Philip Althage
Headmaster, Great Hearts Irving
Date Published: Nov. 17, 2016
Philip Althage, Great Hearts Irving Headmaster, reflects on value of Classical Education Graduate Program for his teachers:
"Three of my teachers are enrolled in the Graduate Classical Education program at University of Dallas. Their course of studies has enriched their engagement with the high culture of the West, renewing their zeal for the project of the Liberal Arts within the classroom and among our faculty. The relationship between Great Hearts and University of Dallas is destined to flourish through their cooperative sponsorship of these teachers’ professional development.
"The Great Hearts teachers studying in this program have taken on leadership opportunities among our faculty as well. They have led seminars with faculty on C.S. Lewis’ The Abolition of Man, have evaluated classrooms for their classicality and utility, and have helped to develop solutions with teachers encountering difficult circumstances with students or material. It is remarkable to observe the widespread effect upon our community that these teachers’ studies have had.
"As classical educators operating within today’s educational context, liberal arts teachers and administrators can often forget that they are not alone in their vocation, and that others throughout the country have responded to the same calling to educate students in the pursuit of wisdom and virtue. The Masters in Classical Education program provides teachers from various backgrounds and institutions to reflect together on the beauty and splendor of the Western Tradition. University of Dallas has lifted up a rallying banner for teachers everywhere.
"As an administrator, I am grateful that University of Dallas is helping to keep the mission of classical education prominent in my teachers’ hearts and minds. The daily rigors of a teacher’s work make for a heavy load, and those without the animating force of vision and purpose will often buckle under the burden. University of Dallas helps to remind these teachers of the wondrous depths of the liberal arts and reinvigorates them in their most noble purpose.
"I cannot recommend this program more highly."