The University of Dallas Classical Education Podcast

The St. Ambrose Center for Catholic Liberal Education & Culture at the University of Dallas
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Welcome to The University of Dallas Classical Education Podcast. Join us as we sit down with professors, K-12 teachers, and thought leaders who are shaping the landscape of classical education. Our guests bring deep insight and practical wisdom to educators, parents, and lifelong learners alike. Whether you're a seasoned classical educator or just beginning your journey, this podcast will inform, inspire, and deepen your understanding of a tradition that seeks to cultivate virtue, wonder, and a love of truth. Hosted by Dr. Shannon Valenzuela.

  1. FEB 9

    Building Classical School Communities with Dr. Robert Jackson

    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 educationThe importance of the relationship with traditionThe role of mentorship in developing the next generation of teachersCreating vibrant school communities to support the work of educationClassical education and self-actualization The importance of experiential learningToday'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-edSt. 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!

    55 min

  2. JAN 13

    Tracing the Sky with Joseph Tabenkin

    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 contextThe importance of the beginner's mindset in teachingAstronomy as a training ground for the imagination, modeling, and understanding changeThe power of the story of scientific discovery to inspire wonderClassical education, technology, and navigating a rapidly changing worldToday'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-edSt. 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!

    56 min

  3. 12/15/2025

    A Brief Quadrivium with Dr. Peter Ulrickson

    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 modelingThe arts of the Quadrivium and their perspectives on cosmic orderThe role of rhetoric and logic in the study of mathematicsEngaging the senses in the experience of learning mathematicsThe transformation of students' perceptions of mathematics through an encounter with the QuadriviumToday'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-edSt. 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!

    42 min

  4. 11/10/2025

    Another Sort of Mathematics with Jake Tawney

    Summary In this episode, Shannon Valenzuela and Jake Tawney explore the significance of the quadrivium in education, particularly focusing on mathematics as a bridge between the material and the divine and the ability of mathematics to help students access truth. They discuss the eternal nature of language and mathematics, explore music as number in ratio to itself, and consider the importance of proofs in mathematics. The conversation emphasizes the need for pedagogical approaches that prioritize understanding and wonder over mere proficiency, ultimately arguing that the study of mathematics reveals deeper truths about the universe and God. Topics Covered: A different way of understanding the four arts of the quadriviumMathematics as a bridge between the material world and the eternalThe arts of language and mathematics as foundational to educationMusic and mathematicsProofs in mathematics as a form of rhetoric The power of lessons that present engaging problems that motivate inquiryThe study of mathematics and a unique longing in the human soulSuccess measured as love, not just skill proficiencyToday's Guests: J. Jacob (Jake) Tawney has been enamored by mathematics for as long as he can remember, from kindergarten to calculus. But he truly fell in love with it during his sophomore year at Denison University during a course on mathematical proofs. After completing an undergraduate degree in mathematics and computer science from Denison, he continued his studies at The Ohio State University. There he earned a master’s degree in mathematics, submitting a thesis on the mathematics of juggling. During his time in Ohio, Tawney taught at Upper Arlington High School and the Pontifical College Josephinum, including courses in Euclid and the philosophy of mathematics. In 2014 he relocated his family to Phoenix, Arizona, to join Great Hearts Academies, where he currently serves as the chief academic officer. Jake is the proud husband of Christina and the proud father of eight children, all of whom have something unique in their souls that can only be satisfied by wondering about mathematics. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:50 The Eternal and the Earthly: Understanding the Significance of Three and Four 10:34 Music and Mathematics: The Relationship of Ratios and Intervals 14:54 Math's Unique Contribution: Bridging Heaven and Earth 24:48 The Importance of Proof: Rhetoric in Mathematics 33:09 Bridging Theory and Practice in Mathematics Education 39:00 Wonder and Conversation in the Math Classroom 45:14 A Different Way to Measure Success Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode: Another Sort of Mathematics by J. Jacob Tawney at Encounter Books and on Amazon More on the Quadrivium Retrieval: https://quadriviumretrieval.org/ University of Dallas Links: Classical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-edSt. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/Support the show Support the show If you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!

