American Classroom

Heritage Academy
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Discover the power of education in achieving the American dream. Join hosts Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland on American Classroom: Stories of Building a Civil Society, a podcast that explores the many educational options available to parents and students. We speak with educators, experts, and families to uncover ways to make schools safer, expand opportunities for youth, and help children develop their talents. Heritage Academy is committed to the growth and development of young people. We believe the purpose of education is to build strong character, which leads to strong families, strong communities, and a strong nation.

  1. School Choice Done Right: Finding the Best Fit for Your Child

    DEC 16

    School Choice Done Right: Finding the Best Fit for Your Child

    School Choice Done Right: Finding the Best Fit for Your Child School choice can feel empowering and overwhelming at the same time. Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland welcome Dr. Barbara Duncan and Liz Dreckman to explain how Arizona became a national model and what parents should do with all those options. They cover the “backpack funding” idea behind ESAs, how tax credit scholarships expanded to serve more students, and why real progress includes strong district schools that compete by improving. The group also looks ahead to “School Choice 3.0,” where education becomes more individualized, mixing academics with trades, dual enrollment, tutoring, therapies, and passion-driven learning. If you are navigating kindergarten, high school, or a mid-year switch, this episode offers a clear framework: know your child, tour schools, and choose the best fit right now. Show Notes: The Phoenix School Fair on January 24, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 pm at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix gives families a free, one-stop way to explore K–12 education options. Parents can meet representatives from public, charter, magnet, private, faith-based, online, homeschool, and nontraditional schools, while enjoying a fun, family-friendly evening hosted by Choose A School AZ and the National School Choice Awareness Foundation. https://schoolchoiceweek.com/events/phoenix-school-fair/ Helping Arizona parents find the right school for their child, and helping schools put their best foot forward with quality recruiting, marketing, and services to families. https://www.facebook.com/chooseaschoolaz EdChoice is a national nonprofit organization that provides research and resources on K–12 education choice and policy. https://www.edchoice.org National School Choice Week is a nationwide celebration that raises awareness about the full range of K–12 education options available to families. Through events, resources, and community partnerships, it helps parents explore choices and advocate for the learning environment that best fits their children. https://schoolchoiceweek.com/ If you want to learn more about the American Classroom podcast, please visit AmericanClassroom.Show https://americanclassroom.show/ To learn more about or take a tour of the great schools mentioned in this episode, visit Heritage Academy https://heritageacademyaz.com/ or Paul Revere Academy https://paulrevere.tech/ Sponsored by: Heritage Academy, downtown Mesa campus https://www.hamesa.com

    49 min
  2. Meet Principal Nelson and the New K5 Campus in Maricopa, AZ

    DEC 8

    Meet Principal Nelson and the New K5 Campus in Maricopa, AZ

    In this episode, listeners meet Principal Tera Nelson, the founding leader of the new Heritage Academy K5 campus in Maricopa, Arizona. She shares her path from military service to early childhood education and now school leadership, highlighting the values that drew her to Heritage Academy’s traditional, character centered model. Principal Nelson describes what makes the K5 experience special, including smaller class sizes, strong citizenship education, structured foundational curriculum, and a close knit community culture. She also discusses the opportunities and responsibilities of opening a brand new school and the traditions families can look forward to as the campus grows. For families exploring school options in Maricopa, this conversation provides a clear view of Heritage Academy’s mission and the warm environment the new campus aims to create. Show Notes: 1. If you want to learn more about the American Classroom podcast, please visit AmericanClassroom.Show https://americanclassroom.show/ 2. To learn more about or take a tour of the great schools mentioned in this episode, visit Heritage Academy https://heritageacademyaz.com/ or Paul Revere Academy https://paulrevere.tech/ 3. Sponsored by: Heritage Academy, downtown Mesa campus- www.hamesa.com

