Hillsdale College K-12 Classical Education Podcast
Episode: Modeling Excellent Instruction: Hillsdale’s Master Teacher Program
Date: February 9, 2026
Host: Scott Bertram
Guest: Julie Apel, Assistant Headmaster at Hillsdale Academy & Master Teacher Liaison, Hillsdale K-12 Network
Episode Overview
This episode explores the Hillsdale K-12 Network's Master Teacher Program, a distinctive initiative designed to honor and leverage outstanding educators across Hillsdale-affiliated schools. Host Scott Bertram speaks with Julie Apel, who serves as both Assistant Headmaster at Hillsdale Academy and as the liaison for the Master Teacher Program. Together, they delve into how the program is structured, what makes a master teacher, the reciprocal benefits for schools and educators, and how this initiative supports and advances the principles of classical education.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. What is the Master Teacher Program?
[02:10–03:02]
- Purpose:
- To honor excellent educators within the Hillsdale K-12 Network.
- To give these teachers a platform to share their expertise.
- Unique Aspect:
- The program thrives on a "shared mission, shared curriculum, and a shared understanding about what makes for great teaching."
- Julie Apel:
- “There are many teachers who are giving themselves fully to this endeavor, and so we think it’s a worthy endeavor to honor them for the work that they do and to give them an opportunity to share their expertise across the network.” [02:27]
2. Who are the Master Teachers & How Are They Chosen?
[03:02–04:18]
- Selection Process:
- Nominated by their school heads for their classroom excellence and leadership.
- Must apply and commit to a one-year cohort.
- Cohort Diversity:
- Includes teachers from all grades and disciplines, from kindergarten to upper-school history, art, and music.
- Core Qualities:
- Deep content knowledge, love for students, continuous self-improvement, and a broad vision for their role in education.
3. The Role of the Master Teacher Liaison
[04:18–05:56]
- Julie’s Responsibilities:
- Guides teachers through applications and yearlong participation.
- Facilitates weekly cohort meetings on pedagogy and professional growth.
- Emphasis on Growth:
- “The art of teaching doesn’t need to be overly complicated, but it can’t be neglected and you never arrive. So they’re wanting to continue to refine their craft.” [05:34]
- Cohort model helps keep even the most experienced teachers from becoming complacent.
4. Essential Qualities of a Master Teacher
[05:56–07:34]
- Experience vs. Excellence:
- Mastery isn’t just about years served: “You could teach for 30 years and sadly maybe not become a master teacher. But I think that’s born from complacency.” [06:10]
- Lifelong Learning:
- Master teachers are persistent learners and see education as central to human flourishing.
- Holistic View:
- They understand how their teaching fits into the broader K-12 educational journey.
5. Support for the K-12 Network
[07:34–08:59]
- Reciprocal Support Model:
- Master teachers both benefit from and contribute to the K-12 office’s Teacher Support Team.
- “Iron sharpens iron”—the collaboration is mutually enriching.
- Mentorship & Training:
- Master teachers guide new schools and teachers, provide recommendations, and advise on curriculum and pedagogy.
6. Continuous Refinement in Teaching
[08:59–10:30]
- Refining the Craft:
- Goes beyond syllabus updates to deeply reflect on assessment, classroom management, and pedagogy.
- Peer Observation:
- Value in observing teachers from different subjects and grades.
- Julie:
- “Refining your craft has a lot to do with observing other excellent teachers… and what you can learn about students and about education as a whole…” [10:18]
7. Alignment with Classical Education
[10:30–11:56]
- Central Principles:
- Ongoing growth and the pursuit of virtue are core to the classical model.
- Community learning is emphasized: “We were made to learn, to discover, and to grow.” [10:50]
- Cohort as a Learning Community:
- Fosters mutual development; not just for teachers, but for the benefit of the entire educational enterprise.
8. Addressing Broader Educational Needs
[11:56–13:31]
- Serving a Bigger Need:
- By developing and sharing best practices, master teachers contribute to the larger movement for thoughtful liberal arts education.
- Outputs include podcast episodes, Hoagland Center presentations, and blog contributions.
9. Responsibilities & Activities of Master Teachers
[13:31–15:53]
- Duties:
- Monthly cohort discussions on pedagogy.
- Regular contributions to the Classical Classroom blog.
- Providing sample resources for other teachers (not just templated lesson plans but thoughtful frameworks and discussion questions).
- Presenting at the annual summer conference.
- Main focus remains classroom teaching; program activities are designed to complement, not overwhelm.
- Quote:
- “We basically ask them to just pull from the very best that they have and then share that with others.” [15:40]
10. Accessing Master Teacher Insights
[15:53–17:08]
- How to Learn More:
- Visit k12.hillsdale.edu for resources and writings.
- Tune in to podcast episodes featuring master teachers.
- Explore the Classical Classroom blog for real-world insights and anecdotes.
- Julie:
- “If you're really wanting to get a window into the mind of an excellent teacher or a glimpse inside the classroom of a classical school is the Classical Classroom blog. So our master teachers write on there regularly. And to be honest, that's my favorite part.” [16:22]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Mastery and Growth:
“Master teachers are those who haven’t become complacent… you always refine your craft, you’ve never arrived.”
– Julie Apel [06:09] -
On Community:
“We were made to learn, to discover and to grow. And so teachers find their deepest satisfaction when we recognize we’re participating in that.”
– Julie Apel [10:50] -
On Sharing Expertise:
“They also get to participate in a level of experience. Maybe they don’t want to leave the classroom. You want your excellent teachers to stay… but you want to give them an opportunity to grow and mentor others.”
– Julie Apel [08:22] -
On Practical Impact:
“What did I teach this month? And if I were a new teacher trying to tackle this content, what could I provide as sample resources—not lesson plans to copy… but something that a teacher could look at and kind of sink their teeth into.”
– Julie Apel [14:25]
Key Timestamps for Important Segments
- [02:10] – Introduction to the Master Teacher Program
- [03:08] – Selection process and characteristics of master teachers
- [04:18] – The role of the master teacher liaison
- [05:56] – Qualities of an excellent master teacher
- [07:41] – How the program supports the K-12 office
- [08:59] – What refining the teaching craft looks like
- [10:48] – Alignment with classical education values
- [11:56] – Addressing greater educational needs
- [13:49] – Duties and activities of master teachers
- [16:02] – Where to access master teacher advice and writings
Additional Resources
- K-12 Network Website: k12.hillsdale.edu
- Classical Classroom Blog: Regular posts by master teachers
- Podcast Archive: Episodes featuring master teacher interviews and insights
This summary provides a comprehensive look at the episode, capturing its insights, memorable teachings, and actionable resources for anyone interested in classical education or teacher professional development.