American Classroom

What happens when hundreds of scholars arrive, the bell is minutes away, and the principal is responsible for everything? In this episode, Jared Taylor talks with Kim Ellsworth and Heidi Udall about the realities of leading a school through uncertainty, competing priorities, difficult conversations, and constant decision-making. They share memorable principles such as trusting the people you hire, watering the flowers instead of the weeds, and remembering that everything a leader does teaches something. The discussion also covers time management, delegation, campus systems, mentorship, character formation, and the need for leaders to protect the habits that restore their energy...

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Jared Taylor welcomes returning guest Shane Krauser for a thoughtful discussion about the ideas that shaped the nation and why they still matter today. Drawing from his travels across North America and South America, Shane shares how young people are rediscovering the principles of liberty, personal responsibility, and constitutional government. Together they explore the Declaration of Independence, the meaning of self-evident truths, and John Adams' belief that the American Revolution first occurred in the hearts and minds of the people. The conversation also examines the role of education in preserving freedom, the importance...

Heather Thomas joins American Classroom to share an extraordinary story of perseverance, family, and the power of education to change a life. After a childhood marked by loss and instability, Heather became a mother at 16 and left high school while working long hours to survive. Years later, after taking in four young relatives and raising six children, she realized education was the key to changing her family’s future. Heather describes how community college gave her a fresh start, how Phi Theta Kappa and mentors helped her find confidence, and how internships opened the door to a career at NA...

Host Jared Taylor welcomes Dr. Wayne Denton of Heritage Academy Mesa for a thoughtful America 250 conversation about the ideas, people, and writings that shaped 1776. Dr. Denton traces the intellectual road to the Declaration of Independence, beginning with Baruch Spinoza and moving through Locke, Rousseau, Montesquieu, Thomas Paine, and Jefferson. The episode explores how Common Sense helped ordinary colonists understand complex Enlightenment arguments, why life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness still matters, and how the Declaration united a risky, divided people around the cause of independence. Along the way, Jared and Dr. Denton reflect on reading, courage, civil society...

What does meaningful student leadership look like in a school community? In this episode, Jared Taylor visits with the Scholar Council at Heritage Academy’s downtown Mesa campus to hear directly from students about service, teamwork, and civic formation. The scholars describe planning dances, fundraising through Dollars for Duds, producing school announcement videos, and supporting campus traditions that bring students together. They also discuss the school’s distinctive electoral college style process, which helps connect student government to America’s founding ideals. Beyond the events and responsibilities, this conversation highlights personal growth. Students share how Scholar Council helped them gain c...

What happens when parents are truly in control of their child’s education? In this episode, Jenny Clark breaks down the realities of school choice through her experience as a homeschool mom, advocate, and founder launching a new classical school model. She unpacks how ESAs work, why Arizona has become a national leader, and what misconceptions still dominate the conversation around funding and accountability. The discussion also tackles controversial questions about government involvement, regulation, and whether public systems are being forced to evolve through competition. Jenny offers insight into emerging education models like hybrid and classical schools, and why th...

Workforce development starts long before a first job, and this episode explores how communities can better connect students to real opportunities. Mesa Chamber President Sally Harrison shares how businesses, schools, and families can work together to expose young people to meaningful career paths. From internships and mentorships to simple job shadowing, she explains why early exposure is key to helping students discover their interests and strengths.

The conversation highlights the role of chambers as connectors, bridging the gap between education and industry. With real examples from local companies and programs, this episode offers practical insight for educators...

Many parents assume online exploitation could never happen in their home. But according to former child exploitation investigator Art Schmeiser, today’s predators are patient, strategic, and often build trust with children long before a crime occurs. In this episode, Art shares real cases from his time working alongside federal and state law enforcement to expose how grooming begins in gaming platforms, social media, and private chats. He explains common red flags, including sudden secrecy around devices, unexplained gifts or money, and emotional withdrawal from family. The discussion also addresses the risks created by AI generated images and online ha...

