The Modern Republic

Today I talk with Dr. Sadler about defining philosophy, his work in online education, and concrete ways to bring philosophical practice into secondary schools—not as theory but as a tool for clearer thinking, moral formation, and civic responsibility. This episode of The Modern Republic digs into education, culture, and politics, and the practical steps we can take. Read essays on Substack: The Mo...

In this conversation, J.B. Lloyd and I explore the concept of gentlemanliness, discussing its historical roots, the resurgence of gentlemanly ideals in modern society, and the importance of manners and etiquette. J.B. emphasizes that being a gentleman is not merely about appearance but about how one treats others and conducts oneself in various situations. He also highlights the significance of se...

In this conversation, Josh Johnson discusses his journey as a content creator in the book community, the rise of his social media presence, and the importance of reading both fiction and non-fiction. He shares insights on audience engagement, the appeal of BookTok, and the impact of reading on personal growth. Josh emphasizes the value of diverse reading habits, active reading techniques, and the...

In this conversation, I sat down with Dr. Jonathan Gregg to discuss his journey in education and why he believes classical education and a commitment to truth are essential in the classroom. We touch on the Archimedes Standards as a potential alternative to Common Core, and we explore teaching approaches that spark student engagement and a genuine sense of wonder. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Gr...

In my conversation with Dr. J. Kenneth Young, we explored his journey from Christian ministry to educational leadership. He shared insights into the challenges and transformations within public education, as well as his personal experiences navigating the dissertation process. We also discussed the role of AI in education, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and the ethical use of emer...

In this episode, I discuss the importance of instilling virtues and values in students, emphasizing the roles of family, schools, and community. I argue that shared values are essential for a cohesive society and that educators have a responsibility to teach both intellect and morality. I propose that schools, particularly public ones, should adopt clear values to guide their educational approach,...

Wes Kanawyer, Head of Valor Preparatory Academy, explains the core goals of classical education: wisdom, virtue, and the formation of the whole person, and contrasts them with progressive models. Wes traces his own move from public education to classical schooling, emphasizes the role of family and faith, and argues that an education rooted in Christ and character prepares students for life and Go...

In this conversation with my friend and colleague, Jack Dumas, we delve into the complexities of knowledge, education, and the impact of modern society on young people. We discuss the challenges of feeling inadequate in a world overflowing with information, the flaws within our education system, and the role of literature in shaping young minds. Our conversation also explores the impact of social...

In this episode, I dive into the importance of giving teachers real autonomy when it comes to curriculum development. I talk about why scripted teaching methods can be so limiting and how a one-size-fits-all approach hurts both teachers and students. I make the case for trusting teachers to shape their own classrooms and explain why raising standards in the teaching profession is essential if we w...

In this episode, I discuss the intersection of education, culture, and politics, emphasizing the importance of forming informed opinions and recognizing the role of education in society. I reflect on my own experience with political quizzes, the necessity of understanding different topics before developing strong opinions, and the contrasts between classical and contemporary education methods. I a...

In this episode, I discuss the critical role education plays in society, the challenges teachers face during professional development, and the importance of educators having more control over curriculum development. I argue that empowering teachers with both knowledge and responsibility can lead to better outcomes for students. Interested in more of my thoughts and opinions? I send out a weekly ne...

In this episode, I talk about the critical role education plays in our society and why I believe we need to restructure the school calendar to better support student learning. I propose a year-round school model with a four-day week, focusing on the importance of making our teaching hours more effective. I also dive into the complexities of teacher pay, arguing that we need to raise salaries—but w...

In this episode, I discuss the critical role education plays in our society and emphasize the importance of helping students make wise choices. I share my thoughts on the traditional summer break and argue for a year-round school calendar to prevent learning loss. I also critique modern curricula, suggesting that they often lower expectations and discourage critical thinking. Instead, I advocate f...

In this episode, I talk about the intersection of education, perseverance, and the challenges we face as a society. I emphasize why it’s so important to teach perseverance to young people, and I critique how our current education system often enables students to give up too easily when faced with challenges. I also reflect on the value of higher education today—are we pursuing degrees for true lea...

In this episode, I discuss the critical role education plays in our society and why we need to make wise choices when it comes to how we educate our children. I explore the impact of federal funding on local education systems and share my concerns about the current state of professional development for teachers. I also discuss the challenges surrounding after-school programs and emphasize the impo...

In this episode, I discuss the importance of lifelong learning and self-improvement, extending beyond formal education. I emphasize how writing helps solidify the knowledge we gain from reading, and I share some of the techniques I use for active reading. I also delve into what I believe should be the primary goals of education: moral formation and service to the community, as a means to help deve...

In this episode, I explore the intersections of education, culture, and politics, focusing on the importance of equitable education, school choice, and the role of technology in the learning process. I discuss the need for high standards in education, the significance of character development, and how technology can enhance access to knowledge. I emphasize that true education should benefit studen...

In this episode, I discuss the crucial role of subject matter expertise in education and why teachers need to be lifelong learners. I emphasize that professional development should go beyond just teaching strategies—it should focus on helping educators deepen their understanding of the subjects they teach. I then shift the conversation to civic education, arguing that students need to be taught ho...

In this episode of The Modern Republic , I talk about why it’s time to re-evaluate the traditional summer break. I emphasize the importance of outdoor socialization, low-stakes academic assignments, and summer jobs as integral components of a student’s development. From there, I dig into the role of technology in education, raising questions about its actual effectiveness and the dependence it can...

In this episode, I discuss Texas Senate Bill 10, which requires the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. While I support Christian education, I raise concerns about how effective this bill will actually be in a public school setting. I also dive into the role of technology in education, especially the potential downsides of AI-driven learning. I emphasize the importance of...

In this episode, I talk about the arbitrary length of the school year, the challenges that come with summer break, and the need for a more structured and consistent educational environment. I critique the current standardized testing system and introduce House Bill 4, which proposes replacing long, high-stakes tests with shorter assessments spread throughout the year. I emphasize the importance of...

In this episode, I talk about the current state of public school funding in Texas, the implications of school voucher programs, and why liberal arts education is so important for developing moral reasoning. I highlight the challenges our public schools are facing because of funding cuts and explain how voucher programs could further undermine the quality of education. I also make the case for a cl...

In this episode, I dive into the growing push for AI and computer science education in our high schools and ask some hard questions about what’s really driving it. I talk about the sharp decline in reading habits across the country and how that’s affecting our ability to communicate clearly and effectively. I also make the case for teaching conversation and speech as structured subjects in public...

In this episode, I explore the role of technology and AI in education, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced approach that prioritizes foundational skills over technological dependence. I critique the current educational structure and lay out my vision for a reimagined school system—one that separates students by age and grade, focuses on delivering age-appropriate content, and buil...

In this episode, I discuss the pressing need for innovative ideas in education, critique the current system's focus on uniformity, and propose a new structure for schools that emphasizes community involvement and tailored educational standards. I also explore the challenges of reading retention, the toxic relationship many have with work, and the importance of recognizing individual student needs...