Mission & Academics: Recent Episodes
Brookfield Academy
This podcast showcases the thinking, inspiration, goals, and dreams of Brookfield Academy teachers, staff, and parents as they guide young people on their educational journey - always striving for academic excellence and good character.
In this episode of Mission Moments, host Linda Pryor sits down with Daniel Hoefs, a new U.S. History teacher in the Upper School at Brookfield Academy, to hear more about his journey and experiences during his first month at school.
Daniel brings deep interest in and knowledge of the U.S. Constitution. During their conversation, he shares insights into his teaching approach, what he enjoys most about the profession, and the reasons he chose to come to BA. Listeners will gain a fresh perspective on the Brookfield Academy Mission, the Five Stars, and the curriculum when seeing it through the eyes of someone new to the school community.
If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and family.
To learn more about BA and what the school can offer your child, visit www. brookfieldacademy.org or reach out to our Admissions team at Admissions@brookfieldacademy.org.
In this episode, host Linda Pryor, Executive Director of the Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy, continues her conversations with students from Levels 3-5 who recently completed the BA Expert Program. The program is an exciting, optional learning experience that gives students the chance to dive deeper into a topic they are passionate about while sharpening key academic skills.
This second installment features fascinating new subjects, including:
* The unique beauty and background of Norwegian Fjord Horses
* The surprising habits - and sounds - of Coyotes
* The intelligence and skills of Dolphins
* The science of Fireworks.
As part of the BA expert Program, each student chooses their topic, works with a mentor, and learns how to effectively focus their ideas, conduct research, assess sources, write clearly, and share their expertise confidently with friends, family members, and teachers. Mrs. Pryor's conversations with these young experts reveal not only their curiousity and knowledge but also the joy of learning that is sparked when students are empowered to explore what interest them.
If this episode sparks your interest and you'd like to learn more about Brookfield Academy, we invite you to visit our website or contact our Admissions Office at admissions@brookfieldacademy.org to schedule a visit.
In this episode, host Linda Pryor, Executive Director of the Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy, sits down with students from Levels 3-5 who recently completed the BA Expert program - an optional, in-depth learning experience that provides an opportunity for students to pursue a subject that fascinates them while building essential academic skills.
Through the Expert Program, students choose a topic they are passionate about and work with an adult mentor to explore it. Along the way, they learn how to narrow their focus, conduct research, evealuate sources, write reports, and ultimately present their findings to an audience of family and friends.
During her conversations with these young scholars, Mrs. Pryor uncovers a diverse range of topics and shared enthusiasm for learning that is both inspiring and infectious. You'll hear firsthand how the program works and encourages students to think critically, communicate effectively, and grow in confidence.
If this episode sparks your interest and you'd like to learn more about Brookfield Academy, we invite you to visit our website or contact our Admissions Office at admissions@brookfieldacademy.org to schedule a tour.
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 linda.pryor@brookfieldacademy.org.
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.
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 linda.pryor@brookfieldacademy.org.
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.
In this special episode of Mission Moments, we are thrilled to highligh 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 linda.pryor@brookfieldacademy.org.
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.
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 linda.pryor@brookfieldacademy.org.
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.
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, Mrs. Linda Pryor, Executive Director of Brookfield Academy's Center for Mission & Academics and Dr. Manjula Guru, Economics Department ChairThe group read and discuss articles and books pertaining to the Freedom Philosophy. They 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 linda.pryor@brookfieldacademy.org.
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'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 linda.pryor@brookfieldacademy.org.
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.
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 linda.pryor@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 linda.pryor@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 admissions@brookfieldacdemy.org or visit our website at https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/admissions/choose-brookfield-academy.
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 admissions@brookfieldacdemy.org or visit our website at https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/admissions/choose-brookfield-academy.
Brookfield Academy has always offered students a "classical" education. An important part of that is Latin.
In this episode, Linda Pryor talks with Dr. Ron Roessler, a BA parent and coach of the school's Certamen teams. Dr. Roessler describes his personal interest in Latin and how this program has captured the interest of many - there are more than 40 students on the Certamen team - students at BA.
He also shares some insight on why it is so important to study Latin.
For more information on Brookfield Academy visit brookfieldacademy.org.
The Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy hosts seminars and other events on a range of topics. To see recent programs and learn more about the Center for Mission & Academics at BA, visit https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/mission or contact the Center's Executive Director Linda Pryor at linda.pryor@brookfieldacademy.org.
In this episode, host Linda Pryor, talks with Brookfield Academy Athletic Director, Jon Kahle. Mr. Kahle has been at BA for 14 years and talks about advancements in the athletic programs including increases in athletic participation, increased opportunities for female students, the addition of the Fitness Center, and more.
They discuss that the focus on character building through athletics, developing student athletes, and helping many students develop lifelong habits for health and fitness have likely contributed to the success of the school's teams in competition.
For more information on BA's athletic program, visit: https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/athletics/participate-at-brookfield-academy
If you'd like to learn more about what BA can offer your child, visit https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/admissions/choose-brookfield-academy or contact our Admissions team directly at admissions@brookfieldacademy.org.
If you're interested in hearing more podcasts from the Center for Mission & Academics, visit https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/mission-and-academics-podcast or find us and subscribe wherever you find your favorite podcasts. You can contact the host directly at Linda.Pryor@brookfieldacademy.org.