    52 min

  5. 10/21/2025

    The Quadrivium in the Middle School with Dr. Merrill Roberts

    Summary In this episode, Shannon Valenzuela and Dr. Merrill Roberts explore the beauty of the quadrivium for the middle school classroom.  They discuss the integration of nature studies, mathematics, and science in middle school education, highlighting the importance of play, joy, and sensory learning. The discussion also delves into the relationship between mathematics and beauty, the role of the imagination in learning, and the interconnectedness of disciplines across the curriculum. The conversation concludes with reflections on the importance of arts and music in education and the profound impact of experiencing the night sky on students' understanding of the universe. Topics Covered: The quadrivium and middle school math and scienceBeauty and wonder in math and science educationPlay and joy as pedagogical toolsLearning through the senses and working toward abstraction The quadrivium across the curriculumArts and music are integral to a classical educationThe power of dark skiesToday's Guests: Dr. Merrill Roberts received his Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts from Thomas Aquinas College in 2003. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from The Catholic University of America in 2018, where he has also served as a Lecturer in Physics, teaching multiple courses, including a course in Solar Physics designed for students planning to teach in primary and secondary schools. He worked for over a decade as a researcher at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD, where he studied solar coronal transients and performed forward modeling for the Parker Solar Probe mission. Dr. Roberts is a Senior Faculty Consultant for the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE), giving workshops and developing curriculum centered around the Quadrivial Arts since 2013, and is also an Associate Fellow at the Boethius Institute, helping with the creative retrieval of the Quadrivium. He combines his passions for nature and education as the Nature Studies teacher at St. Jerome Academy in Hyattsville, MD, where he has instructed 5th through 8th graders since 2010. He is also, along with his wife Elizabeth, the Co-director of Music at St. Jerome Parish, where he strives to emphasize the beauty and truth inherent in the Mass. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:27 From NASA to the Classroom 06:41 St. Jerome Academy's Model of Education 10:44 Experiential Learning and the Senses 17:09 Playing with What We Don't Fully Understand 24:50 The Relationship Between Questions and Answers 39:16 The Quadrivium and the Imagination 44:28 The Importance of Music 50:19 Experiencing the Night Sky: A Learning Journey 55:25 Conclusion University of Dallas Links: Classical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-edSt. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode: More on the Quadrivium Retrieval: https://quadriviumretrieval.org/ Support the show If you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!

    56 min

  6. 10/06/2025

    Retrieving the Quadrivium with Dr. Jeffrey Lehman and Dr. Andrew Seeley

    Summary In this episode, Shannon Valenzuela, Dr. Jeff Lehman, and Dr. Andrew Seeley explore the retrieval of the quadrivium and its significance in classical education, particularly in mathematics and science. They discuss their personal journeys in mathematics, the transformative power of the quadrivium, and the importance of integrating imagination and reason in learning. They emphasize the need for a community of educators to foster a deeper understanding of these subjects, and offer suggestions for teaching. The discussion also touches on the moral implications of education and the beauty inherent in mathematics and the arts. Topics Covered: The creative retrieval of the QuadriviumThe Quadrivium and the formation of the intellect and imaginationThe importance of fellowship among teachersBeauty and structure are integral to the arts and sciences.The Quadrivium and its contribution to moral formationToday's Guests: Jeffrey S. Lehman is co-founder and Dean of Fellows at the Boethius Institute and Professor of Philosophy and Theology and Director of the M.A. in Catholic Education program at the Augustine Institute’s Graduate School of Theology. He is the founder and President of the Arts of Liberty Project, a Founding Fellow of the Center for Thomas More Studies, and he has taught at Biola University, Thomas Aquinas College, Hillsdale College, and the University of Dallas. He is the author of numerous publications, including Socratic Conversation: Bringing the Dialogues of Plato and the Socratic Tradition into Today’s Classroom. Andrew Seeley is co-founder and President of the Boethius Institute. He also serves as the Director of Advanced Formation for Educators at the Augustine Institute. Over his three decades as a Tutor at Thomas Aquinas College in California, Dr. Seeley taught every subject in its integrated Great Books curriculum. Dr. Seeley co-founded the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education in 2005, where he served as Executive Director for 12 years. He became Executive Director of the Arts of Liberty Project in 2021. He was named the 2023 recipient of the Circe Institute’s Paideia Prize. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Quadrivium and the Boethius Institute 03:21 The Creative Retrieval of the Quadrivium 07:16 The Importance of the Quadrivium in Classical Education 12:09 Transformative Experiences in Teaching the Quadrivium 16:27 Understanding the Four Arts of the Quadrivium 20:52 The Role of Imagination in the Quadrivium 23:23 The Interplay of Reason and Imagination 33:46 Mathematics and Moral Formation 39:18 Reimagining Mathematics Education 43:38 Favorite Resources  48:11 Conclusion University of Dallas Links: Classical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-edSt. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode: More on the Quadrivium Retrieval: https://quadriviumretrieval.org/ Francis Su, Mathematics for Human Flourishing Stratford Caldecott, Beauty for Truth's Sake Support the show If you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!

