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American Classroom

American Classroom

by Heritage Academy

Self-Improvement

Season 2

Hardship, Hope, and Escape Velocity with NASA

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 NASA. Her story offers encouragement for students, parents, educators, and anyone who wonders whether it is too late to begin again. 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

From Enlightenment to Independence With Dr Wayne Denton

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, and why students today can find confidence in the American story of overcoming. Show Notes: Episode Follow-Up: When Were the Declaration Signers’ Names Made Public? During the conversation, Jared and Dr. Denton discussed the risk taken by the signers of the Declaration of Independence and noted that signing the document could be seen as a “death warrant.” Jared mentioned that the podcast team would check when the signers’ names were publicly released. Most delegates signed the engrossed Declaration on August 2, 1776, but their names were not broadly published right away. Congress later ordered an official printing on January 18, 1777, and the Mary Katherine Goddard broadside became the first official public version to list the signers’ names. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-history 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

Go for It! Lessons from Scholar Council

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 confidence, accept feedback, practice humility, and learn to listen. For school leaders, parents, and students, this episode offers practical inspiration for building a stronger student government program. 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 National Association of Student Councils Adviser Resource Center https://www.natstuco.org/adviser-resource-center/ Hillsdale K-12 American History and Civics Curriculum https://k12historyandcivics.hillsdale.edu/ Bill of Rights Institute High School Government Resources https://billofrightsinstitute.org/high-school-government- resources/

The Truth About ESAs and Education Freedom

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 they may better prepare students for a rapidly changing world shaped by technology and AI. This is a grounded, real world look at the opportunities and challenges redefining K-12 education. 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

Helping Students Discover Their Superpowers

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, parents, and business leaders who want to build a stronger, more prepared workforce. Show Notes Mesa Chamber of Commerce https://www.mesachamber.org/ What Color Is Your Parachute? Your Guide to a Lifetime of Meaningful Work and Career Success https://amzn.to/4bZFsTn Your Parachute for Teens https://amzn.to/4btKFms Your Parachute Workbook https://amzn.to/4rLyBl9 East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) https://www.evit.edu/ 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

Trust but Verify: Protecting Kids Online with Child Safety Expert Art Schmeiser

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 harassment. Most importantly, the hosts explore how parents and schools can respond with calm guidance, clear boundaries, and strong relationships that help children navigate a digital world filled with both opportunity and danger. Show Notes: https://www.azicac.org/ Where to report it if you see evidence of abuse: https://des.az.gov/prevent-abuse-neglect-and-exploitation https://dcs.az.gov/report-child-abuse 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

America at 250: Courage, Service, and the Next Generation With Lynn Young

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 means to them—and why a national culture of service can shape the next 250 years. It's a powerful message of civic hope and historical reflection. Show Notes: 1. Explore America250 and get involved at https://america250.org/ 2. Learn about America Gives and log your service hours at https://america250.org/america-gives/ 3. Learn more or enter the student contest at America’s Field Trip https://america250.org/fieldtrip/ 4. If you want to learn more about the American Classroom podcast, please visit AmericanClassroom.Show https://americanclassroom.show/ 5. 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- http://www.hamesa.com

Teaching 1776 to the Class of 2026 With Earl Taylor

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 Abraham Lincoln about internal decay. The episode challenges families, schools, and students to rediscover the principles that made freedom possible and to carry that revolution of heart and mind into 2026 and beyond. Show Notes: George Washington: “A primary object should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important? And what duty more pressing than communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country?” (Source: George Washington Quote, "A primary objective should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic what species of knowledge can be equally important?”) To find the 250th Anniversary pocket constitution, please visit https://nccs.net." Circular Letter to the States (June 8, 1783) — Teaching American History (1783): https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/circular-letter-to-the-states/ John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 13 February 1818 — National Humanities Center (2010): https://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/ows/seminars/revolution/Adams-Niles.pdf The Jubilee of the Constitution (discourse delivered April 30, 1839) — Library of Congress (1839): https://www.loc.gov/item/09021544/ 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- http://www.hamesa.com

Teaching the Holocaust With Empathy and Purpose

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 easy for teachers to implement, while remaining deeply meaningful for students. From survivor testimonies to real classroom data showing increased empathy and student engagement, this episode highlights how thoughtful Holocaust education can shape informed, compassionate citizens. Show Notes: Leigh Routman Executive Director, Holocaust Learning Experience Email: lroutman@holocaustlearningexperience.org Website: https://holocaustlearningexperience.org/ Program Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h0xEX4_esJ8I_vs8Sm9Fgbb79v5viA16/view?usp=sharing If you want to learn more about the American Classroom podcast, please visit 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

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

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