Foundations in Classical Teaching with Dr. Christopher Perrin
This faculty orientation will support you where you are at in your classical education journey as you study through select ClassicalU courses. Each course linked below has a professional certificate available upon completion. To get you excited to begin, here is a brief 11-minute lesson with Dr. Christopher Perrin contemplating the foundational question of “What is Classical Education?”
New Hire Orientation and Training
Introduction to Classical Education
The renewal of classical education has grown significantly over the last two decades. However, even seasoned classical educators agree that it can still be difficult to answer the fundamental question: “What is classical education?” In this foundational course, Dr. Christopher Perrin provides a clear definition of classical education and then explores key questions.
The Scholé Way
In this all-new course, Dr. Christopher Perrin explores how the classical concept of restful, contemplative learning—scholé—provides formation in wisdom, virtue, and a deep intellectual life. Tracing the roots of scholé in classical philosophy, Christian theology, and monastic education, the course examines how this tradition contrasts with the anxiety-driven tendencies of modern schooling.
The Good Teacher
This course, presented by Dr. Christopher Perrin and Carrie Eben, offers a rich and accessible introduction to the foundational principles of classical education for teachers. Together, Perrin and Eben unpack ten classical pedagogical principles and show how they apply across subjects, student ages, and school models. Each principle is explored not only through philosophical reflection but through vivid classroom stories, concrete strategies, and thoughtful encouragement.
Essentials of Effective Teaching
In this course, Robyn Burlew shares her accumulated wisdom and practical insights into what it means to be an effective classical educator. Those teachers yearning for practical, hands-on guidance in teaching methods, classroom cultivation, testing and assessment, and effective planning will find this course truly essential.
Growing Classroom Culture through Parent Partnerships
In this second course, Robyn Burlew shares her accumulated wisdom and practical insights for forging meaningful partnerships with parents in order to develop a rich and healthy classroom culture. This course is ideal for relatively new teachers who need to acquire the skill and wisdom for crafting harmony among students and parents.
Grammar School Learning Track
Well-Ordered Language Teacher Training
In this course Tammy Peters focuses on preparing teachers of the Well-Ordered Language series about how to implement both the sentence analysis script and diagramming with their students. Throughout these lessons and levels that follow the chapters of the Well-Ordered Language series, Tammy moves from presenting beginning grammar to intensive grammar.
Narration: A Classical Guide
In this course, Charlotte Mason expert, Jason Barney explores and explains the practice of a reading practice called narration and shows how teachers in classical schools can employ it to great effect and benefit.
Essential Latin
In this course, veteran Latin teacher and Latin textbook author Karen T. Moore provides a clear and engaging introduction to the Latin language. This course is designed for teachers who want to understand the essential grammar of the Latin language, as well as for those who would like to teach introductory Latin.
Teaching Singapore Math
This is a crucial course for any teacher preparing to teach Singapore Math. Master teacher and grammar school principal Dawn Swartz blends her familiarity with classical education, her extensive experience, and her passion for Singapore Math into this practical course on how to implement and teach Singapore Math.
School Leadership Learning Track
Essential School Leadership
This pithy course on essential school leadership will prove to be of great benefit and importance to any classical headmaster, administrator, or principal. Veteran head of school Keith Nix leads one of the flagship classical schools in the country–the Veritas School of Richmond, VA.
Leadership and the Liberal Arts
Join Dr. Christopher Perrin as he walks through what many classical thinkers have to say about leadership and the liberal arts. Learn about how virtue is connected to leadership in the classical and Christian traditions.
Grammar School Teaching and Leadership
In this course, master grammar school educator and principal Lori Jill Keeler blends her knowledge and insights into the classical tradition of education with practical counsel on how grammar school teachers can plan and teach with excellence, shepherd the hearts of children, and create dynamic yet peaceful classrooms.
Effective Upper School Teaching & Leadership
In this course, Dr. Christopher Schlect addresses what it means to teach upper-school students effectively and to provide excellent leadership in a classical upper school. With over 20 years of experience teaching high school and college students, Dr. Schlect is able to distill and note the key principles of both teaching and leadership. He highlights two master principles that he develops throughout the course: sympathy and fellowship.
Who We Are