In honor of America’s 250th birthday, this episode dives into how educators, students, and families can take part in a once-in-a-generation celebration of the country’s founding. Hosts Jared Taylor and Lindsey Lundeen Crosland speak with Lynn Young from America250, the national commission tasked with organizing the Semiquincentennial. Lynn shares the bold goals behind the initiative: to unite 350 million Americans through service, education, and remembrance. From spotlighting unsung heroes of 1776 to launching nationwide student contests and mobile history exhibits, America250 invites everyone to get involved. Hear how schools can access classroom-ready resources, how students can share what America mean...

As America approaches its 250th birthday, Jared Taylor welcomes his father, educator and Heritage Academy founder Earl Taylor, for a thoughtful conversation on what today’s students must understand about 1776. Drawing on decades in the classroom, Earl explains why the American Revolution was unlike any other in history, not driven by terror or a quest for power, but by a belief in self government rooted in moral responsibility. Together they explore the Enlightenment ideas behind the Declaration of Independence, the importance of virtue and education in sustaining liberty, and warnings from leaders like John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and Ab...

Holocaust education is more than a history requirement. It is a lesson in empathy, courage, and moral responsibility. In this episode of the American Classroom Podcast, hosts Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland sit down with Leigh Routman, Executive Director of the Holocaust Learning Experience, to discuss a free, comprehensive Holocaust curriculum now used by schools across the country.

Leigh shares her personal journey working alongside Holocaust survivors and the urgent call she heard from them to keep their stories alive for future generations. The conversation explores how the program is designed to be age appropriate, interdisciplinary, and...

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 enr...

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 gr...

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 sc...

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 discus...

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...

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 wo...

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, help...

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 cr...

What if economics class could teach students how to live with purpose—not just how markets work? In this episode of American Classroom, Kerry Montano from the University of Arizona introduces a groundbreaking dual enrollment course that’s transforming how high school students engage with economics. Co-authored by thinkers like Dr. David Schmidtz, Commercial Society weaves together ethics, entrepreneurship, and real-world application into one powerful curriculum.

Kerry shares the story behind the program’s creation, why it resonates with students—especially at Heritage Academy—and how it’s sparking deeper thinking about business, purpose, and personal growth. If you’re an...

What does it really mean to be a gifted learner—and how can schools support students who think differently? In this episode of American Classroom, hosts Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland sit down with Dr. Janelle Emory, founder of the Gifted and Talented program at Heritage Academy Gateway, to challenge common misconceptions about gifted education. Far from being just for "high achievers," Dr. Emory explains how giftedness is a form of neurodiversity—often misunderstood, frequently overlooked, and always unique.

Through stories from the classroom and insights on everything from growth mindset to passion-driven learning, you'll discover how the...

In Part 2, Dr. Vernon Smith returns to share practical insights on the future of education—from using AI responsibly to transforming foster youth outcomes through career and technical education.

The conversation ranges from the economic value of dual enrollment to the ethics of assessment in an AI-enhanced classroom. You’ll also hear powerful stories of lives changed when schools rethink tradition and prioritize access, flexibility, and mission over inertia.

Whether you're a policymaker, educator, or parent, this episode offers a compelling vision for how American education can evolve with intention, impact, and heart.

How do we make college more accessible, relevant, and future-ready—without sacrificing quality? In Part 1 of this two-part series, hosts Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland sit down with Dr. Vernon Smith, a trailblazer in higher education innovation, to explore the origins and growth of dual enrollment, the value of early college credit, and the bold decisions that transformed Rio Salado College into a national model for access and impact.

From AI-driven language learning to pioneering distance education in the 1990s, Dr. Smith shares a sweeping look at his journey through academia—and why true innovation always begins with...

