The Spirit & Craft of Teaching

in the Catholic Liberal Arts Tradition

Dates and location for June 2021 TBA

Our most hands-on, sequential program immerses teachers in the theory and practice of classical liberal arts pedagogy. The program is designed for both new and veteran teachers who are unfamiliar with Catholic liberal arts education. Participants will explore seven pedagogical principles that can be integrated across the curriculum for any subject and any grade level.

The program size is limited to 30 and designed for maximum personal attention; participants prepare and present lessons and receive feedback. Teachers are encouraged to bring a current unit or lesson planning project to work on during the week with guidance from seasoned classical educators.

The 2020 program was led by Elisabeth Sullivan, Executive Director of ICLE, Colleen Richards, ICLE’s Director of School Services, and Dr. Merrill Roberts, Nature Studies teacher at St. Jerome Academy, Catholic University of America professor, and NASA researcher. 

Here’s what past participants have had to say:

“Excellent and eye-opening. I can’t thank you enough for introducing Catholic liberal arts education to my co-worker and me. This was the best professional development I’ve ever attended!”

“Eye opening, life changing, overwhelming – I am excited to begin this new way of teaching, learning, and loving our Lord.”


“This was a powerful experience that I really needed. I think the best word is transformative.”

“The workshop was incredible. It challenged me in so many ways. With the information I received, I was able to expand my mind in ways that I didn’t realize it could stretch in such a small amount of time. My heart and soul–and mind–grew this week! Thank you!”

“I felt every presentation was outstanding–there was variety, time for reflection, and always something included that I could relate to and do.”
 
“The pacing and care that presenters took to guides us through what we were learning and practicing shows that the leaders of the conference know how to teach, especially how to help teachers….Thank you for giving us the opportunity to try what we learned.”
 
“I enjoyed the hands-on activities. I liked the teaching, but also the discussions.”
 
“Most helpful were the physical practice and in-depth study of mimetic instruction, as well as the great binder of resources and the presence of  a variety of teachers and administrators there”.
 
“The culmination of the week: working on, wrestling with, and presenting a lesson – and the feedback, most especially.”
 
“The presenters were so helpful. friendly, and approachable. They were also there to answer any questions anyone had.”

“The daily workshops were very informative and provided a practical means for developing a classical school model in a Catholic setting. I found the presentation and breakout session covering the adaptation of existing lessons to the classical model most helpful.”
 
“There were many useful takeaways; small bits and the larger picture stuff.”

SCHOOL LEADERS: Be aware that many schools are able to fund program participation via Federal Title funding. Importantly, see here for a recent policy letter from Secretary DeVos indicating that such funding for secular services from religious organizations does not violate the Establishment clause. If you have questions regarding Title funding, please feel free to contact us for guidance.

For more information, contact Colleen Richards at crichards@catholicliberaleducation.org or 844-425-3832 x704. 

 

Spirit & Craft of Teaching Interest Form

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the size of the program, the maximum number of participants from a single school is 3. 

PLEASE NOTE: For all ICLE programs, cancellations received at least 60 days in advance of the event will be honored with a full refund. Cancellations received at least 30 days in advance will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations received less than 30 days in advance will receive no refund. Please allow up to 30 days for a refund to be processed.