In this episode, host Linda Pryor talks with Mr. Peter Grossman, Director of Development.
Peter has a long history with Brookfield Academy. His father was one of the early board members for the school and he attended Brookfield Academy from Level B through his graduation in 1989. In addition to his current role with the school, he has served as a teacher, coach, and athletic director. His children also attend the school.
During their conversation, Peter shares many memories of his time at BA and discusses how tradition has contributed to the excellence.
If you like what you hear on this podcast, please consider listening to other episodes and telling your friends.
If you'd like to learn more about Brookfield Academy, visit our website www.brookfieldacademy.org.
In this episode, host Linda Pryor talks with Upper School Mathematics Department Chair, Mr. David Reiner. Mr. Reiner has been a teacher at BA for many years and is well-liked by students, faculty, and BA parents. He currently teaches AP Calculus AB & BC.
Mr. Reiner talks about tradition, not only meaning "looking back" but also traditional ideas of teaching. The ideas of structure in class, established goals for each class, and high expectations for students. While these may seem "traditional" they continue to prove successful and have helped BA students achieve academic excellence - especially in math and science - throughout the school's history.
They discuss the understanding that students aren't expected to do well and "know everything" from the very beginning. There are lessons in the process especially when students have individual attention from skilled educators.
If you like what you hear, please rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast.
To learn more about Brookfield Academy, visit www.brookfieldacadmy.org.
For more about the Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy and their programs, speakers, and blog, visit: www.brookfieldacademy.org/mission.
In this episode, Upper School teacher Ms. Karen Ray talks about attributes of excellence and how she and colleagues encourage excellence in their students and each other. Ms. Ray teaches Mideast Studies, Western Civilization 2 and Western Civilization 2 Honors. She is also the advisor for Rho Kappa, a national Social Studies Honor Society for juniors and seniors. To learn more about Brookfield Academy Upper School visit: https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/academics/four-divisions-one-school/upper-school.
For the last three years, Brookfield Academy has been ranked the #1 Private School in Wisconsin by Niche. If you'd like to learn more about what BA can offer your child, visit https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/admissions/choose-brookfield-academy or email our Admissions team directly at admissions@brookfieldacademy.org.
For more about Linda Pryor the Executive Director of Brookfield Academy's Center for Mission & Academics visit: https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/mission/the-center-for-mission--academics or email her at Linda.Pryor@brookfieldacademy.org.
In this episode, Rebecca Auskings shares insight into the many traditions in the Brookfield Academy music program and how they enrich the lives of students and the school. Ms. Auskings teaches Chorus, Musical Theatre, and AP Music Theory in Brookfield Academy's Upper School as well as serving as the Music Department Chair and teaching Music for Levels 6, 7, and 8 in the Middle School.
For more information on the music programs offered at Brookfield Academy, visit https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/arts/music.
For more about the Center for Mission & Academics at Brookfield Academy and for more content from the Center, visit: https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/mission/the-center-for-mission--academics
If you'd like to learn more about how Brookfield Academy can benefit your child, visit https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/admissions/choose-brookfield-academy or contact admissions@brookfieldacademy.org.
Middle School is often considered a challenging time for students. In this episode Dr. Mark Bullio, Head of the Middle School at Brookfield Academy, shares a glimpse into the Middle School and how excellent these very formative years can be.
Ranked the #1 Private School in Wisconsin for the last three years, if you'd like to learn more about Dr. Bullio or the Middle School at Brookfield Academy visit: https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/academics/four-divisions-one-school/middle-school
If you like what you heard additional programs and information can be found in the Center for Mission & Academics section of the BA website. https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/mission/the-center-for-mission--academics
We also invite you to review and subscribe to this podcast.
Linda Pryor, Executive Director of the Center for Mission & Academics and Bruce Rottman, Director of the new Free Market Institute at Brookfield Academy discuss the establishment of the Free Market Institute at Brookfield Academy and some of the events planned for the future.
Brookfield Academy has a long history of teaching free market economics. The Free Market Institute will provide additional opportunities for students and the community to learn about and experience free market principles.
Learn more about Brookfield Academy's Free Market Institute and read blogs from Bruce Rottman on the school's website at https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/mission.
In the new season of podcasts from Brookfield Academy's Center for Mission & Academics, Executive Director, Linda Pryor, focuses on our theme for the year: 60 Years-A Tradition of Excellence.
In this episode she talks with Bruce Rottman the Director of the school's Free Market Institute. Mr. Rottman returned to BA after 13 years at the Providence School in Santa Barbara, CA. Through the new Free Market Institute, he will be offering BA students and the community more opportunities to learn about and experience free market economics.
The two discuss how important the study of economics - and free market economics in particular - was to the founders of the school and how and why BA continues to excel in teaching economics.
You can find more about the Center for Mission & Academics and the Free Market Institute here: https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/mission
Doug Ricci, Brookfield Academy's Head of School joins Linda in this podcast to recap the year and all the wonderful ways students, families, and the community had the opportunity to be back on campus, learning together throughout the school year.
Doug Ricci, Head of School, joins Linda to look back at the school year and the many ways we celebrated learning together. It provides a nice overview of the many interesting and fun activities and traditions of BA.
In this episode, host Linda Pryor speaks with Michael Rajchel '16, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations about what this year's theme means to him and other alumni.