Tom Doebler Navigates a Classical Education for All at Symposium

Join us for an enlightening experience at the 2024 National Symposium for Classical Education, where Tom Doebler, the Senior National Director of Exceptional Student Services at Great Hearts, will be leading an insightful workshop. This event, set to take place from March 20-22 at the Phoenix Convention Center, is proudly hosted by the Great Hearts Institute. Tom is thrilled to present a compelling session on ‘Belonging in a Human Community – Navigating Classical, K-12 Education for Students with Disabilities,’ promising to spark engaging conversations and new perspectives among attendees.

“I think that a lot of schools sort of struggle to answer the question of how can we ensure that kids with learning challenges have access to the same experience, that same rigor of a formative education. One that will enrich their lives and lead to a telos that is really humanizing, especially if you’re a public classical school where the requirements of the AIDA maybe seem to even be at odds with the main purpose of classical education,” said Doebler. “I think that there are many schools, Great Hearts included, that have wrestled with this and have a lot to offer each other when it comes to ensuring that any family who wants a classical education for their child can have it.”

The impulse of the classical renewal is clear: it recognizes the ennobling and humanizing effect of this education for all children, and seeks to provide this education to habilitate them to lead meaningful lives in the ever demanding and complex world they find themselves in. The lofty ideals, the formation of the hearts and minds of children through rigorous study of classical literature, philosophy, mathematics, arts, and sciences are all designed to facilitate this habilitation.

Throughout his two-decade career in education, Doebler has dedicated himself to supporting students with exceptionalities. Over the course of 17 years, he has been an integral part of Great Hearts Academies, contributing to the development of a comprehensive Exceptional Student Services program. Aligned with the heart of classical education, this program reflects Great Hearts’ mission to offer the enriching experience of a classical, liberal arts education to every family seeking it for their child.

Residing in Phoenix, Doebler shares his life with his wife, Angelika, and their two children, four-year-old Vera and two-year-old Rowan.

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from Doebler along with and other inspiring and informative speakers on March 20-22, 2024 at the Phoenix Convention Center, where they will each be giving their unique talks during the National Symposium for Classical Education. Registration is NOW LIVE!

Secure your spot with the exclusive early bird special – $50 off for individuals and groups of five or more. We are pleased to announce that this offer has been extended to Friday, February 2nd,2024.

REGISTER NOW!

The Symposium will focus on renewing the Great Conversation concerning great works and perennial ideas. This year we will underscore the importance of teaching and modeling the conversations that lead to insight–among colleagues, between teachers and students, with families, and across our communities. At a time when our society most needs genuine dialogue, classical schools provide a sanctuary of genuine civility. Join us to discover how classical education embodies the good conversations, providing both the means and the model for a more civil society.

For more information about Great Hearts Exceptional Student Services, visit https://arizona.greatheartsamerica.org/academics/special-education/.

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