Summary

In this conversation, Shannon Valenzuela and Robert Jackson explore the principles and practices of classical education, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and the role of experience in the learning process. They discuss the journey of educators within the classical education movement, the significance of building a supportive faculty culture, and the need to reclaim experiential learning in an increasingly digital world. The conversation highlights the philosophical underpinnings of classical education, including the pursuit of wisdom and virtue, and contrasts it with modern notions of self-actualization.

Topics Covered:

• The definition and purpose of classical education
• The importance of the relationship with tradition
• The role of mentorship in developing the next generation of teachers
• Creating vibrant school communities to support the work of education
• Classical education and self-actualization
• The importance of experiential learning

Today's Guest:

Dr. Robert Jackson has promoted liberal education through teaching, scholarship, and administrative activities for 25 years. He began as a professor of English and education, then worked as chief academic officer at Great Hearts, where he founded the GH Institute. Currently, Jackson serves as the executive director of the Florida Institute for Classical Learning. He also serves as a senior fellow for Flagler College and the Chesterton Schools Network, while contributing as an associate editor for Principia journal. Jackson has received teaching awards from Florida State University and The King’s College, and was the 2021 recipient of the Salvatori Prize for American Citizenship. He and his colleague Philip Kilgore also run Classical Commons, a digital platform connecting local K-12 schools to the essential resources needed for promoting classical liberal arts education.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction
02:24 Initial Experience with Classical Education
06:23 The Role of Classical Commons in Teacher Development
11:31 Collaboration Between Homeschooling and Classical Education
18:31 Mentorship and the Craft of Teaching
26:35 The Mutual Learning Experience in Education
27:32 Emerging Talent and Mentorship in Education
31:56 The Pursuit of Wisdom and Virtue in Classical Education
37:09 Self-Actualization: Classical vs. Modern Perspectives
43:44 The Importance of Historical Perspective in Education
50:13 Reclaiming Experience in Learning

Episode Links:

Classical Commons: https://classicalcommons.org

Florida Institute for Classical Learning 2026 Summit: https://flclassical.org/2026summit/

University of Dallas Links:

• Classical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-ed
• St. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/

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Summary

In this conversation, Shannon Valenzuela and Joseph Tabenkin explore the intersection of classical education and modern learning tools, particularly in the realm of astronomy. They discuss the importance of maintaining friction in the learning process, the value of a beginner's mindset, and the need for accessible educational resources. Joseph shares his journey in creating 'Tracing the Sky' to make astronomy more approachable for teachers and students alike. The dialogue emphasizes the formative nature of education, the challenges faced by educators, and the significance of fostering confidence in teaching science. Ultimately, they advocate for a liberal arts perspective that encourages curiosity and engagement with the world.

Topics Covered:

• The role of modern technology and tools in a classical context
• The importance of the beginner's mindset in teaching
• Astronomy as a training ground for the imagination, modeling, and understanding change
• The power of the story of scientific discovery to inspire wonder
• Classical education, technology, and navigating a rapidly changing world

Today's Guest:

Joseph Tabenkin is an entrepreneur focused on creating tools and resources for educators. He has previously developed learning programs such as Let’s Diagram and Read With Me, and was a Junior Fellow at the Boethius Institute, where he explored classical approaches to knowledge and education. With Tracing the Sky, he is turning his attention to astronomy with a particular focus on supporting teachers—especially those without a background in mathematics or astronomy—by helping them build confidence in the subject. The curriculum provides step-by-step guidance to make astronomy accessible to those who may find the subject intimidating, so they in turn can bring it thoughtfully and confidently into the classroom.

For more information about Tracing the Sky: https://www.tracingthesky.com/
More by Joseph: https://classicaleducationapps.com/

To work with Joseph one-on-one, please email info@tracingthesky.com.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction
05:25 An Unconventional Path
07:21 The Importance of a Beginner's Mind
08:53 Building Educational Tools for Astronomy
15:49 The Narrative of Astronomy's Development
20:26 Identifying Needs in Astronomy Education
28:49 Astronomy as Formation
32:20 Understanding Knowledge and Certainty
35:51 Navigating Change in a Rapidly Evolving World
38:27 The Importance of the Liberal Arts Tradition
46:24 The Human Connection to the Night Sky

University of Dallas Links:

• Classical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-ed
• St. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/

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If you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!

Summary

In this episode, Shannon Valenzuela and Peter Ulrickson explore the significance of the Quadrivium in education and Dr. Ulrickson's unique presentation of teaching these arts in his books A Brief Quadrivium and the accompanying teacher's guide. They discuss the interconnectedness of mathematics and the arts and highlight the unique perspectives offered by each discipline. They explore the importance of modeling, proof, and observation and the role of rhetoric and logic in mathematics. The conversation also addresses the sensory engagement in learning and the value of teaching mathematics classically.

Topics Covered:

• The importance of proof and the power of modeling
• The arts of the Quadrivium and their perspectives on cosmic order
• The role of rhetoric and logic in the study of mathematics
• Engaging the senses in the experience of learning mathematics
• The transformation of students' perceptions of mathematics through an encounter with the Quadrivium

Today's Guest:

Peter Ulrickson is a professor of mathematics at the Catholic University of America. In addition to his work on the quadrivium, he publishes original research in various areas of modern mathematics. Professor Ulrickson received his Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame.

For more information about the books: briefquadrivium.com

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction
03:28 Introduction to A Brief Quadrivium
04:07 Exploring Music and Astronomy in the Quadrivium
10:01 Proof and Modeling in Mathematics
13:09 Developing the Sense for Order
20:45 Engaging the Senses in Mathematical Inquiry
26:51 The Ordering of the Quadrivial Arts
30:48 Exploring the Teacher's Guide

Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Peter Ulrickson, A Brief Quadrivium (publisher, Amazon) and Teaching the Quadrivium (publisher, Amazon)

"The Quadrivium and the Stakes for Ordering the Mathematical Arts" by Lesley-Anne Dyer Williams

University of Dallas Links:

• Classical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-ed
• St. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/

Support the show

If you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!