Mission & Academics

In this episode of the Mission Moments podcast, Linda Pryor talks with Dr. Marcus Witcher, Teaching Assistant Professor of Economic History at West Virginia University.

Dr. Witcher has written several books including his first, Getting Right with Reagan and his most current that was co-authored with Rachel Ferguson titled, Black Liberation Through the Marketplace: Hope Heartbreak and the Promise of America. 

Dr. Witcher will be presenting at Brookfield Academy on Constitution Day. His talk is titled: A New Constitution for a New Nation" and will explore the historical reasons the Founding Fathers created the American Constitution. He will consider the lessons Americans had learned from British Imperial rule and through the process of creating state constitutions, as well as examining the circumstances and pressures that led Madison, Washington, and Franklin to believe that a new Constitution was necessary. 

Through their discussion, listeners will gain some insight into Dr. Witcher as he shares more about his career path and current interests. 

If you enjoy this podcast, please listen to previous episodes, follow us, and tell your friends. For questions about this podcast please email the host, Linda Pryor, Executive Director of the Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy, at [email protected].

To learn more about Brookfield Academy and what the school can offer your child, visit www.brookfieldacademy.org or contact our Admissions Office for a personal tour.



If you would like to  learn more about Brookfield Academy, our many amazing teachers and programs, and how the school could be a fit for your family, please contact our Admissions Office ([email protected]). More information can also be found at brookfieldacademy.org.

In the first episode of the new season, host Linda Pryor, Executive Director of the Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy, speaks with Doug Ricci, Head of School. 

The two talk about the value of setting a theme for each year and how they each think about this year's theme: Unlock the Power of Intellect. 

The school's Five Stars - Truth, Character, Intellect, Heritage, and Individuality - are incorporated into all aspects of academics and student life, and the annual theme encourages the school's community to go even more deeply into a specific Star in a given year. 

BA is well known for offering exceptional academics and while the theme Unlock the Power of Intellect seems to align directly to schoolwork, Mrs. Pryor and Mr. Ricci, talk about the many other dimensions it offers for exploration. 

Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this podcast, please review, subscribe, and consider mentioning the Mission Moments podcast to a friend. For questions about this podcast please email the host, Linda Pryor, Executive Director of the Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy, at [email protected].

To learn more about Brookfield Academy and what the school can offer your child, visit www.brookfieldacademy.org or contact our Admissions Office for a personal tour.

If you would like to  learn more about Brookfield Academy, our many amazing teachers and programs, and how the school could be a fit for your family, please contact our Admissions Office ([email protected]). More information can also be found at brookfieldacademy.org.

In this special episode of Mission Moments, we are thrilled to highlight some notable Lower School students. These young scholars participated in our Expert Program. They each selected a topic of personal interest to research and master, dedicating their time and energy beyond the regular curriculum to become true experts. Join us as we dive into their fascinating discoveries and hear their passion for learning. 

The Experts Program at Brookfield Academy provides many benefits to our students: 

• It fosters a love of learning and independence in students.
• Each project reflects the student's unique interests and abilities. 
• A faculty advisor is assigned to students and gives them connection to other adults in the school. 
• Encouraging children to explore their passions can lead to incredible educational experiences and personal growth. 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Mission Moments, leave us a review, and share it with friends and family. We'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions for future episodes. To share, email Linda Pryor at [email protected]. 

To learn more about Brookfield Academy and what the school can offer your child, visit our website www.brookfieldacademy.org or contact our Admissions Office.  

If you would like to  learn more about Brookfield Academy, our many amazing teachers and programs, and how the school could be a fit for your family, please contact our Admissions Office ([email protected]). More information can also be found at brookfieldacademy.org.

In this episode, Linda Pryor, extends the Student Changemakers podcast with another BA student who is running a successful non-profit organization. 

Bella Smith, a junior at the school founded her nonprofit organization called, Dress Campaign, Inc., about a year ago. The mission of the organization is to provide lightly used dresses for teens so that everyone has an opportunity to have their own dance dress. When her sister went to college, she realized how many dance dresses, normally only worn once, sat in her closet collecting dust. She took it upon herself to collect dresses and spread the joy of getting dressed up for a school dance without worrying about the hefty price tag. She has been able to increase the impact by partnering with many local high schools to hold "dress drives" and get more girls to donate their dresses. Girls can "shop" for their dress in a custom built trailer that Bella takes to various locations around Wisconsin. 

The idea has been very successful. It helps to keep dresses from being stored uselessly for years or being sent to a landfill, and brings joy to many students who might not be able to have this experience.

