A Legacy of Learning at Trivium Prep

In the halls of Trivium Prep, a unique bond flourishes between a father and daughter, united not only by blood but also by a shared passion for education. Meet Carl Sauder and his daughter, Anne Potts, both dedicated Humane Letters teachers who have brought their love for learning and teaching to the heart of Great Hearts.

For Potts, this marks her third year at Trivium Prep, where she imparts the wisdom of Humane Letters to eager young minds. With a background in homeschooling, she sought an educational environment that would provide her own children with a solid foundation in academics. Inspired by her father’s own teaching journey, Potts was drawn to Great Hearts not only for the family connection but also for the opportunity to give her children an education beyond what she felt she could provide.

“Home schooling was starting to become a struggle and I really felt like I wasn’t giving my kids enough, which I think every parent goes through a little bit of self-doubt,” she said. Potts said her father urged her to move to Arizona and teach at Trivium Prep, where she would be able to see her kids throughout the day and personally get to know all their teachers. She took her father up on the offer, was quickly offered a position at the academy and quickly realized what a good fit it was for her and her family. “It’s been one of the best decisions,” she said. “My kids have grown, and they found love for things that I know that I wouldn’t have been able to teach them.”

As a mother of seven, Pott’s life outside of the classroom is a whirlwind of creativity and exploration. Her brood of children keeps her on her toes, and together, they embark on countless adventures, exploring the diverse landscapes of Phoenix and its surrounding areas. From crafting sessions to impromptu explorations, every moment is an opportunity for bonding and learning.

Meanwhile, Sauder, with five years of teaching experience at Trivium, brings a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to his role as a Humane Letters teacher. His journey to Great Hearts saw him leave behind a distinguished career as the Vice President of Academic Affairs at the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, having spent 40 years in Puerto Rico. To say that Sauder has a passion for teaching would be an understatement. “I went through various administrative levels,” he said. “But I always wanted to be able to teach, so the condition for doing the administrative work was that I would always have a class.” The move to Arizona was a conscious choice, driven by a desire to be closer to family and to continue his lifelong dedication to education.

Currently semi-retired, Sauder imparts his wisdom through teaching one section of 11th grade. “I decided to retire and teach halftime to not drive my wife crazy,” he joked. He is a respected and brilliant teacher with a great sense of humor and a visible adoration for his daughter. That adoration is matched with his love for learning. “Teaching is something that you never completely master so there’s always something to learn. In a way that’s why I chose the profession because each class you get is different and so teaching them is a continual learning experience. It does not become dull at all,” he said with a large grin on his face and a gleam in his wise eyes.

Outside of the classroom, Sauder enjoys being a dad to Potts and her 11 siblings. You heard that correctly, he and his wife have 12 children and many grandchildren. Both Potts and Sauder explained that family get togethers are huge and although not everyone in the family was able to make Thanksgiving dinner last year, they still had to make three turkeys.

Around the family dinner table, philosophical discussions have always been a staple. “One of the things that I remember from growing up very fondly, that I try and do with my own family is when dad would make us sit down for dinner,” recalled Potts. “So, we had to sit there and talk to him. You know when you’re a teenager that’s not so great. But then you realize that was really the time for us to reconnect after a busy day and he instilled in us this this love of learning. He always encouraged us to do our best and work our hardest.” It is this intellectual environment that laid the foundation for both Potts and her father’s love for teaching and learning.

Their shared legacy of fostering a love for knowledge and inquiry now extends to the students they guide at Great Hearts. “[Teaching together] is a lot of fun because we get to compare notes. We compare teaching experiences. And if we get stuck, we just help each other,” said Potts. “I get so much from him. I’ve had a great mentor. I didn’t know that I would enjoy it this much. I didn’t know that you could have such a fulfilling job that’s … more than what I could have hoped for. I’m really happy that I get to share it with him.”

In the heartwarming story of this family, education isn’t just a profession; it’s a way of life. Together, they embody the spirit of Great Hearts, nurturing young minds and inspiring a lifelong love for learning. Their story stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring bonds that it can create within a family.

Do you have a story or know of a story that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts?  Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org.