Course Introduction

This twelve-session course is designed to inspire and equip classical educators to cultivate a sense of wonder in their students and themselves. Drawing from decades of teaching and curriculum development, John Mays offers a rich blend of philosophical grounding, classroom modeling, and practical strategies for awakening awe across all subjects—from literature and history to biology and mathematics.

Through contemplative reflection and imaginative pedagogy, Mays helps teachers rediscover the sacred calling of education: to lead students not only to knowledge, but to delight, reverence, and the recognition of truth, goodness, and beauty in the created world. Sessions include demonstrations of wonder-filled lessons, guidance for classroom practices, and recommendations for books, music, and art that nourish the teacher’s own soul.

Each lecture builds on the last to form a holistic vision of teaching that is deeply classical, spiritually formative, and practically transformative. By the end of the course, educators will be equipped to shape classroom environments and personal habits that invite wonder, encourage contemplation, and cultivate the affections of their students.

This course is ideal for classical school teachers at any level, as well as school leaders and homeschool educators who long to rekindle joy, curiosity, and meaning in their teaching.

John Mays’ degrees include a BS in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University, a Master of Education degree in Secondary Education from the University of Houston, a Master of Liberal Arts degree from St. Edwards University. He also has completed 36 hours of graduate study in the field of Physics. John worked as an engineer and engineering manager for 14 years from 1982 to 1999, with a break for graduate study and teaching appointments.

John entered the field of education in 1985 teaching math in the public school system. Since then he has also taught science and math professionally in various Christian high schools. He was instructor of 20th-century literature at St. Edwards University for nine years and taught statistics and linear algebra at Concordia University for six years. He taught full-time at Regents School of Austin from 1999-2012, serving as Math-Science Department Chair for eight years, and established the Regents Laser Optics Lab. John is the author of Novare’s physics and chemistry textbooks plus many resources including The Student Lab Report Handbook, From Wonder to Mastery: A Transformative Model for Science Education and Science for Every Teacher.

He has three adult children and lives with his wife in San Antonio, Texas.

To learn more about earning a certificate for this course, please visit “How do I Obtain a Course Certificate?” on our FAQ page. Our course certificates are valued by classical schools and co-ops worldwide, and you can also be on your way to obtaining an elective credit toward a Level 1 certificate with your completion of this course. Teachers certified with either ACSI or ACCS will see continuing education unit (CEU) credits listed on our course certificate for you to submit to either organization (with more information on certification credit here).