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."
