Panel Discussions Cultivate Wisdom in Numbers at the 2025 National Symposium for Classical Education

One of the most anticipated tracks being offered at the 2025 National Symposium for Classical Education are the panel discussions, where attendees experience the collective intelligence of a group of experts in the field of Classical Education. We know that when individuals collaborate, their diverse perspectives can lead to deeper insights. Nowhere is this more evident than in these curated panel discussions designed to foster meaningful discussions on classical education and its role in “Cultivating Wonder,” the theme of this year’s Symposium.

SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM AND TRACKS AVAILABLE NOW

Hosted by the Great Hearts Institute, the Symposium is set to take place at the Mission Palms Hotel in Tempe, Arizona, from February 19-21. This prestigious event will bring together educators, scholars, and thought leaders to explore the richness of classical education through various insightful presentations.

The panels have been pulled together to bring wisdom to the subjects as well as diverse perspectives, which will should prove to provoke deep thought on each of the interesting and inspiring topics. One such topic is “The Novel: Studying Human Nature, the Passions, and the Cultivation of Wonder through Stories,” which will address the vital role of novels in education.

A recent Atlantic Magazine article has raised concerns about the decline of full-length novels in American high school curricula. The article warns that students increasingly struggle to read novels in their entirety, which has profound implications for their intellectual and moral development.

This panel will be comprised of Christopher Scalia – Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, Debra Romanick Baldwin – Associate Professor of English at the University of Dallas, and Jacob Howland – Provost and Dean of Intellectual Foundations at the University of Austin.

These distinguished scholars will delve into why reading complete novels is a cornerstone of a well-rounded education. It will explore the ways in which novels help students develop a rational understanding of human nature, inspire wonder, and nourish creativity. Through engaging with literary characters and their complex narratives, students gain an enriched perspective on the human experience, one that fosters both intellectual and moral growth.

Other Panel Discussions include:

• “Classical Education, From the Sacred to the Secular: Exploring the application of the tradition within a wide variety of contexts” with Abraham Unger – Head of School at Emet Classical Academy, Joshua Dunn – Executive Director of the Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee, Elisabeth Sullivan – Executive Director at the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education, and John Peterson – Assistant Director of K-12 Curriculum at Hillsdale College.
• “Growing Classical Education Through Improving Partnerships Between K12 and Higher Education” with Erin Valdez – Executive Director of Center for Education and Public Service Incubator at the University of Austin, Andrew Porwancher – Professor & Director of Graduate Studies at Arizona State University, Daniel Coupland – Dean of the Graduate School of Classical Education at Hillsdale College, David Carl – Associate Dean of Graduate Programs at St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
• “Teaching the Tradition: The Perils and Opportunities of a Looser Canon” with Jessica Hooten Wilson – Fletcher Jones Chair of Great Books at Pepperdine University, Heidi White – Academic Director at Haven School/Close Reads Podcast, Mark Bauerlein – Editor at First Things magazine, and Anika Prather – Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Elementary Education at Catholic University and Founder of The Living Water School.
• “What is the Evidence Base for Classical Education?” with Robert Pondiscio – Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, Daniel Buck – Senior Visiting Fellow at the Fordham Institute, and AlbertCheng – Associate Professor at the University of Arkansas.
• “Forever Young: Jane Austen at 250” with Colleen Sheehan – Professor at Arizona State University, Sir Jonathan Bate – Regents Professor of Literature & Foundation Professor of Environmental Humanities at Arizona State University, and Inger S.B. Brodey – Professor and Associate Dean at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
• “What can State Governments do to Foster More Classical Schools?” with Jason Bedrick – Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation, Matt Beienburg – Director of Education Policy at the Goldwater Institute, Erin Valdez – Executive Director of the Center for Education and Public Service Incubator at the University of Austin, and Derrell Bradford – President of 50CAN: The 50-State Campaign for Achievement Now.

Inclusion of panel discussions highlights the collective intellect gained through collaboration, while workshops allow for a focused deep dive into specialized topics led by individual experts. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, share best practices, and collaborate on ways to ensure the future of classical education remains strong.

Join us this year in “Cultivating Wonder.” Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an enriching experience that brings together some of the brightest minds in classical education. REGISTER NOW and be part of the conversation that is shaping the future of classical education.

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