Last Day at the National Symposium for Classical Education

As the 2023 National Symposium for Classical Education wrapped up its three days packed with sessions, workshops, panels, and discussions at the Phoenix Convention Center, many are leaving rejuvenated and inspired (and maybe a little mentally fatigued) as they return to their respective classical schools.

Besides all the knowledge and intellect that has been imparted this week, the Symposium gives classical educators a glimpse of the larger community that they are a part of. It’s encouraging to know you are not alone in the trenches as you find friends and colleagues that you can gain strength and support from as they navigate the same hurdles and challenges. This great sense of community may be one of the most valuable take-aways from the symposium.

This is what just a few of the 810 attendees had to say about their experience:

“The National Symposium brings scholars, practitioners, and supporters of Classical Education together in Phoenix for three days. One of the greatest beneficiaries of this gathering is the Great Hearts Arizona region. Scores of our very own teachers, school leaders, and support staff members can learn from and with each other. The Symposium continues to be a premier opportunity for learning and mutual support for those serving in Great Hearts and those connected to the ever-growing admiration for Classical Education.” – Brandon Crowe, Great Hearts ArizonaSuperintendent

“I was fortunate to be among the many attendees for this year’s National Symposium for Classical Education. Today was full of options to choose from a variety of extraordinary presenters. Katharine Birbalsingh’s invigorating plenary on “The Cultural Energy of Schools” was candid and full of gusto. All the speakers were knowledgeable and helpful, and I left with many valuable resources.” – Katie Changose, Archway Glendale

“Being new to Great Hearts and classical education, symposium really made me excited for teaching 7th grade Lit Comp as well as my Dean of Students for the Upper School position. The sessions enhanced my understanding of classical education from the teacher standpoint as well as the leadership standpoint. My favorite sessions were the ones focused on leadership and school culture. Being a part of the leadership team for a founding school, culture is the most important piece we will need to build out. Culture is going to be a significant part of our schools DNA and it is the piece that will make Great Hearts Harveston intentionally stand out in Baton Rouge.  It is our culture that will make Great Hearts Harveston enticing for families who are looking for a more lively, rigorous, and enriching education for their children. Learning from Great Hearts leaders as well as other classical education leaders on how to establish our school culture has really ignited a fire in me; as a leader and teacher, I am even more excited for our first year!” – Alicia Carelus, Great Hearts Harveston

“This is my first time attending this Symposium and I feel greatly inspired,” said. “Dana Gioia reignited my passion for teaching poetry. I was reminded of the importance that poetry has on memory, cognition, eloquent speech, and confidence. I was inspired to add music to poetry for a different perspective and to do more with a poem than simply teach the elements of a poem. Katharine Birbalsingh inspired me to be an advocate for excellence. I was inspired by her courage to challenge Administrators to take more ownership for the culture of the school by properly training their teachers. Katherine inspired me to stay in the fight and to lead with gusto and belief. I was also moved by Jimmy Weiss who inspired me to use stories in my lessons to help students understand and retain new information on a deeper level.” – Jennifer Ruiz, Great Hearts Online Texas

“I really enjoyed the Wednesday night speaker [Dana Gioia] who spoke on poetry as I am one of those who has never been comfortable with studying or teaching poetry. I felt rejuvenated and reminded of why I work in education and why I am with Great Hearts. It is always wonderful to go back to the first principles of what you believe and why you are doing what you are doing.” – Joy Hanks, Archway Glendale

This year’s Symposium focused on tradition as a way of knowing—indeed, the means by which we acquire knowledge of any domain. Our goal this year was to communicate to every participant the fundamental value of tradition as it informs the classical liberal arts model of education. With thoughtful attention to notions of Western civilization, culture, classical, and tradition, we deepened our understanding of the “the Great Tradition.”

The remarkable assembling of this magnitude was all due to the hardworking team at the Great Hearts Institute, led by Executive Director, Dr. Robert L. Jackson, Ph.D. For more information, visit www.greathearts.institute.

Do you have a story or know of a story that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts?  Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org.