 Service is a part of student life at all Levels of BA. The school's youngest students participate in service projects such as making toys for dogs in shelters, collecting and delivering food to the local food pantry, and cleaning up around campus. Middle School students become involved in planning and executing service projects. Upper School students spearhead their own initiatives, demonstrating their leadership and organizational skills. 

If you enjoyed this podcast, please review, subscribe, and consider mentioning the Mission Moments podcast to a friend. For questions about this podcast please email the host, Linda Pryor, Executive Director of the Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy, at [email protected].

To learn more about Brookfield Academy and what the school can offer your child, visit www.brookfieldacademy.org or contact our Admissions Office for a personal tour.

If you would like to  learn more about Brookfield Academy, our many amazing teachers and programs, and how the school could be a fit for your family, please contact our Admissions Office ([email protected]). More information can also be found at brookfieldacademy.org.

In this episode, host Linda Pryor, speaks with four of the five seniors from Brookfield Academy who completed the International Freedom Scholar Certificate this year. 

The International Freedom Scholar Certificate program was started 10 years ago to encourage students to more deeply investigate the principles of the school's Freedom Philosophy. The principles include: 

• A theistic view of life
• Judeo-Christian Ethic
• Freedom of the Individual
• Personal Responsibility 
• Rule of Law
• Property Rights
• Free Markets
• Limited Government
• Love of liberty and knowledge of its history
• Looking to the future to make a difference

Students in the program select a topic related to one or more of these principles and research that topic across a number of different countries. This year's International Freedom Scholars pursued the following topics:

• Freedom to join a workers’ union in Argentina, Ukraine, and China
• Freedom to bear arms in Germany, Japan, Venezuela, and United States
• Freedom for women to obtain a diagnosis for breast and cervical cancer in India, South Africa, Great Britain, and United States
• Freedom for people to access clothing in Jamaica, Denmark, and South Korea

To enter the program students need to meet specific requirements including having taken at least one year or economics, at least three credits of language, and any of a range of electives including things like AP language, arts, and more. Throughout the year, students meet with program advisors, Dr. Manjula Guru, Economics Department Chair and Linda Pryor, Executive Director of BA's Center for Mission & Academics. The group read and discuss articles and books pertaining to the Freedom Philosophy. The students select their topics of interest, conduct research, and present their findings in a final report to Brookfield Academy's Board of Directors and the community. You can view the presentations here.

Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this podcast, please review, subscribe, and consider mentioning the Mission Moments podcast to a friend. For questions about this podcast please email the host, Linda Pryor, Executive Director of the Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy, at [email protected].

To learn more about Brookfield Academy and what the school can offer your child, visit www.brookfieldacademy.org or contact our Admissions Office for a personal tour.

If you would like to  learn more about Brookfield Academy, our many amazing teachers and programs, and how the school could be a fit for your family, please contact our Admissions Office ([email protected]). More information can also be found at brookfieldacademy.org.

If you're looking for something positive to listen to today, this episode is for you.

Host Linda Pryor talks with Raghav Vijayapal and Krish Sharma, two BA Upper School students who have started non-profit organizations. 

Service is a part of student life at all Levels of BA. The school's youngest students participate in service projects such as making toys for dogs in shelters, collecting and delivering food to the local food pantry, and cleaning up around campus. Middle School students become involved in planning and executing service projects. Upper School students spearhead their own initiatives, demonstrating their leadership and organizational skills. 

Linda speaks with two students who are excellent examples of taking initiative, using their talents, and making a positive impact in the community. In an upcoming episode, Linda will talk with a third student, Bella Smith, who also has started a non-profit organization. 

Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this podcast, please review, subscribe, and consider mentioning the Mission Moments podcast to a friend. For questions about this podcast please email the host, Linda Pryor, Executive Director of the Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy, at [email protected].

To learn more about Brookfield Academy and what the school can offer your child, visit www.brookfieldacademy.org or contact our Admissions Office for a personal tour.

If you would like to  learn more about Brookfield Academy, our many amazing teachers and programs, and how the school could be a fit for your family, please contact our Admissions Office ([email protected]). More information can also be found at brookfieldacademy.org.

In this episode, host Linda Pryor, interviews BA Upper School teacher, Ms. Karen Ray who recently was named the High School Teacher of the Year by the Wisconsin VFW.

Ms. Ray earned this recognition based on her exemplary performance across four distinct criteria: Citizenship, Innovation, Resources, and Passion for Teaching.

During their conversation, it becomes clear why Ms. Ray was deserving of this award. She has developed strong ties to the community, including many Veterans, and shares her experiences with her students. She and Linda talk about her Veteran Interview Project. Through this effort, she has recorded the stories of more than 1,500 Veterans.

