American Classroom

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 applicatio...

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 for...

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,...

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 i...

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...

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 e...

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 arg...

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 disc...

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 ...

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 discu...

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 collab...

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 insi...

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 explor...

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. Joi...

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 surroundi...

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.

F...

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 su...

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 ...

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 fun...