Developing Classical Thinkers
Developing Classical Thinkers is a classical podcast for classical thinkers, created and supported by the teachers at Thales Academy, a classical school in Raleigh, North Carolina. A Thales Press podcast.
Episodes
Super Habits with Andrew Abela
A conversation with Andrew Abela and Robert Luddy on the nature of virtue ethics, human flourishing, and the small, incremental but invaluable steps we should take each day for personal improvement and growth.Andrew Abela is the founding dean of the Busch School of Business and Ordinary Professor of Marketing at The Catholic University of America, in Washington, D.C. He holds a B.Sc. from the Univ
The Joys of Teaching with Tiffany Whitaker
In this episode, Winston Brady speaks with Tiffany Whitaker about her experience teaching elementary school at the Thales Academy Wake Forest campus.Tiffany Whitaker is a Franklinton, North Carolina resident, East Carolina University alumnus, and seventh-year teacher at Thales Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a reading concentration and has had teaching
The Virtue of Justice by Kellie Scripter
In this lecture, Kellie Scripter addresses the virtue of justice in the context of a content-rich classical education. A classical education provides students with opportunities to understand virtues like justice by encouraging them to develop intellectual discipline, exercise their moral imagination, and thus establish the patterns by which they can strive to pursue a just life.Mrs. Scripter rece
The Virtue of Temperance by Winston Brady
Winston Brady, director of Thales Press, addresses the virtue of temperance and why students should cultivate this important virtue.Temperance is the virtue of self-control and moderation, a habit people can achieve by bringing their appetites into harmony with their reason.Winston Brady delivered this presentation at the Conference of Miletus on July 14, 2025. The Conference of Miletus was a seri
The Virtue of Prudence with Anthony Esolen
Anthony Esolen, distinguished professor of the humanities at Thales College, addresses the virtue of prudence. Dr. Anthony Esolen received his A.B. in English Literature from Princeton University and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Renaissance English Literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Esolen has been a professor of literature and humanities for 35 years and is the author
The Virtue of Courage from Robert Luddy
Robert Luddy, founder of Thales Academy, addresses the virtue of courage and how important it is for students to face their fears, overcome adversity, and take small, practical steps to cultivate this cardinal virtue.Robert "Bob" Luddy is the Founder and Chairman of Thales Academy, Thales College, Franklin Academy, and St. Thomas More Academy, and is the Founder and President of CaptiveAire System
What do Parents Want in a Classical School?
Eric Wearne is a Visiting Associate Professor with the Education Economics Center at Kennesaw State University. In line with his work on the intersection of statistics, school choice, and classical education, Professor Wearne conducted a survey of parents with children in a wide variety of classical schools.In this survey, Professor Wearne examined what parents want in a classical school and the b
Happy 4th of July!
A special episode on the history behind the celebrations of the Fourth of July, plus some of the most significant people in American history who have been born on, or departed from this Earth on, the 4th of July.
Limits & the Human Condition by Winston Brady | Ciceronian Society 2025
On March 13-15, several Thales faculty members participated in the 2025 annual meeting of the Ciceronian Society in Harrisonburg, Virginia. This lecture comes from Winston Brady, director of Thales Press. In this address, Winston examined the relationship between limits and liberty, for the purpose of understanding what it means to be human, with insights drawn from C.S. Lewis and The Abolition of
Work and the Meaning of Life with David Bahnsen
Author David Bahnsen joins Developing Classical Thinkers to talk about the importance of work for our health and happiness, with insights drawn from his book, "Full Time: Work and the Meaning of Life."In "Full Time," Bahnsen argues that the time has come to stop tip-toeing around the issues that matter and to encourage students to look at a theology of work in its fullness to discover our meaning
Memorial Day: Celebration and Gratitude
This week, we have a special episode in honor of Memorial Day, a holiday that honors those who have given their lives in service to our country and in preserving our freedom.In this episode, we look at the beginnings of Memorial Day, why we celebrate the holiday and how long we have done so. Then, we draw out the significance of the day by looking at the life and education of Abraham Lincoln. Than
The Truth about Tariffs with Roberto Salinas León, Robert Luddy, and Winston Brady
In American history, tariffs have been one of the most controversial and divisive economic issues. Today, tariffs are back in the news as President Trump has levied massive import fees on various goods coming into the United States from around the world--but what is a tariff? How are these fees calculated? And who is really benefiting from these fees coming into America's ports?We are honored to w