What if students didn’t just do the work—but truly wanted to learn? In this powerful episode of American Classroom, hosts Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland sit down with educator and author Dave Stuart Jr. to unpack his book The Will to Learn and explore what it really means to cultivate student motivation. Joined by Heritage Academy principal Kathleen Lopez, they dive into practical, research-backed strategies for helping students find intrinsic value in learning—and why external rewards like grades aren’t enough.

From “moments of genuine connection” to the “rainbow of why,” Dave shares methods that help both t...

How do you create a school culture where students thrive, teachers stay, and respect runs deep? In this episode of American Classroom, hosts Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland welcome back Kim Ellsworth, Director of Education for Heritage Academy, to explore the transformative power of civility in schools. Drawing on her experience founding two campuses, Kim shares real-world strategies for establishing a calm, respectful learning environment—and why culture must come before test scores.

From building virtuous cycles through discipline and language, to navigating the challenges of social media and student behavior, this conversation offers practical insights for ed...

What happens when Americans no longer know the rules of their own democracy? In this episode of American Classroom, hosts Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland tackle the growing crisis in civic literacy. Drawing from recent national studies, they reveal just how many Americans—especially young adults—struggle to answer basic questions about how their government works.

Using the powerful analogy of American democracy as a game, they argue that if citizens don’t understand the rules—found in documents like the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence—they can’t fully participate, let alone protect the freedoms they enjoy.<...

What if science class could be the launchpad for a lifetime of curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking? In this inspiring episode, hosts Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland sit down with Jeff Burrell, a master teacher with over 30 years of experience, to explore the true power of science education. From hands-on robotics to peanut butter sandwich logic tests, Jeff shares how he helps students think deeply, fail forward, and discover truth—not just facts.

Hear how his students have gone on to influence everything from Mars exploration to sandwich design, and learn why Jeff believes science belongs at th...

How is music education evolving—and why does it still matter? Jason Barney returns to American Classroom to explore the enduring value of music education in today’s rapidly changing world. From the classroom to the recording studio, he shares unique insights into how technology and AI are reshaping music and what that means for students and educators alike.

Learn why preserving music programs is essential, how parents can nurture a love for music at home, and why the value of music goes far beyond academics. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or lifelong music lover, this episod...

What if music education is the key to unlocking more than just talent—but deeper thinking, empathy, and cultural understanding? In this episode of American Classroom, hosts Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland welcome Jason Barney—musician, composer, and passionate music advocate—to explore the profound impact of music in education. From enhancing cognitive development to building social connection and historical awareness, they discuss why music isn’t just an elective—it’s essential.

Together, they reflect on how music fosters creativity, emotional intelligence, and a sense of shared humanity, and why its advocates are critical to keeping the arts ali...

What if education looked less like a system—and more like a community built around your child’s potential? In this week’s episode of American Classroom, hosts Jared Taylor and Lindsay Crosland sit down with Kelly Smith, CEO and founder of Prenda, to explore the transformative world of micro-schools. These small, personalized learning environments are helping students become confident, self-directed learners through mixed-age collaboration, individualized attention, and a focus on agency and purpose.

Whether you're a parent looking for a better fit or an educator seeking meaningful change, this conversation will inspire you to reimagine what school...

What makes a teacher credible in the eyes of their students—and how do you build it every day? In this episode of American Classroom, Kim Ellsworth, Emily Asasnovich, and Shalisa Arnold join hosts Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland to share powerful, practical strategies for earning and maintaining credibility as an educator. From intentional lesson planning to classroom stewardship and student engagement, they offer real-world insights drawn from both experience and research.

You’ll also learn about the “credibility killers” identified by educator Dave Stuart Jr. and how to turn common challenges into opportunities for growth. Whether you're n...

What if the greatest lessons aren’t found in textbooks—but in the world around us? In this inspiring episode of American Classroom, hosts Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland talk with special guest Heidi Udall about the life-changing impact of educational travel. From tasting new foods to standing where history happened, discover how real-world experiences help students grow in confidence, character, and curiosity.