    53 min

  7. 09/22/2025

    From Wonder to Mastery: Science Education with John D. Mays

    Summary In this conversation, Shannon Valenzuela and John Mays explore the principles of teaching science classically. They discuss the importance of beauty to the work of education, the importance of textbook design, and the need for a mastery-oriented curriculum that emphasizes long-term retention of knowledge. Mays introduces his Wonder-Integration-Mastery model for science education, which serves as a framework for teaching that integrates various disciplines and fosters the development of wisdom and virtue in students. The conversation highlights the role of teachers in modeling honesty and virtue, and the importance of effective communication in the classroom. Topics Covered: The role of beauty and wonder in educationTextbook designThe Wonder-Integration-Mastery model in education Integration of disciplines enriches the learning experienceThe end of a classical education: wisdom and virtueSelf-reflection and modeling for teachersToday's Guest: John D. Mays spent 14 years in industry in engineering and engineering management in the areas of electrical, controls, and telecommunications systems and has completed graduate degrees in Secondary Education (MEd) and Liberal Arts (MLA). John served as the Math-Science Department Chair at Regents School of Austin from 2001 until 2009, when he became Director of the Laser Optics Lab at Regents. He founded Novare Science in 2009 and Centripetal Press in 2015, both of which became part of Classical Academic Press in 2019. John is the author and editor of numerous student science texts and teacher resources.  Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 04:24 Introduction to Science Education and Curriculum Development 06:18 The Cram-Pass-Forget Cycle 11:39 Mastery-Based Teaching Model 13:55 Textbook Design Philosophy 17:41 The Importance of Beauty in the Education Environment 23:05 Wonder, Integration, and Mastery in Science Education 34:38 Distinctions between Modern and Classical Education 40:40 The Importance of Self-Reflection for Teachers 53:21 Modeling Virtue: The Teacher's Role 55:28 Conclusion University of Dallas Links: Classical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-edSt. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode: From Wonder to Mastery: A Transformative Model for Science Education Centripetal Press: https://centripetalpress.com/ Novare Science (Classical Academic Press): https://classicalacademicpress.com/collections/novare-science Support the show If you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!

    56 min

  8. 09/08/2025

    Exploring Art and Beauty with Robert Puschautz and Annie Johnson

    Summary In this conversation, Shannon Valenzuela, Robert Puschautz, and AnneMarie Johnson explore the profound role of art in education, emphasizing its ability to connect beauty with truth and goodness. They discuss the artist's vocation as a divine calling, the importance of constraints in fostering creativity, and how beauty serves as a powerful tool for evangelization. The conversation also highlights the necessity of creating beautiful learning environments and integrating art into various subjects, and the deep desire for human authenticity in the age of AI. Resources & Links: Stabat Mater FoundationTopics Covered: Art and teaching students to appreciate beautyThe vocation of the artistArt and evangelizationBeauty and our environmentThe rise of AI and the desire for authentic human experiencesToday's Guests: Robert Puschautz is a representational artist based out of Tyler, Texas. He received his bachelor’s in Painting and Art Education from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and continued his studies in classical painting at the Ravenswood Atelier in Chicago. He is the Executive Director of Stabat Mater Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is the renewal of beauty in our world and culture by praying for and supporting artists. To see more of his work visit robertpuschautz.weebly.com. AnneMarie Johnson’s work focuses on the relationship between finitude and transcendence in the human experience. She graduated from the University of Dallas in 2018 with a B.A. in Art - Painting. In 2024 she completed the three-year Classical drawing and painting program at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts. Additional studies include classical drawing at the Florence Academy of Art, U.S., and graduate painting and art history at the University of Dallas (2021). AnneMarie is currently the Art Fellow and an instructor of drawing at the Stabat Mater Foundation in Tyler, TX. Timestamps: 02:26 The Mission of the Stabat Mater Foundation 04:18 Bringing Beauty into Education 06:49 Art as a Reflection of Divine Creation 12:02 Art as a Means of Evangelization 22:27 Co-Creating with God: Integrating Beauty and Intellect 24:48 Training Discernment: Truth, Goodness, and Beauty 28:33 Bringing Art into the Classroom 33:30 The Human Connection: Art in the Age of Technology University of Dallas Links: The Way of Beauty (Season Two, The Quest television series): quest.udallas.eduClassical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-edSt. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode: Ever Ancient, Ever New: Art History, Appreciation, Theory, and Practice, Level One (Grades 5-9) Ever Ancient, Ever New: Art History, Appreciation, Theory, and Practice, Level Two (Grades 7-12) Support the show If you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!

    42 min
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About

Welcome to The University of Dallas Classical Education Podcast. Join us as we sit down with professors, K-12 teachers, and thought leaders who are shaping the landscape of classical education. Our guests bring deep insight and practical wisdom to educators, parents, and lifelong learners alike. Whether you're a seasoned classical educator or just beginning your journey, this podcast will inform, inspire, and deepen your understanding of a tradition that seeks to cultivate virtue, wonder, and a love of truth. Hosted by Dr. Shannon Valenzuela.

Information

  • Creator
    The St. Ambrose Center for Catholic Liberal Education & Culture at the University of Dallas
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The University of Dallas Classical Education Podcast
  • Show Website
    The University of Dallas Classical Education Podcast