Central Consortium of Classical Educators

May 31 -June 1 – Springdale, AR

Human Flourishing in the 21st Century

The Central Consortium of Classical Educators is a one day teaching and training event for anyone interested in Classical Christian Education. Educators, families, and community leaders can receive professional development and a greater understanding of the purpose and practice of the educational movement sweeping the nation.

Last year, participants learned how Classical Christian education is rooted in Christianity and the liberal arts, and fosters the apprehension and appreciation of that which is good, true, and beautiful. This year, the theme is HUMAN FLOURISHING. How can humans continue to flourish in the 21st century?

Join us on June 1, 2024 for a full day of great teaching, group discussions, and lots of food (Tacos for Life) and fellowship so that we might all better understand what it means to be HUMANS made in the Image of God and how this is cultivated in teaching and learning. Keynote Speakers are Dr. Scott Postma of Kepler Education and Dr. Jason Jewell of Faulkner University (see bios below). In addition to these wonderful speakers, we will enjoy two group discussions based on selected readings in fiction and non-fiction on the theme of HUMAN FLOURISHING (more info and excerpt selections to come after registration).

Education Leaders, Heads of Schools, and Deans are invited to a Leadership Meet and Greet on May 31, the Friday evening prior to the event. Keynote speaker will be Derek Brooks of Benedictus Art for this special evening (see bio below). Hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served


THE CONSORTIUM OF CLASSICAL EDUCATORS IS AN INITIATIVE OF KEPLER EDUCATION TO PROVIDE RESOURCES AND REGIONAL CONNECTIONS FOR CHRISTIAN FAMILIES, TEACHERS, AND EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS TO EXPAND THE REACH OF CLASSICAL EDUCATION AND FOSTER HUMAN FLOURISHING FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.



Speakers

Derek Brooks is the owner of Benedictus Art, a full-service art company that provides museum-quality fine art photo reproductions of the world’s great masterpieces to schools and churches across the country as well as design and consultation services. He holds a Master of Arts in Christian Formation and Soul Care from Denver Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Letters from the University of Oklahoma.

Scott served as a minister for 20 years and as a Christian educator for 25 years. He earned degrees in the humanities (Ph.D., Faulkner University), classical studies (M.A.C.C.S., Knox Theological Seminary), religion and English literature (B.S. Liberty University), and creative writing (A.A., College of Southern Nevada). He also earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in theology from a former denominational institution back in the day. 

Department Chair Jason Jewel

Jason Jewell chairs the Department of Humanities at Faulkner University, where he directs online degree programs based on the Great Books at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. On campus he teaches courses in the humanities and social/behavioral science departments and the Great Books Honors Program. He received a Ph.D. in humanities from Florida State University, an M.A. in history from Pepperdine University, and a B.A. in history and music from Harding University.  He is associate editor of the Journal of Faith and the Academy and a member of the editorial board of two other academic journals. He is a contributor to Christian Faith and Social Justice: Five Views (Bloomsbury, 2014) and The Inklings and King Arthur (2018), and he has contributed to six academic journals and five encyclopedias. His writing has also appeared in numerous magazines and popular journals.



Schedule

Friday May 31, 2024Notes
TimeEventSpeaker/TitleLocation
7:00pmRegistrationAdministrationParish Hall
Classical Education Meet and greet Leadership Event with Derek BrooksAdministration7:00-9:00 pm
 Saturday June 1, 2024
8am                                                  Registration (Coffee & Donuts)Parish Hall
8:30amWelcome and Intro/hymnParish Hall
8:50 – 9:40 amKeynote 1
Dr. Scott Postma
Parish Hall
9:40-10:00 amBreak, Mingle, Giveaways, Thank yous Parish HallKepler Sponsorship
10:00 – 11:15 amFiction Discussion(discuss pre-selected fiction excerpt)Break Out Discussion 1: Fiction and Human FlourishingRoom: 1Room: Parish HallRoom: 2Room: Room:
10:15-11:30am Short Break
11:30-12:30Lunch

Lunch–Tacos for Life
Parish Hall
12:45-1:00 pmRe-Gather/GiveawaysParish Hall
1:00-1:50 pmKeynote 2Dr Jason JewellParish Hall
1:50-2:05 pmBreakCarrie Dismiss for breakouts, thank sponsors
2:05-3:20 pmNon-fiction Discussion: (discuss pre-selected non-fiction excerpt)Room: 1Room: Parish HallRoom: 2Room: Room:
3:20-3:30pmShort  BreakJohn gathers everyone back for panel
3:30-4:30 pmPanel DiscussionParish Hall
4:15-4:30Closing Remarks/hymnCarrie Eben (Closing hymn)Parish HallDismissal


Hosts and Sponsors