National Symposium Offers Rich Lineup of Sessions

Great Hearts Institute October 15, 2025

With Keynote Speakers Doug Lemov, Dr. Christopher Perrin, and Jeffrey Rosen now announced for the Great Hearts National Symposium for Classical Education on February 25-27, 2026, at the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel in Tempe, Ariz., Great Hearts Institute Director Carol McNamara and team say there is even more offerings to experience at this “big tent” gathering for the classical education community.

Symposium workshop attendees

“In 2025, more than 800 educators from across the country came together for compelling conversations and the exciting exchange of ideas,” shared McNamara.  “At Symposium, attendees meet up with old friends and make new connections that nurture intellectual renewal and jump-start the professional development which nourishes the souls of educators.

The National Symposium offers schools small and large the opportunity to jump-start their professional development, by sending school leaders and teachers to participate in workshops addressing the practical and intellectual needs of classical educators. The Symposium program is designed to offer a broad range a conversations, talks, and ideas to symposiasts. From the discussion of The Future of Classical Education in America with Eric Twist, President of Arcadia Education, to hands on Singapore Math workshops with Jessica Kaminski, Math Specialist and Consultant at Math with Purpose, Socratic teaching in the classroom with Jerilyn Olsen, Chief People Officer at Great Hearts, or teaching literature across the curriculum with notable scholars and master teachers.

Symposium workshop attendees

Tracks will include:

  • Scholar Talks – Leading scholars addressing the leadership and ideas that formed and guided American democracy.
  • Panel Discussions – Addressing pressing issues confronting classical education and this year also the place of civic education and American themes in a classical education.
  • Leadership Track/School Leadership – How to lead classical schools, build enrollment, develop teachers and provide the right school culture for students to learn and become good and serious human beings.
  • Curriculum – Addressing curriculum and pedagogy across grade levels, from Lower School (K-5) to Upper School (6-12) and K-12 Education.

Beyond the keynotes and breakout sessions, the organizers continue to expand and enrich the Symposium each year. This year’s event will open with a new half-day pre-conference centered on a vital question: How can classical classrooms truly welcome every student, regardless of background or ability? Offered just before the official Symposium begins, this pre-conference will serve as both a launchpad and a gathering place for educators committed to the belief that classical education can and should be for every learner. REGISTER FOR THE PRE-CONFERENCE TODAY.

Bringing all these elements together is this year’s theme, Classical Education and the American Experiment – The Declaration of Independence at 250. “Together, we’ll explore how classical learning across the disciplines – from science and math to the fine arts, languages, history, philosophy, and literature – have shaped the American experiment in republic government and prepare citizens and leaders for the future,” explained McNamara.

Symposium workshop attendees

Given the strong interest in this year’s theme, keynote speakers, and varied program, attendance is expected to reach capacity quickly.We encourage early registration to ensure participation in this significant event. Early bird pricing ends November 11, 2025. REGISTER TODAY to secure your spot.

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