Everyday Educator

What if the most magical Christmas memories have nothing to do with the number of gifts under the tree? In this heartwarming episode, we're taking you on a journey across borders to discover how families in the United States and Mexico celebrate Christmas—and what we can learn from their beautiful, Christ-centered traditions. Join host Lisa Bailey as she sits down with Amy Jones (Classical Conversations curriculum developer and grandmother of ten) and Araceli Day (Academic Advisor for CC Mexico) for an intimate conversation about childhood memories, family traditions, and keeping Jesus at the center of our celebrations.

You'll discover:

• The profound symbolism behind a traditional Mexican piñata
• Why one family celebrates Three Kings Day instead of Christmas morning presents
• How a Jesse Tree can teach your children the prophecies of Christ's coming
• The nine-night tradition of Las Posadas that brings entire neighborhoods together
• Practical ways to combat commercialism without becoming the "Grinch"
• Why engaging all five senses can transform your family's Advent experience

But here's the real gift: Both guests share one simple practice that can revolutionize your Christmas season—no elaborate preparations required, no Pinterest-perfect crafts, just meaningful moments that point your family back to the reason for the season.

Whether you're drowning in holiday stress or simply longing for more meaning amid the tinsel and shopping lists, this conversation will refresh your perspective and equip you with practical wisdom to create a Christmas your children will remember forever—for all the right reasons.

This episode of the Everyday Educator is sponsored by:

Judson College

Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.

Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/

National Number Knockout 2027

Does your student think math is boring? What if they stopped seeing math as drill work and started seeing it as an exciting mental sport? That's the power of National Number Knockout, a nationwide mental math competition that's transforming how students think about numbers.

Here's how basic Number Knockout works: Students ages 10-14 use three dice and a 6x6 grid to create as many mathematical equations as possible in just 60 seconds. It's fast, strategic, and seriously addictive. In spring of 2027, 16 national finalists will compete aboard a Caribbean cruise for grand prizes.

But the real win? Whether your student makes it to nationals or just plays at home, they're building lightning-fast mental math skills and genuine mathematical confidence—watching them fall in love with mathematics. National Number Knockout—where math becomes a game, and every student can win. Visit www.classicalconversations.com/n2k to find free resources and learn about the 2027 competition.

Feeling overwhelmed by homeschooling? You're not alone. In this heartfelt conversation, host Delise Germond sits down with Kamilah Carter for an honest discussion about the challenges of homeschool motherhood—and the God who equips us for every moment. Kamilah opens up about a recent crisis that left her feeling helpless, sharing how she learned to lean on community, trust God in the fire, and recognize her daily need for grace.

Together, they explore:

• Why the gap between our expectations and reality can leave us feeling like we're drowning
• The importance of Christian community in our homeschool journey
• How God uses our children to refine us and reveal our need for Him
• Practical wisdom about understanding our children's developmental stages
• The truth that God has fully equipped us through His Word for every good work

This isn't a conversation full of Pinterest-perfect advice or organizational hacks. Instead, it's a raw, encouraging reminder that homeschooling is a spiritual journey that requires us to return to the cross again and again—and that's exactly where God meets us.

This episode of the Everyday Educator is sponsored by:

Judson College

Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.

Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/

Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education—And How We Can Win It Back – A new book written by Robert Bortins and Alex Newman.

Discover the shocking truth about how current education reform efforts may actually accelerate the destruction of educational freedom. Through meticulous research, Woke and Weaponized traces the philosophical roots of educational corruption from Robert Owen and John Dewey to critical race theory, while offering practical strategies for families ready to pursue genuine educational independence. Join our exclusive list to be notified the moment it becomes available — plus receive special launch updates and insider information.

www.WokeAndWeaponized.com

What happens when homeschool moms and their almost-grown kids get brutally honest about the best, worst, and most surprising moments of their classical education journey? Join Lisa Bailey for a heartfelt journey through the homeschool years with special guests Kelli Wilt, her daughter Libby, and Lisa's daughter Stephanie Meter. In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, three generations share their unfiltered perspectives on Classical Conversations, from favorite years and best assignments to honest regrets and surprising lessons learned.

Whether you're a brand-new homeschool parent or deep into your journey, you'll gain valuable insights on:

• Navigating parent-as-tutor dynamics
• Building lasting friendships through Classical Conversations
• The unexpected ways homeschooling transforms parents, not just students
• Why both graduates plan to homeschool their own children
• Practical tips on assignments, timeline projects, and Latin learning

This honest, laughter-filled conversation offers both encouragement and practical wisdom for homeschool families at every stage. Perfect for Classical Conversations families and anyone considering the classical Christian homeschool model.

This episode of the Everyday Educator is sponsored by:

Judson College

At Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, we equip passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace. Experience vibrant community through our unique House System while receiving comprehensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts to make your divine calling affordable.

