American Classroom

From Enlightenment to Independence With Dr Wayne Denton

Host Jared Taylor welcomes Dr. Wayne Denton of Heritage Academy Mesa for a thoughtful America 250 conversation about the ideas, people, and writings that shaped 1776. Dr. Denton traces the intellectual road to the Declaration of Independence, beginning with Baruch Spinoza and moving through Locke, Rousseau, Montesquieu, Thomas Paine, and Jefferson. The episode explores how Common Sense helped ordinary colonists understand complex Enlightenment arguments, why life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness still matters, and how the Declaration united a risky, divided people around the cause of independence. Along the way, Jared and Dr. Denton reflect on reading, courage, civil society, and why students today can find confidence in the American story of overcoming. Show Notes: Episode Follow-Up: When Were the Declaration Signers’ Names Made Public? During the conversation, Jared and Dr. Denton discussed the risk taken by the signers of the Declaration of Independence and noted that signing the document could be seen as a “death warrant.” Jared mentioned that the podcast team would check when the signers’ names were publicly released. Most delegates signed the engrossed Declaration on August 2, 1776, but their names were not broadly published right away. Congress later ordered an official printing on January 18, 1777, and the Mary Katherine Goddard broadside became the first official public version to list the signers’ names. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-history [https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-history] 1. If you want to learn more about the American Classroom podcast, please visit AmericanClassroom.Show [http://AmericanClassroom.Show] https://americanclassroom.show/ [https://americanclassroom.show/] 2. To learn more about or take a tour of the great schools mentioned in this episode, visit Heritage Academy https://heritageacademyaz.com/ [https://heritageacademyaz.com/] or Paul Revere Academy https://paulrevere.tech/ [https://paulrevere.tech/] 3. Sponsored by: Heritage Academy, downtown Mesa campus- www.hamesa.com [http://www.hamesa.com]

Go for It! Lessons from Scholar Council

What does meaningful student leadership look like in a school community? In this episode, Jared Taylor visits with the Scholar Council at Heritage Academy’s downtown Mesa campus to hear directly from students about service, teamwork, and civic formation. The scholars describe planning dances, fundraising through Dollars for Duds, producing school announcement videos, and supporting campus traditions that bring students together. They also discuss the school’s distinctive electoral college style process, which helps connect student government to America’s founding ideals. Beyond the events and responsibilities, this conversation highlights personal growth. Students share how Scholar Council helped them gain confidence, accept feedback, practice humility, and learn to listen. For school leaders, parents, and students, this episode offers practical inspiration for building a stronger student government program. Show Notes: NaN. If you want to learn more about the American Classroom podcast, please visit AmericanClassroom.Show [http://AmericanClassroom.Show] https://americanclassroom.show/ [https://americanclassroom.show/] NaN. To learn more about or take a tour of the great schools mentioned in this episode, visit Heritage Academy https://heritageacademyaz.com/ [https://heritageacademyaz.com/] or Paul Revere Academy https://paulrevere.tech/ [https://paulrevere.tech/] NaN. Sponsored by: Heritage Academy, downtown Mesa campus- www.hamesa.com [http://www.hamesa.com] NaN. National Association of Student Councils Adviser Resource Center https://www.natstuco.org/adviser-resource-center/ [https://www.natstuco.org/adviser-resource-center/] NaN. Hillsdale K-12 American History and Civics Curriculum https://k12historyandcivics.hillsdale.edu/ [https://k12historyandcivics.hillsdale.edu/] NaN. Bill of Rights Institute High School Government Resources https://billofrightsinstitute.org/high-school-government- [https://billofrightsinstitute.org/high-school-government-] resources/ [https://billofrightsinstitute.org/high-school-government-resources/]

