Benjamin Beier with his wife Emily and their children Anna, Henry, Genevieve, and Moira.
Courtesy | Benjamin Beier

In this Quick Hits, Associate Professor of Education Benjamin Beier talks Kansas City sports, literature, and parenting his four children. 

How has having children changed you?

I get a lot less sleep. My children teach me things and show me ways to have fun all the time, which I really appreciate.

How did you decide you wanted to be a teacher?

I think I just loved to learn, and saw it as a way to not have to stop learning. By the time I knew I wanted to teach, I was hoping to teach college. 

Do you have a favorite book you would recommend to Hillsdale students? 

A book that I think is a little less known that is beautiful is Thornton Wilder’s “The Bridge of San Luis Rey.”

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Neither. I’m a fish person. 

Do you have a fish? 

No. 

What’s stopping you from getting one? 

Because my kids would prefer to have a dog. We have two guinea pigs.

How did you meet your wife?

We crossed paths a few times, but the best story is we were at a large state university and we both took a class on the literature of Dave Barry and Garrison Keillor. I took the class because I enjoyed Dave Barry and she took the class because she enjoyed Garrison Keillor, and we discovered one another and tried to convince one another of the superiority of the other author. 

Was there a moment you realized she was the one?

How could she not be the one?

If you had to give a piece of advice to all of the students at Hillsdale right now, what would it be?

Don’t take yourselves too seriously. 

What’s your best random hot take?

More people should listen to jazz. 

What’s the best vacation you’ve ever taken?

Six weeks in Europe after college graduation. 

What’s your favorite sports team? 

My sports life is complete. I root for University of Kansas basketball, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals, and all three have won championships within my memory. 

Why is education important?

Because it helps us to live a truly human life. 

If you could change one thing about the education system in America right now, what would it be? 

I would love to see a lot more small schools. 

Who do you think would win in hand-to-hand combat, Chief or 25 Dr. Arnns?

Chief. 

Do you have a favorite spice?

Garlic salt.