Ready to answer your calling? Apply to Judson College today and step into God's plan for your life. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/

What if the best thing you could do for your child's education today is to send them outside? Join Lisa Bailey for an inspiring conversation with Classical Conversations founder Leigh Bortins and Ginny Yurich, creator of the 1000 Hours Outside movement and author of "Homeschooling: You're Doing It Right Just By Doing It." Discover how unstructured outdoor play develops every facet of child development—cognitive, social, emotional, and physical. Ginny shares research-backed evidence that complex outdoor movements literally build brain structure and protect against cognitive decline. Both Leigh and Ginny share their paths to home education, from recognizing the limitations of institutional schooling to embracing a lifestyle of family-centered learning. Learn why they believe homeschooling is less about perfect curriculum and more about living life alongside your children. Hear honest stories about the modern childhood crisis—from kindergarteners facing 8-hour academic days to middle schoolers pulling out their hair from stress. The conversation challenges our cultural assumptions about what children truly need to thrive.

Resources:

https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/

This episode of the Everyday Educator is sponsored by Judson College:

Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.

Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/

What if the simple act of cutting paper hearts or eating cinnamon rolls could become a cherished memory that lasts a lifetime? Join Lisa Bailey and Emma Bortins for a heartwarming conversation about the power of family traditions during the holiday season and beyond. As a young mother expecting her second child, Emma shares insights on starting new traditions while honoring those from both her and her husband William's families. Lisa brings decades of experience creating meaningful moments that have shaped her daughters' lives—including a 38-year Christmas tradition that will make you rethink how your family celebrates.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why traditions are more than routines—they're the stories that knit hearts together
• How to blend traditions from different families without spinning out of control
• Creative examples like the Christmas cross tradition, storytelling plates, and Thanksgiving ad libs
• The surprising truth about who really keeps family traditions alive

Whether you're just beginning your homeschool journey or you're a seasoned family looking to refresh your traditions, this conversation will inspire you to be intentional about creating moments your children will treasure forever. Perfect timing as the holidays approach!

This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Judson College:

Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.

Ready to answer your calling?

Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/

"Wait, we're supposed to do WHAT in front of everyone next week?" If those words just sent a little panic through your heart, take a deep breath. Kelli and Lisa have been there, done that, survived the chaos, and they're here to tell you it's going to be better than fine—it might even be fun. Join host Delise with Classical Conversations veterans Kelli Wilt and Lisa Bailey for an encouraging conversation about family presentations in CC community. Whether you're preparing for your first family presentation or you're a seasoned homeschooler looking for fresh ideas, this episode takes the fear out of public speaking and shows how holiday-themed presentations offer unique opportunities to share your family's story and build deeper community connections.

Kelli and Lisa share heartwarming and hilarious stories from years of family presentations—including an escaped hamster that turned opening assembly into a community-wide search party, and a musically-challenged dad whose off-beat performance endeared him to children all year long.

What You'll Learn:

• How to define and approach family presentations in Classical Conversations
• Why weekly presentations give children lifelong confidence in public speaking
• Creative holiday presentation ideas for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Valentine's Day, and more
• Practical preparation tips: respecting 5-7 minute time limits, practicing at home, and involving your children in planning
• How to consider each family member's personality and strengths when assigning roles
• Why visual aids and audience engagement matter when presenting to a room full of children
• The importance of teaching your children to be active, engaged listeners during other families' presentations

Your community isn't looking for perfection or professional presentations—they simply want to know your family better. The only way to do a family presentation wrong is not to do it at all. This episode will leave you equipped, encouraged, and ready to share what makes your family unique with your Classical Conversations community.

This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:

Judson College

Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.

Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/

Classical Conversations Alumni Network

Classical Conversations launched its Alumni Network in May 2025, creating the first comprehensive platform for CC graduates and parents to stay connected beyond Challenge IV. Discover job opportunities, network with fellow alumni, and access exclusive content featuring CC success stories.

Learn more at https://ccalumni.network/ and join the community that's empowering CC alumni and parents to connect, thrive, and inspire through their shared legacy of Christian, classical education.

What if the learning challenge that terrifies you most could become your greatest gift as a homeschooling parent? Join host Lisa Bailey in this heartfelt conversation with veteran homeschool moms Karin Carpenter and Courtney Bradshaw as they share their journeys educating children with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences.

In this honest and encouraging episode, you'll discover:

• Early warning signs of learning challenges (including surprising indicators like eye rubbing and trouble with stairs)
• Practical accommodations that worked in real classical homeschool families
• Why labeling a child's diagnosis too early—or too late—can both have consequences
• How sensory input, movement, and alternative learning methods benefit ALL learners, not just those with diagnosed differences
• The surprising ways learning challenges deepened these mothers' faith and revealed their own pride
• Why home education may be the ideal environment for neurodivergent learners
• Real stories of children with dyslexia earning master's degrees and heading to law school

Karin and Courtney offer practical wisdom without sugar-coating the struggles, reminding us that our children are not their diagnoses. Through tears, prayer, and persistence, these moms learned to become students of their own children—and in the process, the Lord transformed their hearts.

This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:

Judson College

At Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, we equip passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace. Experience vibrant community through our unique House System while receiving comprehensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts to make your divine calling affordable.