Habits of Seminar Teaching with Chelsea Wagenaar and Chris and Kellie Scripter, & Winston Brady
A Socratic seminar is not a lecture where the teacher imparts information to students, nor is it some sort of a debate. Instead, it is a meaningful dialogue with teachers and students and the authors of the great ideas they are examining together. Join veteran educators Chelsea Wagenaar, Chris and Kellie Scripter, and Winston Brady and hear their best practices for leading engaging, rigorous, and
Middle Schoolers and Space Travel with Marc Fusco
In this episode, Winston Brady and Marc Fusco discuss the joys of teaching middle school and studying astronomy.Mr. Fusco currently teaches Junior High History and Trivium at Thales Academy Raleigh, where he shares his love of classical education, literature, and history with his students, and he also is an Assistant Varsity Soccer Coach at Thales Academy Rolesville JH/HS. He enjoys playing music,
"Teachers and The Moral Imagination" from Zach Palmer
At the root of classical education is a noble challenge championed by master teachers throughout the Western heritage: teaching is the process of soul-craft—by which educators cultivate virtue within other human beings so that they might live good lives.This challenge inherently elevates the role of teachers beyond mere transmitters of knowledge to shapers of innate potential— people with the powe
"Schooling as a Moral Endeavor in a Pluralistic Society" from Patrick Halbrook
What is the telos of education? In a free society, is it desirable or practical to attempt to design a single system of schooling that is ideal for everyone? Can schools hold a neutral position regarding morality and values, or is education a fundamentally ethical enterprise that inevitably adopts a new moral framework when an old one is removed?In this presentation, Patrick Halbrook considered th
"Life after the Department of Education" from Ray Nothstine
The current education system in the United States is increasingly misaligned with the needs of many Americans. This paper explores the shortcomings of our “federalist” approach to education, emphasizing how federal overreach and bureaucratic stagnation have hindered progress and outcomes.While federal involvement was intended to promote equity and accountability, it has often devolved into inflexi
"Virtue and School Leadership" from Robert Luddy | Liberty & Literacy Forum
In this presentation, Robert Luddy walked through Thales Academy’s mission—to offer the highest quality education at the lowest possible price—and the real, practical steps that educational entrepreneurs can take to establish similar schools and educational institutions.Robert "Bob" Luddy is the Founder and Chairman of Thales Academy, Thales College, Franklin Academy, and St. Thomas More Academy,
"School Choice: A Vehicle for Constructive and Meaningful Citizenship" from Professor Amy Wax | Liberty & Literacy Forum
If values like respecting proper parental authority and discretion, promoting awareness and admiration for American and Western culture, preparing students for constructive and knowledgeable citizenship, and conveying an accurate sense of American history in world context, once again became priorities, as there were in the past, what would K-12 education look like?In this presentation, Professor A
Opening Remarks on 'Liberty & Literacy' from Winston Brady | Liberty & Literacy Forum
Winston Brady offers opening remarks at the 2025 Liberty & Literacy Forum in Wake Forest North Carolina. The word "liberal" comes from the Latin "libertas," and within the word "libertas" is the word "liber," meaning “book." The Romans never separated "liberty" from a sound, content-rich education, and neither should we. The ways of grammar, logic, and rhetoric taught students how to think and
The Luddy Industrial Arts Program with Kim Tully
Kim Tully serves as the lead for the Luddy Industrial and Vocational Arts program and the Luddy Institute of Technology at Thales Academy. These programs guide students through the fundamental skills and topics and through rigorous hands-on activities and experiments, all of which are explained in detail and with photos throughout the books Kim Tully and her team have designed.In this episode, Kim
"The Anxious Generation" with Ashley Bahor & Olivia Holliday
Social media and smartphones present unprecedented challenges for educators and parents. Parents and teachers often recognize that smartphones and social media do not help students, but they have not had data to confirm this belief.In this episode of Developing Classical Thinkers, Ashley Bahor and Olivia Holliday discuss Jonathan Haidt's 2024 book "The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of
Best Practices for Teaching Mathematics with Joe Wolak
In this episode, Winston Brady speaks with Joseph Wolak, assistant head of school at the Thales Academy Apex JH / HS campus. Joe is a veteran teacher with over twenty years of experience teaching mathematics, and he shares his best tips and strategies in the classroom concerning pedagogy, classroom management, preparation, and grading for math teachers.
