In this episode of the ClassicalU Podcast, host Jesse Hake interviews John Mays, the founder of the Novare Science curriculum. The discussion centers around Mays' new course, "Cultivating Wonder Throughout the School" as a help to educators integrating a sense of wonder and mystery into their teaching across various subjects. Mays shares his journey from focusing on wonder in the sciences to expanding his approach to encompass the entire school curriculum, including subjects like math, languages, history, and literature. He addresses the challenges posed by lifeless teaching and the modern withdrawal of children from nature, exacerbated by social media and safety concerns. Mays advocates for a teaching approach that highlights the mystery and awe inherent in subjects, using examples like DNA replication and historical anecdotes to engage students deeply. He emphasizes the importance of creating "holy moments" in the classroom, where students are profoundly moved and inspired. The episode concludes with practical examples of how teachers can cultivate wonder, such as integrating music, poetry, and visual imagery into lessons, and encouraging students to engage with nature and art.

Kim Warman, lower school dean and teacher at Coram Deo Academy in Carmel, Indiana, shares insights from her new ClassicalU course, Launching Your Classical Classroom, which provides practical support for new grammar school teachers. She reflects on her own educational journey, having experienced both non-classical and classical education before attending Hillsdale College and teaching at several classical schools. Kim emphasizes the importance of preparing a classroom environment that fosters peaceful, joyful learning and encourages teachers to build strong routines and relationships from the outset. She highlights the value of creative, hands-on projects for student engagement and mentorship and teacher collaboration for professional growth and classroom stability. Of great importance, Kim advocates for read-alouds, narration, and strategic scheduling to balance rigorous content with creativity and movement. She also underscores the critical role of proactive parent partnerships in fostering student success and community support. Above all, Kim encourages teachers to begin simply, focus on essentials, and then gradually add creative flourishes as they gain confidence.

In this episode, Jesse Hake speaks with ClassicalU presenter Russ Gregg who co-founded Hope Academy and the Spreading Hope Network. Drawing on decades of work bringing classical Christian education to under-resourced urban communities, Gregg reflects on his transition from leading a single school to enabling the launch of over twenty schools across the U.S., supported by both visionary founders and what he calls “gospel patrons.” He emphasizes the importance of viewing each student through the lens of the Imago Dei—offering not a “hot dog education” but a feast worthy of God’s children. The conversation highlights key principles of school success in difficult settings: high expectations, high accountability, and high support, all rooted in authentic relationships. Gregg also explores the spiritual and cultural enrichment that arises from diverse school communities and advocates for humility and forgiveness as the glue of gospel harmony. He closes by pointing to several organizations helping to sustain this growing movement: Society for Classical Learning and Classical Commons.