Summary

In this conversation, Shannon Valenzuela interviews Mandi Gerth, the author of the new book Thoroughness & Charm: Cultivating the Habits of a Classical Classroom. They explore the principles of classical education, focusing on the importance of classroom management, the role of joy and order in learning, and the integration of the imagination and the intellect. They discuss how embodiment and enculturation can enhance the learning experience and delve into the significance of liturgy in the classroom, the concept of ordered loves, and the teacher's role as a lifelong learner. The discussion also touches on insights from Machiavelli regarding classroom management and the importance of establishing authority while fostering a love for learning.

Resources & Links:

• Mandi's Website: https://mrsgerthteaches.com/
• Thoroughness and Charm - CiRCE Institute

Topics Covered:

• Embodiment and enculturation in classical education
• Classroom management
• The formation of the intellect, the imagination, and the heart
• The importance of joy and order in education
• Classroom liturgies and catechisms

Guest:

Mandi Gerth is a teacher and classical education consultant who lives in Dallas, Texas. She currently serves as the Administrative Director of the Cowan Center at the University of Dallas. She holds a master of humanities degree from the University of Dallas with a concentration in classical education. Her first book, Thoroughness & Charm is now available from CiRCE Press. You can find Mandi on LinkedIn, Substack, and Instagram (@mrsgerthteaches). 

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction
02:08 Introduction to Mandi and her work
04:20 Enculturation and the Role of Tradition
05:28 Liturgical Classroom Practices
11:59 Ordered Loves and Their Significance in Education
22:53 Reconnecting with the Joy of Teaching
26:34 The Role of Lifelong Learning in Teaching
30:24 Critical Thinking and Student Engagement
34:39 Classroom Management Insights from Machiavelli
38:33 Balancing Order and Joy in the Classroom

UD Links

• Classical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-ed
• St. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/

Books Mentioned in Today's Episode

Charles Taylor, Modern Social Imaginaries 

Karen Swallow Prior, Evangelical Imagination 

Joshua Gibbs, Something They Will Not Forget 

David Hicks, Norms & Nobility 

Donald Cowan, Unbinding Prometheus

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If you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!