The Truth About ESAs and Education Freedom

What happens when parents are truly in control of their child’s education? In this episode, Jenny Clark breaks down the realities of school choice through her experience as a homeschool mom, advocate, and founder launching a new classical school model. She unpacks how ESAs work, why Arizona has become a national leader, and what misconceptions still dominate the conversation around funding and accountability. The discussion also tackles controversial questions about government involvement, regulation, and whether public systems are being forced to evolve through competition. Jenny offers insight into emerging education models like hybrid and classical schools, and why they may better prepare students for a rapidly changing world shaped by technology and AI. This is a grounded, real world look at the opportunities and challenges redefining K-12 education. Show Notes: 1. If you want to learn more about the American Classroom podcast, please visit AmericanClassroom.Show [http://AmericanClassroom.Show] https://americanclassroom.show/ [https://americanclassroom.show/] 2. To learn more about or take a tour of the great schools mentioned in this episode, visit Heritage Academy https://heritageacademyaz.com/ [https://heritageacademyaz.com/] or Paul Revere Academy https://paulrevere.tech/ [https://paulrevere.tech/] 3. Sponsored by: Heritage Academy, downtown Mesa campus- www.hamesa.com [http://www.hamesa.com]

Helping Students Discover Their Superpowers

Workforce development starts long before a first job, and this episode explores how communities can better connect students to real opportunities. Mesa Chamber President Sally Harrison shares how businesses, schools, and families can work together to expose young people to meaningful career paths. From internships and mentorships to simple job shadowing, she explains why early exposure is key to helping students discover their interests and strengths. The conversation highlights the role of chambers as connectors, bridging the gap between education and industry. With real examples from local companies and programs, this episode offers practical insight for educators, parents, and business leaders who want to build a stronger, more prepared workforce. Show Notes Mesa Chamber of Commerce https://www.mesachamber.org/ [https://www.mesachamber.org/] What Color Is Your Parachute? Your Guide to a Lifetime of Meaningful Work and Career Success https://amzn.to/4bZFsTn [https://amzn.to/4bZFsTn] Your Parachute for Teens https://amzn.to/4btKFms [https://amzn.to/4btKFms] Your Parachute Workbook https://amzn.to/4rLyBl9 [https://amzn.to/4rLyBl9] East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) https://www.evit.edu/ [https://www.evit.edu/] If you want to learn more about the American Classroom podcast, please visit AmericanClassroom.Show [http://AmericanClassroom.Show] https://americanclassroom.show/ [https://americanclassroom.show/] To learn more about or take a tour of the great schools mentioned in this episode, visit Heritage Academy https://heritageacademyaz.com/ [https://heritageacademyaz.com/] or Paul Revere Academy https://paulrevere.tech/ [https://paulrevere.tech/] Sponsored by: Heritage Academy, downtown Mesa campus- www.hamesa.com [http://www.hamesa.com]

Trust but Verify: Protecting Kids Online with Child Safety Expert Art Schmeiser

Many parents assume online exploitation could never happen in their home. But according to former child exploitation investigator Art Schmeiser, today’s predators are patient, strategic, and often build trust with children long before a crime occurs. In this episode, Art shares real cases from his time working alongside federal and state law enforcement to expose how grooming begins in gaming platforms, social media, and private chats. He explains common red flags, including sudden secrecy around devices, unexplained gifts or money, and emotional withdrawal from family. The discussion also addresses the risks created by AI generated images and online harassment. Most importantly, the hosts explore how parents and schools can respond with calm guidance, clear boundaries, and strong relationships that help children navigate a digital world filled with both opportunity and danger. Show Notes: * https://www.azicac.org/ [https://www.azicac.org/] Where to report it if you see evidence of abuse: * https://des.az.gov/prevent-abuse-neglect-and-exploitation [https://des.az.gov/prevent-abuse-neglect-and-exploitation] * https://dcs.az.gov/report-child-abuse [https://dcs.az.gov/report-child-abuse] * If you want to learn more about the American Classroom podcast, please visit AmericanClassroom.Show [http://AmericanClassroom.Show] https://americanclassroom.show/ [https://americanclassroom.show/] * To learn more about or take a tour of the great schools mentioned in this episode, visit Heritage Academy https://heritageacademyaz.com/ [https://heritageacademyaz.com/] or Paul Revere Academy https://paulrevere.tech/ [https://paulrevere.tech/] * Sponsored by: Heritage Academy, downtown Mesa campus- www.hamesa.com [http://www.hamesa.com]