Measuring Pi with Joe Wolak and Winston Brady
In this video, teachers Joe Wolak and Winston Brady walk through a fun lesson plan to do with students to calculate pi using some plates, mugs, some string, and a ruler.Free download available at https://bit.ly/4gV7Cyd
Masters of Men, Masters of Nature...FORMA Symposium Speech
January 31-February 1, the CiRCE Institute held its annual FORMA Symposium, hosted on the beautiful campus at Belmont Abbey College. The In this speech from the FORMA Symposium, Winston Brady addresses the plight of science education in the twenty-first century.Today, much of science education is not oriented toward truth but the cultivation and consolidation of power, with the objectivity of scie
Cutting Costs for Schools
The problems in American secondary education cannot be solved by simply throwing money at the problem. They require innovative but practical insights to help drive down costs while creating more value for students, teachers, and parents.In this episode of Developing Classical Thinkers, Robert Luddy explains his philosophy of continuous improvement and value creation and how he applies these insigh
Classical Approaches to Math
In this episode, Joseph Wolak will present strategies for teaching junior high mathematics for teachers. He will present tips on classroom management, strategies for grading, and some ideas for building inquiry-driven lessons with the Saxon math curriculum. Mr. Wolak is joined by Ashley DiPenta and Naomi Back, members of the Thales junior high staff. Lesson plans and materials are all available up
Classical Education & Classical Liberalism with Bob Luddy, Jenna Robinson, & Jake Noland
The success of the classical education movement continues to generate headlines in major publications and the support among parents hoping to see better educational options for their students continues to grow. As the number of classical schools continues to increase, whether they are charter schools, independent private, or parochial schools, people are now debating the extent to which, if any, c
Direct Instruction: What It Is & Why It Works
In this webinar, Kristin Gyure and Katie Jones present an overview of Direct Instruction and their best teaching practices for meaningful and effective engagement and learning.Mrs. Gyure received a B.A. in Child Development and Family Studies from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She serves as Assistant Head of School at Thales Academy Wake Forest. Mrs. Jones served as the Head of Sch
Character Education, Virtue, and Super Habits | Robert Luddy & Winston Brady
Virtue refers to the habits of moral excellence, something that cannot necessarily be taught but classical educators must try and incorporate into their lessons each and everyday.To this end, Robert Luddy and Winston Brady provide this webinar for our character education program, the need to teach virtue and character formation, and a book to aid in the pursuit of noble character, "Super Habits" b
Lessons from the Great Naturalists | Matt Ogle
There is great power in our ability to observe the world around us. We must make time to stop and see, for we never know when a small observation leads to a great encounter with truth. Students need to be trained in the way to discover truth by developing the naturalists ability to take an interest in what they can observe.Naturalists like John Muir, Wendell Berry, Jacques Cousteau and Dian Fossey
The Heights Forum Recap
Conferences for teachers tend to be "mountaintop" experiences. These events are fruitful times of learning and reflection on the art of teaching and why the task of education is so vitally important today.On this episode of Developing Classical Thinkers, Winston Brady interviews three Thales staff members about their recent experience traveling to Potomac, Maryland and attending the Heights Forum,
Is Christmas Classical?
Is Christmas "classical"? And by "classical," we mean an idea, a book, a value, an institution, or an ideal originating in the ancient world vivified by the Judeo-Christian tradition during the medieval period. In this episode, Winston Brady, Josh Herring, and Will Begley discuss the joys and difficulties of the Christmas season, where the holiday originated from, what the day truly means, and som
Merry Christmas, Everyone!