If you love history, you'll enjoy this conversation and be inspired by this impressive teacher.

*In the episode, Ms. Ray mistakenly indicated that the VFW was founded post-WWII. In actuality, it was founded in 1899. The Voice of Democracy competition sponsored by the VFW started in 1947.

If you like what you hear, please review and subscribe to the Mission Moments podcast. If you'd like to learn more about Brookfield Academy and what the school can offer your child, visit www.brookfieldacademy.org.

If you have questions about this podcast please email the host, Linda Pryor, Executive Director of the Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy, at [email protected].


If you would like to  learn more about Brookfield Academy, our many amazing teachers and programs, and how the school could be a fit for your family, please contact our Admissions Office ([email protected]). More information can also be found at brookfieldacademy.org.

In this episode, Linda Pryor is joined by Dr. Daniel Coupland, Dean of Masters in Classical Education and Professor of Education at Hillsdale College. The two have an engaging discussion about the key components and value of a classical teaching of reading and grammar. His broad background in linguistics, as a classroom teacher, as well as his role educating teachers provides for an interesting conversation about both broad concepts and practical ideas for parents and grandparents.

Dr. Coupland has won numerous awards and written several books. His book titled, Tried & True: A Primer on Sound Pedegogy, is used by educators across the nation. One reviewer said this about the book, “Dan Coupland provides essential answers to crucial questions teachers face every day in their classrooms. Drawing on his years of experience as a teacher and as a teacher of teachers, he presents a resource rich in wisdom for all in the field, whether a new teacher or an experienced educator.”

If you like what you hear, please review and subscribe to the Mission Moments podcast. If you'd like to learn more about Brookfield Academy and what the school can offer your child, visit www.brookfieldacademy.org.

If you have questions about this podcast please email the host, Linda Pryor, Executive Director of the Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy, at [email protected].

If you would like to  learn more about Brookfield Academy, our many amazing teachers and programs, and how the school could be a fit for your family, please contact our Admissions Office ([email protected]). More information can also be found at brookfieldacademy.org.

Linda Pryor, Executive Director of the Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy, begins Season 5 of her podcast with an amazing guest, Dr. Wilfred McClay. Dr. McClay wrote Land of Hope: An Invitation to the Great American Story and the book was recently added to the Middle School History curriculum at BA.

The conversation provides a glimpse into this fascinating scholar and why the book has recieved such positive reviews. Here is one such review:

“We’ve long needed a readable text that truly tells the American story, neither hiding the serious injustices in our history nor soft-pedaling our nation’s extraordinary achievements. Such a text cannot be a mere compilation of facts, and it certainly could not be written by someone lacking a deep understanding and appreciation of America’s constitutional ideals and institutions. Bringing his impressive skills as a political theorist, historian, and writer to bear, Wilfred McClay has supplied the need.”― Robert P. George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence, Princeton University

Listeners will get a sense of the extent of consideration BA administrators and teachers put into selecting texts for the curriculum at all Levels of the school.

Brookfield Academy was recently ranked the #1 Private School in Wisconsin by Niche for the 4th year in a row.

The book is availabe from Amazon or a bookseller near you.

You can learn more about the Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy, here: https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/mission/the-center-for-mission--academics

If you'd like to learn more about Brookfield Academy and what the school can offer your child, please contact our Admissions Office at [email protected] or visit our website at https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/admissions/choose-brookfield-academy.



If you would like to  learn more about Brookfield Academy, our many amazing teachers and programs, and how the school could be a fit for your family, please contact our Admissions Office ([email protected]). More information can also be found at brookfieldacademy.org.

This episode is somewhat different from others this season, as host Linda Pryor talks with guest Jorge Galicia, an emigre from Venezuela.

Still a young man, Mr. Galicia, shares stories from his experience with the dramatic economic and social change that have occurred in Venezuela during his lifefiime. His story is fascinating, especially when one considers stories from his youth that seem similar to what a middle class student in America might experience and how within a few years the experience of his family - and most Venezuelan citizens - changed completely.

You can learn more about Jorge Galicia at The Fund for American Studies webiste: https://tfas.org/staff/jorge-galicia/

You can learn more about the Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy, here: https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/mission/the-center-for-mission--academics

If you'd like to learn more about Brookfield Academy and what the school can offer your child, please contact our Admissions Office at [email protected] or visit our website at https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/admissions/choose-brookfield-academy.

If you would like to  learn more about Brookfield Academy, our many amazing teachers and programs, and how the school could be a fit for your family, please contact our Admissions Office ([email protected]). More information can also be found at brookfieldacademy.org.