Ready to answer your calling? Apply to Judson College today and step into God's plan for your life. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/

CC Graduate Certificate in Classical Studies

Classical Conversations is excited to announce the launch of our new accredited Graduate Certificate in Classical Studies, a 12-credit hour program designed specifically for homeschooling parents who want to deepen their understanding of classical Christian education. This graduate certificate program provides academic recognition for your dedication to classical learning while offering a pathway to advanced study through our partnership with Southeastern University.

Register today to secure your spot in this transformative educational experience. https://ics.regfox.com/ma-certificate

What if gratitude isn't just a polite "thank you," but a powerful spiritual discipline that transforms how we see God, our trials, and even our daily blessings? Join Amy, Michelle, and Charity for a heartwarming conversation about cultivating gratitude in our homes and hearts. In this special Thanksgiving episode, these three friends explore the true meaning of gratitude—from Webster's 1828 definition to powerful biblical passages that shape how we practice thankfulness.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How gratitude is "an emotion of the heart excited by a favor or benefit received"—and why it matters for our spiritual formation
• Meaningful scriptures on thankfulness, including insights from Romans 1, Psalm 100, and 1 Thessalonians 5:18
• Practical family traditions for cultivating gratitude
• Literary and personal examples of grateful living
• How to help children understand the cost of gifts and develop genuine appreciation
• The powerful connection between gratitude and grace in our daily walk with the Lord

Whether you're looking for fresh ideas to incorporate into your family's Thanksgiving celebrations or simply need encouragement to cultivate a more grateful heart, this conversation will inspire you to embrace what Alexander Maclaren called "the crowded kindnesses of God."

This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:

Judson College

Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.

Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/

Classical Conversations Alumni Network

Classical Conversations launched its Alumni Network in May 2025, creating the first comprehensive platform for CC graduates and parents to stay connected beyond Challenge IV. Discover job opportunities, network with fellow alumni, and access exclusive content featuring CC success stories.

Learn more at https://ccalumni.network/ and join the community that's empowering CC alumni and parents to connect, thrive, and inspire through their shared legacy of Christian, classical education.

The holidays can be the most wonderful—and most complicated—time of the year. From navigating family dynamics to keeping Christ at the center while culture shouts louder, how do we love our neighbors well when everything feels extra?

Join Lisa Bailey, Delise Germond, and Alicia Clark for an honest, refreshing conversation about navigating the holiday season with grace. These three homeschool moms get real about the joys and stressors of the holidays—from gift-giving anxiety and packed schedules to tricky family encounters and teaching kids about Santa (or not!).

You'll laugh, nod along, and maybe even tear up as they discuss:

• The tension between materialistic pressure and generous gift-giving
• How to set expectations early (before the post-turkey bombshell!)
• Managing the "busyness of good things" while leaving margin for rest
• Teaching children to focus on Jesus when culture is screaming something else
• Practical ways to love your neighbors during emotionally tender seasons
• What to do when relatives press hot-button issues at family gatherings
• Creative approaches to Halloween that honor your values

Whether you're a holiday enthusiast or someone who dreads the stress, this conversation offers wisdom, solidarity, and actionable ideas for making the season truly about loving God and loving others well. Plus, you'll get some genius life hacks (double batch those favorite recipes!) that just might save your December sanity.

This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Judson College:

At Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, we equip passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace. Experience vibrant community through our unique House System while receiving comprehensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts to make your divine calling affordable.

Ready to answer your calling? Apply to Judson College today and step into God's plan for your life. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/

What if homeschooling could feel like discovering Narnia while everyone else is just playing hide and seek? In this inspiring episode of Everyday Educator, Lisa Bailey connects with Janine Bell, Country Coordinator for Classical Conversations in the United Kingdom, for a fascinating conversation about building classical Christian communities across the pond. Janine shares her family's pioneering journey as home educators in a country where most people still think homeschooling is illegal—and how God has used Classical Conversations to transform not just education, but entire family cultures.

What You'll Discover:

• The surprising history of home education in the UK (and why most Brits thought it was against the law!)
• How Classical Conversations is helping rebuild community and authentic conversation in a culture known for its "stiff upper lip"
• The story of the UK's first CC graduate and the miraculous provision of classical Christian universities
• Real barriers facing home educators in Britain—including pending legislation that could restrict parental freedom
• Why British Christians struggle with the idea that homeschooling might be "hiding their light" (and Janine's powerful response)
• How God is using "the new dog to teach the old dog" as America shares classical education with its British roots
• Janine's transparency about her own doubts and discoveries—from making report cards at home to becoming the UK's country coordinator—offers hope to every parent who wonders if they're equipped for this calling. Her passion for seeing families discover the "Narnia" of classical community is absolutely contagious.

This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:

Judson College

At Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, we equip passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace. Experience vibrant community through our unique House System while receiving comprehensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts to make your divine calling affordable.

Ready to answer your calling? Apply to Judson College today and step into God's plan for your life. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/