Classical education strives to preserve the past to give hope for the future. We recognize that the more we know about the past, the more confident our hope is that the future will be better, brighter, and more full of the joy and opportunities we hope to see in the world. The Christmas season is a particularly important time to reflect on such things, given the distance between what Christmas is
The Nature of Epic
An epic poem is by definition, a long poem on themes of universal importance. Every culture seemingly has one of its own, but a few have risen to the top as being one of a handful of epics that are must-reads on every Great Books program. In this episode, host Winston Brady speaks with Anthony Esolen about epic poetry and what makes an epic, epic. Anthony Esolen is the Distinguished Professor of H
Success in Circuit Lies | Chelsea Wagenaar, Fall Classical Summit 2024
In this lecture, Dr. Chelsea Wagenaar offers her insights into leading robust discussions and explore common pitfalls to leading a good discussion in a literature (or other humanities) course, as well as numerous strategies to get students comfortable, talking, and invested in the material.Dr. Wagenaar also looked at ways teachers can respond to students during discussion and work to overcome any
The CCEP Program at Thales College
In this episode, Winston Brady and Josh Herring discuss about the Certificate in Classical Education Program at Thales College. CCEP for short, this is a certificate program that teaches the unique purposes and goals behind classical education, allowing classical educators to excel in their field and help their students to fulfill their potential.The Certificate in Classical Education Philosophy (
Happy Thanksgiving!
According to tradition, the first Thanksgiving was celebrated at Plymouth Plantation in 1621. 102 settlers had crossed the Atlantic on board the Mayflower and landed off the coast of Cape Cod. They did not call themselves pilgrims, but the word pilgrim–meaning someone who undertakes a long, difficult journey for a spiritual purpose–is the best way, perhaps the only way, to describe these settlers
Teaching as Apprenticeship | Noah Kelley, Fall Classical Summit, 2024
Teaching is more than information transfer; it involves personal formation and imparting a "way of being" toward your subject matter (and, ideally, toward life in general). This formative approach is in line with both certain approaches to teaching that can be found in certain examples of both ancient and modern pedagogy. It can open up new vistas for students and teachers alike, as will be demons
"Principles of Science Education" with Tom Hardy
In this episode, science and educational consultant Tom Hardy looks at a brief overview of science and science education in the United States since World War II.Tom Hardy is a friend of Thales Academy and Thales Press, working as a consultant for mathematics and science curricula. He holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry and has done graduate work at the University of Chicago in mathematics educa
The Austrians on Inflation, Price Controls, and Tariffs | Brian Balfour | Fall Classical Summit 2024
In this session, Brian Balfour will look at issues making headlines in the news such as inflation, price controls, and tariffs. He will explain how and why inflation sets in, why price controls create shortages of vital goods and services, and why tariffs help create cartels and higher prices passed onto consumers. Lastly, Mr. Balfour will present why free markets offer a better alternative as pre
The Great American Novel
For American writers, there is something of a quest in American literature to write the great American novel. Such a work would typify the American experience in the same way Homer's epics or Virgil's "Aeneid" did for ancient Greece and Rome, respectively. And while there are many great American novels, there is not one unquestioned work that earns this distinguished honor. Mark Twain, John Steinb
The Lost Culture of Learning & Three Roads Forward | Ryan Olson | Fall Classical Summit, 2024
The keynote address from the Fall Classical Summit, 2024. In this talk, Dr. Ryan Olson examines the value of classical education and the role the study of great books and great ideas contributes to the formation of great character. to resist the sweep of impoverished influences by nurturing your personal and professional soul in the moral sources of the rich Classical tradition we have inherited.D
A History of Election Day
In 1845, Congress passed a law designating the first Tuesday in November as election day. Henceforth, the nation would vote every four years for a Presidential candidate, members of the House of Representatives, and, depending on the year, a suite of Senate candidates, with elections for other offices occurring in by-years depending on the state and the locality. The act of voting each year is oft
Is Halloween Classical?
