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 in the pursuit of equity in education.

Interested in more of my thoughts and opinions? I send out a biweekly newsletter where I cover topics similar to the ones discussed on the show. Click here to subscribe!

Follow me on Instagram for regular posts and updates on the shows, the state of Texas, and American education!

I also have a website where I post previous writings, the podcast, and a reading list, which has helped shape my current view of the world.

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 Godliness.

This episode of The Modern Republic delves into education, culture, and politics — and explores the practical steps we can take.

Read weekly essays on Substack: The Modern Republic — subscribe for extended thoughts and behind-the-scenes context.

Follow me on Instagram and X for episode clips and quick thoughts: @nathanielstryker & @nathanielstryke

Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app to get new episodes each week.

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 media, the significance of empathy, and the necessity of a supportive framework for students. Together, we reflect on the value of teaching, the pursuit of success, and the legacy of education in a rapidly changing world.

Jack is a writer. Give his work a look here: https://substack.com/@sophronios?

I am also an aspiring writer. You can check out my work here: https://substack.com/@nathanielstryker
Follow me on Instagram for regular posts and updates on the shows, the state of Texas, and American education!

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 want better outcomes for students.

Interested in more of my thoughts and opinions? I send out a newsletter covering topics similar to those discussed on the show. Click here to subscribe!

Follow me on Instagram for regular posts and updates on the shows, the state of Texas, and American education!

In this episode, I explore the idea of replacing career politicians with expert leaders, diving into whether specialized knowledge and expertise could create better governance. I examine the potential benefits of this shift while also considering the risks, such as elitism or disconnect from everyday citizens. The question remains: would a meritocratic leadership model truly improve society, or does democracy offer a more balanced approach?

Next, I draw parallels between Plato’s vision of an ideal city in The Republic and the concepts behind modern smart cities and universal basic income (UBI) experiments. Both aim to create order, equity, and efficiency, but their implementation reveals challenges Plato may not have anticipated. I discuss how technology, economics, and human nature all play a role in shaping the success of these ambitious ideas.

Finally, I focus on the transformative power of education and its ability to develop the kinds of leaders society needs. From instilling critical thinking skills to fostering a sense of civic duty, education is central to preparing individuals who can navigate the complexities of leadership in a rapidly changing world. Together, these themes highlight the pressing need to rethink how we shape our leaders, our cities, and our future.

Interested in more thoughts and ideas that shape our society? I send out a biweekly newsletter where I cover topics similar to the ones discussed on the show. Click here to subscribe!

Follow me on Instagram for regular posts and updates on the shows and the state of Texas and American education!

I also have a website where I post previous writings, the podcast, and a reading list which has helped shape my current view of the world.

In this episode, I delve into a bold reimagining of America’s education system, where small, community-rooted schools replace bloated bureaucracies. I champion decentralized governance, showcasing charter schools as dynamic engines of change that blend accountability with innovation. Against a backdrop of rising digital dependency and the erosion of face-to-face learning, I critique modern tech-heavy classrooms and extol the virtues of classical education—reminding us that true learning builds character, critical thinking, and moral clarity. Join me on this journey through a landscape where tradition meets progress and where the revival of time-honored educational values promises to create curious, well-rounded individuals ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.

Interested in more of my thoughts and opinions? I send out a biweekly newsletter covering topics similar to the ones discussed on the show. Click here to subscribe!

Follow me on Instagram for regular posts and updates on the shows and the state of Texas and American education!

I also have a website where I post previous writings, the podcast, and a reading list, which has helped shape my current view of the world.

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, and I suggest that churches could play a significant role in providing low-cost education to instill these virtues.

This episode of The Modern Republic delves into education, culture, and politics — and explores the practical steps we can take.

Read weekly essays on Substack: The Modern Republic — subscribe for extended thoughts and behind-the-scenes context.

Follow me on Instagram and X for episode clips and quick thoughts: @nathanielstryker & @nathanielstryke

Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app to get new episodes each week.

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 classical education approach that emphasizes critical thinking, empathy, and moral reasoning because I believe education should be about forming well-rounded individuals, not just preparing students for the workforce.

Interested in more of my thoughts and opinions? I send out a biweekly newsletter where I cover topics similar to the ones discussed on the show. Click here to subscribe!

Follow me on Instagram for regular posts and updates on the shows, the state of Texas, and American education!

I also have a website where I post previous writings, the podcast, and a reading list, which has helped shape my current view of the world.