National Symposium for Classical Education – Day One

The Great Hearts National Symposium for Classical Education brought together more than 900 educators from around the world to experience and grow in classical education. This year brought the introduction of a new half-day pre-conference dedicated to special education in the context of classical education.

Amy Richards is an Affiliate Professor at Eastern University and author of Disability and Classical Education: Student Formation in Keeping with Our Common Humanity, and Tom Doebler, who serves as the Senior National Director of Exceptional Student Services for Great Hearts Academies, co-led the pre-conference session aimed to answer the vital question, “How can classical classrooms truly welcome every student, regardless of background or ability?” Richards is an Affiliate Professor at Eastern University and author of Disability and Classical Education: Student Formation in Keeping with Our Common Humanity, and Doebler serves as the Senior National Director of Exceptional Student Services for Great Hearts Academies.

The theme this year is “Classical Education and the American Experiment: the Declaration of Independence at 250.”  Shortly before his death in 1826, Thomas Jefferson explained that the Declaration’s purpose was “not to find out new principles… but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject… It was intended to be an expression of the American mind.”

Great Hearts institute, the organizers of the symposium, hopes to approach the semi quincentennial in the same spirit. The goal is to pursue together an understanding of the American mind, by examining how classical learning across the curriculum – from science and math to the fine arts, languages, history, philosophy, and literature – shapes the American experiment in republican government and prepares citizens and leaders for the future.

The keynote  session opened with a welcome from Great Hearts Chief Executive Officer Jay Heiler. Next, Carol McNamara, the director of the Great Hearts Institute, introduced the Scottsdale Prep Chamber Choir led by Robin Neeley, highlighting fine art and beauty, the direct result of the classical education that brought the attendees to the symposium in the first place.

Keynote Speaker Dr. Christopher Perrin, MDiv, PhD, addressed the audience of educators and leaders with his opening keynote speech, “Classical Education in America: What It Was and Can Be Again.” Dr. Perrin, a national leader in the classical renewal movement, and CEO of Classical Academic Press, spoke about how the tradition of classical, liberal arts education in America was present from the beginning of the nation and before. According to Perrin, the tradition was embedded in the Mayflower Pact and in the governing norms of the Massachusetts Bay colony. It can be seen flourishing in the Federalist Papers and in the Constitution. During his presentation, Perrin noted the ways in which American education flourished and then slowly withered, while also noting the ways it is remerging with new vitality.

The evening ended with a reception under the outdoor courtyard, canopied with string lights and palm trees, where attendees again had a chance to catch up with friends and colleagues, and join great conversations around Perrin’s keynote, with food, drinks, and the live music of the Louis P. Band.

As the festivities faded into the night and the first day came to an end, symposiasts retired to their rooms with full hearts and minds as they reflected on the takeaways they have already received, and anticipation for the full day ahead.

The National Symposium will continue through the end of the week, and we will continue to bring you highlights from all three days, full of keynotes, workshops, panels, and presentations from experts in the field.

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Submit a student application to a Great Hearts Academy by visiting: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/enroll/.