Why do we dedicate one night of the year to wearing costumes and asking for candy? How did such an odd holiday become an established part of the American calendar? Should students at a classical school be celebrating such a holiday? Is Halloween classical?In this episode, Winston Brady and Josh Herring talk through the ways Halloween may or may not be classical. Halloween largely derives from the
Model Seminar: Quintilian's "Education of an Orator"
In this webinar, Winston Brady, Kellie Scripter, Chris Scripter, and Matt Ogle conducted a model seminar for teachers over the opening chapters of Quintilian's "On the Education of an Orator." They presented and modeled best practices for seminar teaching and the kinds of habits, disposition, and overall love of learning teachers need to encourage in their students. That way, students and teachers
The Thales Canon
History, as the name implies, is a story, and history, at its best, is the most engaging and exhilarating story. As a story told about the past, the study of history contains meaningful insights about the present; insights that, if properly presented, should inspire students to make better choices in the future.Thus, the study of history holds a particularly important role in classical education,
Conversation and Dialogue in the Classroom | Training Tips for Teachers
Today's episode is from a short training video produced by Thales Press for classical educators.Classical educators use conversation in the classroom as a teaching method. By asking questions, we can determine if a student is off task and not listening, and we can help students understand a difficult concept.And thoughtful, meaningful engagement in a good discussion is one of the simplest ways to
Classroom Management for Classical Educators | Training Tips for Teachers
Today's episode is from a short training video produced by Thales Press for classical educators.In this recording, Winston Brady covers three helpful, simple rules (although they are more like “hypothetical scenarios") gleaned from years he taught middle school. Classroom management for classical educators requires a unique mix of leadership principles.Teachers should be patient and kind; they sho
Completion vs Accuracy: The Grading of Grades
In a sense, grades shouldn't matter. Learning should be a joyful activity undertaken for its own sake. Grading and assessing can do much to stifle a student's appreciation, curiosity, and wonder. Yet, at the same time, a contemporary school with large classes has few other means to encourage students to do the work and provide feedback on their behavior. After all, grades communicate valuable feed
The Lost Art of Writing Report Card Comments
Dorothy Sayers presented a paper entitled The Lost Tools of Learning at a summer conference at Oxford in 1947. In the paper, she makes a rather astute observation about “end-of-term reports” which should “combine a deep veneration for truth with a tender respect for the feelings of all concerned.” Ms. Sayers’ description of comments is profound. The task of writing report card comments seems very
Paul Cwik and "The Significance of the Austrian School"
Recently, the Mises Club of the Carolinas hosted their annual meet-up at Sugar Mountain, North Carolina. Dr. Paul Cwik of the University of Mount Olive delivered this address looking at the significance of the Austrian School of Economics. Dr. Cwik looked at the assumptions of the Austrian School including its emphasis on human action, individual liberty, and the role of prices in determining econ
The Virtue of Prudence: Moral Philosophy & Wise Decisions | Matt Ogle | Conference of Miletus 2024
The virtue of prudence is one of the four cardinal virtues, and yet, it is often overlooked. Prudence is the virtue of making wise, reasoned decisions, absorbing the collected wisdom of the Western canon and applying that wisdom to the situation at hand.In this talk from the Conference of Miletus, Matthew Ogle, Head of Classical Education at Thales Academy, examines the virtue of prudence and prov
Human Dignity & the Classical Tradition | Winston Brady | Conference of Miletus 2024
Where you begin largely determines where you end. The modern, secular world defines human beings as being basically animals, but often dismisses the conclusions of such an idea. If man is basically an animal, then ideas of human dignity and the value of human life are easily subsumed in the reality of “might makes right.”Such a starting place and ending point are not in the best interests of stude
The Western Tradition & Our Intellectual Inheritance | Anthony Esolen | Conference of Miletus 2024
Today, many educators downplay the value of the Western canon. They discount any wisdom or insights one may glean from being steeped in the tradition we have inherited.In this lecture from the Conference of Miletus, Anthony Esolen presents five reasons why teachers ought to teach the great works of the Western tradition and the impact it can have on students at a classical school.Originally from n
Natural Order & Curiosity-Driven Science Education | Robert Luddy | Conference of Miletus 2024
Today, many schools disconnect the teaching of science and the scientific process from ideas of design, natural order, and natural law.As a result, students lose sight of the purpose and limits of the scientific process and lack the habits of intellectual curiosity and academic rigor that lie at the heart of science education in grades kindergarten through twelve grade.In this lecture from the Con
