interest in Catholic education post-COVID, and the transformative experience her daughter had at the University of Dallas. She emphasizes the need for parents to be proactive in their children's education and the integration of faith and values at home. Click here for “Battle for the American Mind: Uprooting a Century of Miseducation” by Pete Hegseth and David Goodwin. 

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Lynda Sloneker, President of StoaUSA, a Christian homeschool speech and debate league. They are also joined by Lynda’s daughter, Alyssa. They discuss Stoa’s history and mission and how it has personally impacted Alyssa’s journey as a college student. They talk about debating with kindness and charity and the benefits of debating that extend beyond future career options. They conclude by discussing how debate has changed in light of the current political climate and how Stoa is working to fix what has been broken. 

In this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Kathleen O’Toole, the assistant provost for K-12 Education at Hillsdale College. In this conversation, Dr. Kathleen O'Toole discusses her journey in education, the impact of classical education on K-12 schooling, and the role of Hillsdale in shaping educational practices across the country. She emphasizes the importance of a solid foundational education rooted in the liberal arts and the mission of classical schools to cultivate good citizens. The discussion also touches on the political implications of education, the future of classical education, and resources for educators.

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Gerard Alexander, a politics professor at the University of Virginia and the founder of The Blue Ridge Center. They discuss the strengths and shortcomings of UVA as an institution. They dive into the rampant self-censorship on college campuses and its effect on campus culture. Finally, they talk about The Blue Ridge Center as a program that allows college students to grapple with underrepresented topics and viewpoints. 

On this special episode of Office Hours with Jeremy Tate, Jeremy and Soren announce the launch of the CLT Classical Teaching Corps. Tune in to hear about how CLT is responding to the movement’s biggest obstacle — finding well-vetted teachers — with the new CLT Classical Teaching Corps for college seniors. They also dive into the application, which opens today, and the guaranteed job security that comes with being chosen for the initiative. Apply for the CLT Classical Teaching Corps: https://www.cltexam.com/classical-teaching-corps/

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by John Boyle, professor of Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas. They discuss the influence of St. Thomas Aquinas and John’s newest book, Aquinas on Scripture: A Primer. John also talks about St. Thomas’ curriculum and how the incarnation holds everything together. They also discuss their Catholic Studies program, including its structure, benefits, and presence at a larger, private university. 

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Justin Dyer, Dean of the School of Civic Leadership and professor of government at the University of Texas at Austin. They discuss some of the benefits and resources that come with big, public universities like UT. They dive into the development and purpose of UT’s new civic honors major and School of Civic Leadership. They conclude by discussing the decline of general civic knowledge and some of the educational reasons for it. 

In this episode of Anchored, Jeremy speaks with Salvatore Cordileone, the Archbishop of San Francisco. They delve into Cordileone’s path to the priesthood and his personal experiences with Pope John Paul II. They also discuss the evolution of Catholic education from its peak in the 1960s to the present day, and discuss potential signs of a renaissance in Catholic education. They conclude by examining why Catholic schools are inherently classical and how Catholicism enriches the teaching of the Western tradition.