Blog
Explore articles that dive deeper into the values behind American Classroom—from education trends and parenting tips to civic engagement and stories that celebrate strong families, schools, and communities.
Grit & Greatness: An NFL Player’s Journey into Art and Teaching
Jose Portilla’s story is one of grit, balance, and reinvention. Born in Mexico and raised in Texas, he became the first Mexican-born NFL player to play in a Super Bowl, lining up in Super Bowl XXXIII with the Atlanta Falcons. But his path didn’t end with football....
Art, Intention, and the Work Only You Can Do
In the first episode of season two of American Classroom: Stories of Building a Civil Society, we sat down with artist and educator Ben Sowards to explore what it means to grow into the kind of creator only you can become. As a designer for the U.S. Mint, Sowards has...
Empowering Future Leaders: Advanced Economics for High School Students
In a world of increasing complexity, preparing students for success requires more than meeting minimum academic standards. It demands cultivating critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and an entrepreneurial spirit. A shining example of this commitment is the...
Redefining Gifted Education: Unleashing the Superpowers Within
Imagine a classroom where brilliance isn’t confined to straight A’s or perfect test scores—a place where a kid scribbling wild inventions in the margins of a notebook or leading a pack of peers with infectious charisma is just as "gifted" as the math whiz. Enter Dr....
Innovation in Education: Transforming the American Classroom (Part 2)
The debate over higher education's value continues to intensify in today's rapidly changing world. As costs rise and technology advances, educators and institutions face new challenges in delivering quality education that remains both accessible and affordable. Dr....
Innovation in Education: Transforming the American Classroom
Few innovators have made as significant an impact on American education as Dr. Vernon Smith. With over two decades of experience at Rio Salado College in Arizona and subsequent leadership roles at prestigious institutions, Dr. Smith has been at the forefront of...
Moving Beyond Traditional Motivation in Education With The Will to Learn by Dave Stuart Jr.
As student engagement and motivation seem to be at an all-time low, educators and parents are searching for new ways to ignite the love of learning within young people. Dave Stuart Jr., author of the groundbreaking book "The Will to Learn," brings fresh insights to...
Master Teachers: Inspiring Excellence in the Classroom
Commitment to Growth Alongside masterful relational and managerial abilities, exceptional teachers continuously hone their craft. They focus on improvement, not maintenance. Outstanding teachers see feedback as fuel for development. They gain new strategies by...
Culture of Civility as a Key to Educational Success
Creating a positive school culture has become more critical than ever. To explore this vital topic, we sat down with Kim Ellsworth, the Director of Education for Heritage Academy Schools. With over a decade of experience in education, including founding and leading...
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