Tag: teachers

Teaching and the Noble Work of Education

Dr. Kathleen O'Toole

At Hillsdale College we know—from both experience and principle—the authority that teachers and parents have in the noble work of education. We profess this in all that we do, but especially through our work in K-12 education. No remote system of control or bureaucracy can supplant the knowledge, interests, and love that local communities bring to bear—primarily through parents and teachers—on the education of the young. As Hillsdale was founded to advance education, we will ever promote these great truths and the practices that arise from them. It is our mission, and we will not shrink from it.

Prior to working as a teacher at a Hillsdale College K-12 school…

Mrs. Rachel James

Prior to working as a teacher at a Hillsdale College-affiliated BCSI school, I held several different jobs in traditional public education. Working with students from Pre-K through 12th grade, I served as an ESL paraprofessional, library aide, and preschool recess monitor, among other roles. I had the privilege to observe many experienced, compassionate educators and… Continue reading Prior to working as a teacher at a Hillsdale College K-12 school…

Mr. Peterson’s Faculty Address at Commencement 2018

Dr. Kathleen O'Toole

Each year a member of the faculty who is particularly special to the senior class is invited to give an address at graduation and introduce the Salutatorian and Valedictorian. The Class of 2017's faculty speaker was Mr. Berndt, and this year Mr. Peterson was invited to speak to the Class of 2018. 

Unintended Consequences: How Four Kids’ Classical Education Affected Mom and Dad, by Mr. Swartz

Dr. Kathleen O'Toole

Unintended Consequences: How Four Kids' Classical Education Affected Mom and Dad by Kyle Swartz, the parent of four students at Founders Classical Academy of Leander: Anna (Class of 2019), Emily ('20), Jonah ('23), and Michael ('26) We all want what’s best for our kids. What our kids to be happy in this life. We want them… Continue reading Unintended Consequences: How Four Kids’ Classical Education Affected Mom and Dad, by Mr. Swartz

Seminar Discussion in 9th-12th Grade, by Mr. Peterson

Dr. Kathleen O'Toole

The Seminar Discussion by Mr. Peterson, Literature and Philosophy Teacher This is an abridged version of a lecture given at Hillsdale College on June 29, 2017 as part of the Barney Charter School Initiative's summer teacher training. The original (available upon request) includes details about seminar setup procedures, grading, how the other components of a literature class… Continue reading Seminar Discussion in 9th-12th Grade, by Mr. Peterson

Testing our New Air Track in 11th Grade Physics

Dr. Kathleen O'Toole

At the end of our third year, Founders Classical Academy of Leander was honored with the Salvatori Prize for Excellence in Teaching. The award came with a $25,000 prize, and earlier this year some of those funds went toward the purchase of a telescope and an air track for the science department. Several weeks ago… Continue reading Testing our New Air Track in 11th Grade Physics

The Art of Teaching, by Gilbert Highet

Dr. Kathleen O'Toole

Over the summer our faculty read The Art of Teaching, by Gilbert Highet. Originally published in 1950, the book is full of valuable advice about how to prepare for classes and use assignments effectively, and a beautiful discussion of what it means to be a teacher. Highet says that parents are a child’s first and… Continue reading The Art of Teaching, by Gilbert Highet