The Old School

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller push their luck in hopes that their listeners really liked the first sandwich episode. In this episode, they tackle the rest of the states, Jewish dietary restrictions and the general decorum and good taste that should go into making a great sandwich. After a hunger-inducing episode and perhaps, a sandwich of your own, you might be interested to feed of a different kin...

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller step away from the cerebral to tackle one of the pressing issues of our day - what constitutes a good sandwich. These type of conversations are not always easy but the two endeavor to shed light on this particular culinary quagmire. The Old School's The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education is a serious look at the challenges facing our educatio...

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller engage in a great conversation with Dr. Weinhold on the life and works of William Shakespeare and how we can approach him today. Tired of reading the same ole thing? Needing some new and critical to read? Check out our book on the American education system and start your own revolution within your local school board. The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contempor...

We welcome Dr. Shelita Cannon-Hoey and Dr. Marvin Rainey to discuss their new book on transformational, instructional, and servant leadership within schools. Musical credits: "Turning Back" Steven Bourgeois Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved "Blues" Steven Bourgeois and Wyeth Tvenge from Jazz Duo ©2004 All rights reserved

The two hosts, well known as old curmudgeons, tackle the seemingly foreign topic of hope and optimism. It turns out, both have much to say on the two concepts. Referenced works: The Greek legend of Sisyphus The Myth of Sisyphus  by Albert Camus Optimism: An Essay  by Helen Keller Essays and Aphorisms  by Arthur Schopenhauer If you are interested in more contemporary readings, we invite you to purc...

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller go back to their bread and butter - education - with a look at how schools schedule their classes. We find the answer a bit depressing but there is joy in the discovery. If you've gone through half the summer and are currently panicing about not having polished off a good book for the season, may we kindly recommend our humble little book - The Center Cannot Hold: A Cr...

Mr. Miller makes his way across Germany, diagnosing cultural distinctions and peculiarities. Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Mr. Miller returns to Italy, eluding authorities and creating havoc once again. Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Mr. Miller faces his very last week as a teacher. Prepare for a "special" episode of The Old School. Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

As Mr. Miller faces retirement, he along with Dr. Bourgeois faces the prospects (and fun) of changes to the podcast. Musical credit: "Track 14" Steven Bourgeois from Out of the Darkness ©2004 All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller wonder what has happened to the school prank and whether something is lost by its disappearance.  Looking over your home library and asking yourself, something is missing? A volume lacking? Consider our book,  The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education available through Ahart Education and exclusively through Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Cen...

Dr. Steven Bourgeois and a suffering Mr. Ross Miller discuss the state of music education, focusing on what it looks like at the high school level. If you've listened to this podcast and thought to yourself, hey, these guys should write a book. Guess what? We did! Published through Ahart Education and offered exclusively on Amazon, pick up your copy at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cann...

Short on the particulars but very experienced with the effects, Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller dip their toes into the choppy waters of AI debate and discussion and look at how it could irrevocably change and hurt learning in general and public education in particular. For greater detail and more humorous anecdotes about the current education system and our proposals to fix the same, check out our b...

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller discuss the notion of happiness, how it is defined in schools and how we incorporate the notion of happiness within our curriculum. As mentioned in the episode, our book, The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education , is exclusively offered on Amazon -  https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cannot-Hold-Contemporary-Education/dp/1736530518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1...

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller discuss the impact of teacher unions on the profession and their continued utility. While largely experienced in non-union states, the two plow ahead and discuss the merits and deficiencies of teacher unions. The dynamic duo have published a book! Check out The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education . The book takes the reader though some of the...

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller ruminates over the latter's announcement that he is retiring and whether it is a good idea or not. Do you want to connect with your elders? Go a little old school like your two favorite curmudgeons and read their ideas between attractive front and back covers? Then we have a book for you. https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cannot-Hold-Contemporary-Education/dp/1736530518/re...

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller talk of the importance and lack of good civics education and the repercussions that this dearth of instructions has on our democracy and what schools can do about it. Many of the ideas that are discussed on this podcast can now be found in a handy, easy to carry book. Check out The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education exclusively on Amazon. htt...

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller discusses the former's recent published review of Dr. Edward Deci's new work on motivation and self-determination theory. We also banter in a witty sort of way.  Dr. Bourgeois' review on "Why We Do What We Do" by Dr. Edward L. Deci https://classicaledreview.substack.com/p/why-we-do-what-we-do Do you like reading? Do you like books? Check out our new book, available exc...

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller try to reconcile a "code of ethics" with an ethical teacher...with mixed results. Do you listen to our podcast and say to yourself, "I wish there was a book version of these ideas?" Well, you are in luck. Check out the link below for our book on Amazon.  https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cannot-Hold-Contemporary-Education/dp/1736530518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1E87K00V3TDKG&key...

Dr. Steven Bourgeois and Ross Miller discuss the firing of NYU Chemistry professor, Maitland Jones and what it means for the future of rigor in the classroom. Do not forget to our amazingly insightful, occasionally humorous book from Amazon. It can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/Center-Cannot-Hold-Contemporary-Education/dp/1736530518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2MZP9PYEA39U3&keywords=the+center+canno...

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois recounting their experience leading informal philosophy groups among high school students. Musical credit: "Thinking of You" Steven and Jim Bourgeois From Thinking of You (2017) ©All rights reserved

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois recounting their experience leading informal philosophy groups among high school students. Musical credit: "Track 11" Steven Bourgeois From Out of the Darkness (2004) ©All rights reserved

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois discuss challenges to classroom speech and a tendency to shield the classroom space from difficult conversations. Musical Credit: Steven Bourgeois Piano Improv July 24 2021a ©2021 All rights reserved

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois raise a glass to celebrate the release of their new book: The Center Cannot Hold: A Critical Look at Contemporary Education . . . available now on Amazon.com . . . click here to order . . . Musical credit: "My Shining Hour" Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano) From Thinking of You ©2017 All rights reserved

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois reflect on mentors who guided them through their respective teaching careers.  Musical credit: "Thinking of Your" Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano) From Thinking of You ©2017 All rights reserved