Conference of Miletus Wrap Up
Each year, Thales Academy and Thales Press hosts the Conference of Miletus, a series of short lectures on topics related to classical education and practical teaching tips. This year, the theme of the conference was "First Principles for Classical Educators." In this episode, Winston Brady and Matt Ogle discuss each of these four principles. A first principle is an assumption beyond which one may
Happy First Day of School
In case you didn’t know, summer vacation largely came about for two reasons. The first was to free up children to help with important farm chores as the time for harvesting came close. The second reason was the lack of air conditioning. Since more and more Americans are out of farming, and the invention known as air conditioning has made it possible to live in even the hottest states (North Caroli
Visiting the Neuse: An Interview with Matthew Young at the Neuse Museum and Governor Caswell Memorial
In this episode, Winston Brady speaks with Matthew Young, Site Manager of the CSS Neuse and Governor Richard Caswell Memorial Museum in Kinston, North Carolina, part of a collection of North Carolina Historic Sites. In the episode, they discuss the history behind this Civil War-era ironclad, the battles in which it took place, and how such a massive ship became the focal point of a museum in nearb
The Lost Colony: North Carolina's Fort Raleigh
In this episode, Winston Brady speaks with Lauren Spier about the Fort Raleigh historical site, better known as the "Lost Colony." They discuss the history of the site--who founded the colony and how the site became "lost"--as well as suggestions for parking and food options for teachers and parents planning a field trip to visit the site. The park is located at 1401 National Park Dr, Manteo, NC 2
The Good Life, Re-Examined with Gary Hartenburg
In this episode, Winston Brady speaks with Dr. Gary Hartenburg, director of the Honors College at Houston Christian University and an Associate Professor of Philosophy. In the episode, they discuss the dialogues of Plato, the questioning habits of Socrates, and the very nature of truth, goodness, and reality itself--a can't miss episode, to be sure! For more information on Dr. Hartenburg's work, c
Memorial Day: Gratitude and Classical Wisdom
This week, we are reposting this episode in honor of Memorial Day, a holiday that honors those who have given their lives in service to our country and in preserving our freedom.In this episode, we look at the beginnings of Memorial Day, why we celebrate the holiday and how long we have done so. Then, we draw out the significance of the day by looking at the life and education of Abraham Lincoln.
Raphael and John Singer Sargent | Anthony Esolen & "To Read a Work of Art"
In this webinar, Dr. Anthony Esolen examined three seminal works art: Raphael's "The School of Athens" and two paintings from John Singer Sargent's "The Triumph of Religion" with "The Israelites Oppressed" and "The Messianic Era." The beauty we see, hear, or touch has the power to enter our minds and memories more powerfully than do philosophical or political abstractions expressed in words.As tea
Great Hearts, Great Recap
In this episode, Winston Brady speaks with Heather Bakogiannias, Brittney Massey, and Katherine Greco-Fortney about their recent trip to the National Symposium for Classical Education held in March of 2024 in Phoenix Arizona. The National Symposium for Classical Education is hosted by the Great Hearts Institute and this year, focused on the theme of "Renewing the Great Conversation." For these cla
Artificial Intelligence: Yet Another Hurdle for Teachers & Students
In November of 2022, OpenAI launched ChatGPT, a chatbot capable of answering simple questions from users to writing papers, essays, blogs, and other forms of longform communication–sometimes so well that people cannot tell that the difference between a paper written by a student and one written by a machine.Since then, educators have been divided in their response to ChatGPT: do we embrace this ne
Freedom Maximalist | Interview with Leigh Bortins, Classical Conversations
In this episode, Winston Brady speaks with Leigh Bortins, founder of Classical Conversations. During the conversation, they discuss her philosophy of education, homeschooling and its relationship to educational freedom, and how to nurture a community of parents and students and orient them to what is good, true, and beautiful. Leigh Bortins is a nationally acclaimed educator, perhaps best known fo
Tried and True | Interview with Dan Coupland, Hillsdale College
In today's episode, Winston Brady speaks with Daniel Coupland, author of the new book "Tried & True: A Primer on Sound Pedagogy" published by Hillsdale College Press. During the conversation, they discuss the parameters of good teaching, the advantages of a seating chart, the need for a small number of fair, rational, and easy-to-enforce rules, and how a great teacher can help create a classro
Ken Pope & the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation
In this episode, Winston Brady speaks with Ken Pope, Vice President for Academic Operations and Strategic Partnerships. In the episode, they discuss the history of Communist regimes and Mr. Pope's experience working in countries such as East Germany that suffered under Communist regimes. The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation (VOC) is an educational, research, and human rights nonprofit orga
