The Old School

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

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller continue with the escapades, capping off their European journey. Musical credit: "La vie en rose" Steven Bourgeois From Presence (2005) ©2017 All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller provide playful banter as they travel through Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Musical credit: "Blithe and Bonny" Steven Bourgeois From Presence (2005) ©2017 All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller reflect on previous student exchange programs, highlighting the benefits and challenges. Musical credit: "Everything Happens to Me" Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano) From Thinking of You ©2017 All rights reserved

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois weigh the costs and benefits of Advanced Placement courses, tutoring, and test prep. Musical credit: "Exit" Steven Bourgeois From Out of the Darkness

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller make preliminary comments on how school years eventually end. Musical credit: "Thinking of Your" Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano) From Thinking of You ©2017 All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller discuss methods for teaching foreign language. Musical credit: "Dancing on the Edge" Steven Bourgeois From Presence (2005) ©2017 All rights reserved

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois take a new perspective on what has been termed "the great retirement" of teachers in recent years. They examine teacher autonomy as a factor that may supersede issues relating to instructional technology and current events.  Musical credit: "It Never Entered My Mind" Steven Bourgeois (piano) and Jim Bourgeois (electric piano) From Thinking of You ©2017 All rights reser...

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois discuss perceptions the teaching profession and the status of teachers in the United States. Musical credit: "Rock Myself" Steven Bourgeois From Presence (2005) ©All rights reserved

Mr. Miller and Dr. Bourgeois enter dangerous ground, discussing the role of parents in curricular choices. Musical credit: "Track 16" Steven Bourgeois From Out of the Darkness (2004) ©All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller theorize on why teachers lose energy after spending 18-odd weeks in the classroom entertaining students. Reflections just prior to Christmas Break. Musical credit: "Track 7" Steven Bourgeois From Out of the Darkness (2004) ©All rights reserved

Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller are joined by Mr. Wes Upton, a high school counselor, on advanced coursework, college preparation, and career pathways. Musical credit: "Track 2" Steven Bourgeois From Out of the Darkness (2004) ©All rights reserved