Whether it’s exploring ancient Europe or discovering hidden gems close to home, this episode will spark your passion for learning beyond the classroom walls.

In this powerful follow-up episode of American Classroom, special guest Jenny Clark shares heartwarming stories of families whose lives have been transformed by Arizona's revolutionary Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program. Discover how ESAs have enabled parents to access life-changing therapies, educational resources, and personalized learning opportunities for their children with unique needs, from autism to dyslexia. Join hosts Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland as they explore the impact of innovation, freedom, and parental empowerment in education. Be inspired by the resilience of these families and the dedication of advocates like Jenny, who are working tirelessly to expand school choice...

Discover the revolutionary world of school choice with special guest Jenny Clark on this eye-opening episode of American Classroom. As a mother, Arizona State Board of Education member, and founder of Love Your School, Jenny shares her insights on the current state of school choice and the groundbreaking Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program. Join hosts Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland as they debunk common myths surrounding accountability and explore inspiring success stories of parents finding the perfect educational fit for their children. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion that will reshape your understanding of parental empowerment in education. (Part 2 is...

Discover the revolutionary world of school choice with special guest Jenny Clark on this eye-opening episode of American Classroom. As a mother, Arizona State Board of Education member, and founder of Love Your School, Jenny shares her insights on the current state of school choice and the groundbreaking Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program. Join hosts Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland as they debunk common myths surrounding accountability and explore inspiring success stories of parents finding the perfect educational fit for their children. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion that will reshape your understanding of parental empowerment in education.

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Why are millions of families rethinking traditional education—and what are they choosing instead? In this episode of American Classroom, hosts Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland launch a new series on the dynamic landscape of school choice in America. Drawing on the insights of Harvard economist Clayton Christensen, they explore how the "Jobs to Be Done" theory explains why families are moving away from one-size-fits-all schooling.

From the departure of over a million students from public schools to the rise of micro-schools and hybrid homeschooling, discover the motivations behind this educational shift. Jared and Lindsey also share pe...

If students don’t feel safe, it’s much more difficult for them to learn—and that affects all of us. This week on American Classroom, hosts Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland sit down with Vanessa Whitener—mom, educator, and former school board member—to explore the urgent issue of school safety. Vanessa shares how a systems-based approach, involving parents, faith leaders, law enforcement, and policymakers, can create safer, more supportive schools.

Discover why open communication, community collaboration, and acknowledging hard truths are essential to building learning environments where students can truly thrive.

What if your student could graduate high school with a college degree already in hand? With dual enrollment, that possibility becomes a reality. In this episode, hosts Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland speak with Dr. E.J. Anderson about how high school students can earn college credit—potentially even an Associate’s Degree—while still in high school. Whether you're looking to save on tuition or give your student a head start, this episode breaks down how dual enrollment works and why it matters.

Learn more about Rio Salado College: https://www.riosalado.edu/start-rio

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Did you know your students could earn enough college credit for an Associate's Degree while still in high school? Well, when your students sign up for dual enrollment classes they can do exactly that! Join us this week on American Classroom as hosts Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland interview Dr. E.J. Anderson and discuss the amazing dual enrollment program that is offered in most high schools across the country. Whether you’re interested in helping your student graduate college earlier or save money on tuition, you won’t want to miss the insights shared in this episode.

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What if your tax dollars could directly support students’ extracurricular programs—at no extra cost to you? In this episode, Rebecca Jennings joins hosts Jared Taylor and Lindsey Crosland to demystify Arizona’s Extracurricular Activity (ECA) Tax Credit. Learn how families, friends, and even out-of-state supporters can use this powerful tool to fund public school programs. From donation timelines and eligibility to paperwork and fundraising strategies, this episode reveals how small contributions can make a big impact on students' educational journeys.

Show Notes: For more information on tax credits and deductions in the USA click the following link...