    20 min
  3. Graduate High School With a College Degree Through Dual Enrollment

    DEC 2

    Graduate High School With a College Degree Through Dual Enrollment

    Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland welcome Rio Salado College President Kate Smith for a compelling discussion on dual enrollment, equity in education, and the future of learning. Kate reflects on Rio Salado’s mission to meet learners where they are, from high school students to working adults and military learners across the globe. The conversation highlights the dramatic growth of dual enrollment, the confidence it builds in students, and the meaningful financial advantages it creates for families. They also explore how students can graduate from high school with a two year associate degree while still remaining eligible for freshman scholarships when they enter a university. The episode examines how higher education is adapting to rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and workforce needs, and shows how strong partnerships between K-12 and higher education create real pathways to opportunity for all learners. Show Notes: If you want to learn more about the American Classroom podcast, please visit AmericanClassroom.Show https://americanclassroom.show/ To learn more about or take a tour of the great schools mentioned in this episode, visit Heritage Academy https://heritageacademyaz.com/ or Paul Revere Academy https://paulrevere.tech/ Sponsored by: Heritage Academy, downtown Mesa campus- www.hamesa.com President Kate Smith Bio: https://www.riosalado.edu/about/leadership-and-administration/college-president/presidents-bio

    53 min
  4. America at 250: Agency Is Still the Answer with Shane Krauser

    OCT 27

    America at 250: Agency Is Still the Answer with Shane Krauser

    Host Jared Taylor and co-host Lindsey Lundeen Crosland sit down with author and constitutional expert Shane Krauser for a lively conversation on freedom, education, and America’s 250th anniversary. Krauser recounts his upbringing as a first-generation American, his deep love for liberty, and his mission to rekindle appreciation for the founding ideals across classrooms, homes, and communities. The episode explores how America’s principles of agency, limited government, and self-reliance created unprecedented progress—and why these truths remain essential today. From his teaching experiences to his Founding Flavors ice cream tavern, Krauser blends humor, insight, and optimism in a discussion that reminds listeners how to keep the flame of freedom alive. Show notes: Learn more about Shane Krauser, his events, and educational programs at shanekrauser.com Explore Shane’s books: “Your Nation to Save” “What Is Freedom? Is It for You?” “Arizona Gun Owner’s Guide” “Your Freedom to Reclaim” (Coming soon) If you want to learn more about the American Classroom podcast, please visit AmericanClassroom.ShowTo learn more about or take a tour of the great schools mentioned in this episode, visit Heritage Academy https://heritageacademyaz.com/ or Paul Revere Academy https://paulrevere.tech/Sponsored by: Heritage Academy, downtown Mesa campus- www.hamesa.com

    44 min
  5. Character Education: Cultivating Virtue in Modern Schools with Sharon Moss

    OCT 21

    Character Education: Cultivating Virtue in Modern Schools with Sharon Moss

    This episode of The American Classroom dives deep into the heart of Character Education, the timeless idea that schools should help shape not only what students know but who they become. Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland sit down with veteran educator and researcher Sharon Moss, whose passion for “virtue literacy” breathes new life into the field. Drawing from her decades in the classroom and her master’s research on character development, Sharon shares how literature, history, and daily classroom life can cultivate respect, perseverance, and integrity. She reminds us that while families remain the first teachers of character, schools play a vital supporting role—partnering with parents to help young people become wise, compassionate, and free-thinking citizens. Together, they explore how Character Education restores meaning to learning and strengthens the moral fabric of a civil society. Show Notes: Show Notes: Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues – A global leader in the study and practice of character education. The Centre offers research, teaching resources, and a master’s program in Character Education designed to help schools and organizations build strong moral foundations. Details about the Kern Foundation Award—a grant for those pursuing the MA—will be added to the site once finalized. jubileecentre.ac.ukCenter for Character and Citizenship – Founded by Dr. Marvin Berkowitz, this center provides research, tools, and training focused on cultivating moral and civic development in schools. His book Primed for Character Education: Six Design Principles for School Improvement is an essential read for educators seeking to weave virtue into every aspect of school culture. characterandcitizenship.orgLearn more about The American Classroom podcast at AmericanClassroom.ShowSponsored by Heritage Academy – Downtown Mesa CampusRead the blog that accompanies this episode at AmericanClassroom.Show