The Reality of Communism | Ken Pope, Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation
In this presentation, Ken Pope, Vice President for Academic Operations and Strategic Partnerships, addresses the deadly history of Communism. Mr. Pope begins with his own experience in the military serving in West Berlin, addresses the life and writing of Karl Marx, then examines the totalitarian regimes of the twentieth century from the Soviet Union onwards.The Victims of Communism Memorial Found
"Lessons from my Parents: Freedom and Questioning" | Adrian Bejan
Professor Adrian Bejan traces his approach to science to growing up during a totalitarian Communist regime in Romania during the 1950s and 60s. Dr. Bejan witnessed the destruction of his parents, their generation, and the values they held dear. During this time, he learned to question in silence the difference between the truths spoken at home and the lies that filled the school and the street.In
"On Entrepreneurship" with Robert Luddy | March 8, 2024
Robert L. Luddy is the founder of CaptiveAire Systems, Thales Academy, and Thales College. He is a lifelong entrepreneur and philanthropist and in this lecture, Mr. Luddy examines skills such as alertness, personal integrity, and a willingness to serve the customers he considers essential to success in any entrepreneurial venture. Bob Luddy is the founder of Thales Academy and the President of Cap
How to Watch an Eclipse | Robert Luddy, Melissa Svirida, and Winston Brady
Famously, our school’s spiritual founder, Thales of Miletus, made his reputation as a wise and noteworthy scientist predicting an eclipse. The event is recorded in Herodotus’ "The Histories" as the armies of the Lydians and the Medes were fighting for control of Anatolia. Thales predicted an eclipse would happen on May 28, 585 BC, and when the celestial phenomenon took place, the Lydians and the M
Freedom and Physics | Adrian Bejan, Robert Luddy, and Winston Brady | March 8, 2024
In this panel discussion, Winston Brady interviews Dr. Adrian Bejan of Duke University about his childhood growing up in Romania and the influence that life growing up under a Communist regime has had on his work in thermodynamics and physics.Dr. Bejan is a J. A. Jones Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Duke University, a notable author, and a leading scientist in the field of th
St. Patrick's Day
To celebrate and explain St. Patrick’s Day, today’s episode features a brief biography of St. Patrick. Roman-British missionary St. Patrick lived from 385 to 461 and is famous for bringing Christianity to the people of Ireland. Learn the full story and how Patrick’s life shows the value of being classically educated. The quote from St. Patrick’s Confessio is available from https://www.confessio.ie
"Culturing the Content" with Katie Flaherty
In this webinar, Katie Flaherty presented strategies and classroom resources to bring together History, Art, Archaeology, and Culture into the Foreign Language classroom through a sample Latin curriculum ranging from grades 6-12. Flaherty also discussed additional pedagogical resources for increasing teacher confidence and knowledge on these topics outside the classroom.Mrs. Flaherty received a B.
"Writing is Rewriting: Strategies to Help Students Become Writers" with Zachary Palmer
In this webinar, humanities instructor Zach Palmer discussed strategies parents and teachers can implement to address and improve student writing. To help improve student outcomes, teachers can coordinate with one another to prioritize writing effectively rather than overload students with the sheer quantity of papers and compositions.Mr. Palmer also went over sample writing assignments used in th
Classically Speaking
Rhetoric is the art of public speaking, the ability to give a stirring and persuasive speech. Accordingly, the ancients looked at rhetoric as the one indispensable skill for leadership and public service.This webinar offered practical tips for successfully navigating public speaking opportunities, including how to get over nervousness, how to project your voice, how to memorize a speech, how (or w
Who was St. Valentine?
Happy Valentine's Day! In this reposted episode, Winston Brady speaks with longtime DCT contributor Will Begley about the life of St. Valentine. St. Valentine is a holiday that many people celebrate but few people know why we do so. When did we start celebrating Valentine's Day? Who was St. Valentine? Why hearts? Was this holiday cooked up to sell cards and chocolate, or was there something real,
Tentmaking with Paul
The apostle Paul, author of a series of letters in the New Testament, had a vocation by which he took care of himself through the day: tentmaking. Indeed, as a pharisee, Paul was required to learn such a trade so that he had a meaningful, marketable skill with which to earn his daily bread and bless others. The idea is so popular that individuals in education or in ministry refer to side jobs (or
Three Hypotheticals for Classroom Teachers
In this episode, Winston Brady and Keller Moore discuss classroom management tips and strategies, with Winston sharing three rulers or, better yet, "hypothetical scenarios" to help classroom teachers manage large classrooms between 25 and 35 students, at the Junior High level. Those scenarios are as follows:Hypothetical Scenario #1: If someone is talking, you should not be talking.Hypothetical Sce
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