    1h 15m
  6. From Disengaged to Inspired: The Power of CTE With Stephanie Lund

    OCT 17

    From Disengaged to Inspired: The Power of CTE With Stephanie Lund

    This episode of American Classroom explores how Career and Technical Education (CTE) is transforming high school learning and preparing students for real-world success. Host Lindsey Lundeen Crosland sits down with Stephanie Lund, principal of Paul Revere Academy in Mesa, Arizona, to discuss how hands-on learning brings relevance and purpose to academics. Lund shares inspiring stories of students who found confidence, direction, and even career opportunities through CTE programs like automotive technology, digital media, and cosmetology. Listeners will discover how CTE boosts engagement, reduces dropout rates, and equips students with both technical and soft skills that matter in today’s world. This conversation reveals how partnerships between schools and industries create pathways to meaningful futures for every type of learner. Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/xTJN7FnijKc Show Notes: 1. If you want to learn more about the American Classroom podcast, please visit AmericanClassroom.Show 2. To learn more about Paul Revere Academy or to take a tour, Visit PaulRevere.tech Open Enrollment starts soon and runs November 1, 2025 through the next school year (for the 2026-2027 school year). 3. Sponsored by: Heritage Academy, downtown Mesa campus- www.hamesa.com 4. To read the blog associated with this episode, visit:

    20 min
  7. Grit & Greatness: An NFL Player’s Journey into Art and Teaching

    AUG 18

    Grit & Greatness: An NFL Player’s Journey into Art and Teaching

    In this episode of American Classroom, hosts Lindsey Lundeen Crosland and Jared Taylor talk with Jose Portilla—former NFL player turned artist and educator—about the surprising parallels between football and art. Born in Mexico and raised in Texas, Jose overcame early doubts to become the first Mexican-born player to appear in a Super Bowl with the Atlanta Falcons. After football, he earned a degree in visual communications and built a second career as a professional artist and high school art teacher at Heritage Academy in Mesa, Arizona. Jose explains how discipline and creativity fuel one another, helping students build confidence, resilience, and balance. He shares why a strong foundation in drawing matters, how art prepares young people for future careers, and how creative expression allows them to process emotions. From state championships as a coach to award-winning gallery work, Jose’s story shows how grit, passion, and imagination can inspire both on the field and in the classroom. Show Notes: If you want to learn more about the American Classroom podcast, please visitAmericanClassroom.Show https://americanclassroom.show/To learn more about or take a tour of the great schools mentioned in this episode, visit Heritage Academy https://heritageacademyaz.com/ or Paul Revere Academy https://paulrevere.tech/https://hamesa.com/portilla-news/Sponsored by: Heritage Academy, downtown Mesa campus- www.hamesa.com

    45 min
  8. Art, Intention, and the Work Only You Can Do with Ben Sowards

    JUL 15

    Art, Intention, and the Work Only You Can Do with Ben Sowards

    In this episode, we sit down with artist and educator Ben Sowards to explore what it means to grow into the kind of creator only you can become. As a designer for the U.S. Mint, Sowards has created coins and medals for the Bush, Reagan, and Trump families, and his commissioned portraits and paintings hang in collections around the world—yet his focus remains on the deep intention behind art itself and the quiet discipline of shaping meaning. He reflects on how early encouragement, and persistent practice shaped his path. We also discuss the role of AI in creative fields and why it still can’t replace the value of human intention. Sowards reminds us that most of what we create won’t be great—but every sketch, every attempt, moves us closer to something meaningful. He connects this purest form of art to every profession and to the broader work of developing character. Whether you're raising an artist, mentoring one, or refining your own path, this conversation offers a clear and hopeful message: keep going. Be passionate. You have something to offer this world that only you can give. Show Notes: 1. If you want to learn more about the American Classroom podcast, please visit AmericanClassroom.Show https://americanclassroom.show/ 2. To learn more about or take a tour of the great schools mentioned in this episode, visit Heritage Academy https://heritageacademyaz.com/ or Paul Revere Academy https://paulrevere.tech/ 3. Ben Sowards Website: https://www.bensowards-artist.com 4. Southern Utah University Studio Arts Program: https://www.suu.edu/degrees/bachelor/studio-arts.html 5. Sponsored by: Heritage Academy, downtown Mesa campus- www.hamesa.com

    52 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Discover the power of education in achieving the American dream. Join hosts Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland on American Classroom: Stories of Building a Civil Society, a podcast that explores the many educational options available to parents and students. We speak with educators, experts, and families to uncover ways to make schools safer, expand opportunities for youth, and help children develop their talents. Heritage Academy is committed to the growth and development of young people. We believe the purpose of education is to build strong character, which leads to strong families, strong communities, and a strong nation.

Information

  • Creator
    Heritage Academy
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2025 Heritage Academy. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    American Classroom