Recruiting and Training Talent to Sustain Exponential Growth in Classical Education

The American educational system is experiencing dramatic change, as demonstrated by the rapid expansion of classical schools. According to a recent study from Arcadia Education, the current rate of growth for new classical schools is 4.8% annually. Nearly 500 of the 1500 classical schools have opened in the past decade alone. These figures do not account for additional existing schools that are now joining the renewal of classical liberal arts education.

While the classical trend has the potential to revitalize the educational landscape, classical schools are facing an enormous challenge: to recruit and train educators suitable for their communities. Not just anyone can teach in a classical school. Much is expected of those who take up the noble profession of teaching: mastery of one’s subject matter, genuine concern for children or young people, effective communication skills (including some dramatic capacity, now and then), and an awareness that teaching the next generation is one of the most honorable, generous vocations in society.

For these reasons, Benedictine College launched two graduate programs in 2023 to support educators in the renewal of classical liberal arts education. Through the Sheridan Center for Classical Studies and with forecasts of continued growth, Benedictine College is proud to partner with two programs: the CLT Classical Teaching Corps and Classical Common. By partnering with others in the classical renewal, Benedictine College is assisting in the recruitment and formation of the next generation of classical educators.

The CLT Classical Teaching Corps

The Classic Learning Test (CLT) was established in 2015 to provide a meaningful alternative to the SAT and ACT, rooted in the long tradition of education oriented toward the discovery of truth, goodness and beauty. Building on his own experiences as a classroom teacher in public schools, Jeremy Tate, CLT founder and CEO, has built a phenomenal team to provide essential assessment tools for classical educators. Through the CLT’s engagement with classical schools, Tate has witnessed the increasing numbers of young people benefiting from classical education. As classical schools continue to grow, Tate saw an opportunity to connect classically educated students about to graduate from college with opportunities to become teachers in top classical schools, where, as members of the CLT Classical Teaching Corps, they can pass on the rich intellectual tradition they have received during their schooling.

“As the first generations of CLT test-takers graduate from college, we recognized an opportunity to connect these young scholars with top classical schools where there is a growing need for vibrant teachers,” said Tate. “Through the CLT Classical Teaching Corps, we intend to support and strengthen the amazing classical education renewal happening right now in America.”

The CLT Classical Teaching Corps will guarantee placement for 100 graduating seniors to teach at a classical school next fall. These aspiring teachers will make a two-year commitment to the CLT Classical Teaching Corps, with the initial summer training provided by one of three partnering institutions of higher education, including Benedictine College’s Sheridan Center for Classical Studies. Training will prepare CLT Classical Teaching Corps members for classroom teaching as well as provide them with graduate credit and the opportunity to complete a graduate program.

“Benedictine College is honored to partner with the CLT Classical Teaching Corps,” said Pete Helgesen, Benedictine College’s Vice President for Enrollment and Strategic Initiatives. “This unique program is a significant step in building a network of talented and highly prepared teachers for classical schools across the country. I encourage anyone who is interested in this opportunity to take the next step and apply to the Classical Teaching Corps.”

Applications for the CLT Classical Teaching Corps are due on December 1, 2024. Visit the CLT website to complete your application today and become part of the growing renewal in classical education.

Beyond the Corps

While the CLT Classical Teaching Corps members will fill part of the necessary supply, the number of openings will go far beyond the 100 teachers the program plans to support. Another emerging partner, Classical Commons, is providing access to hundreds of opportunities for teaching in classical schools nationwide. Formally launched in October, Classical Commons already has 74 schools registered from 28 states representing a variety of classical types (public, private, charter, religious, etc.). From those schools alone, an estimated 439 K-12 positions must be filled for the fall of 2025.

With hundreds of other classical schools yet to be connected, Classical Commons is preparing to reach hundreds of teachers, from all backgrounds. By applying with the “Commons Application,” applicants will be able to present their subject expertise, previous experiences, and other preferences (region, school type, etc.) to dozens of schools that are hiring for those characteristics. There is no cost to the applicant–and the applicant’s profile will be distributed to multiple schools, prompting direct inquiries for the applicant’s consideration.

“Classical Commons is building an educational network to recruit and train talented people who are willing to serve the common good—and to discern a possible vocation in teaching,” said Robert Jackson, founder of Classical Commons. “Recent graduates, current teachers, young professionals, homeschool moms, mid-career professionals, and retirees are all welcome to sign up. Some of them will become teachers—and perhaps leaders—in the next wave of classical, liberal arts schools in America.”  As Jackson explains, “Connecting the right talent to classical schools means finding the best fit for both the applicants and the schools. That means casting a much wider net for teachers and leaders.”

In addition to connecting the emerging talent with classical schools, Classical Commons is encouraging current and future teachers and school leaders to pursue quality, affordable formation and training through classical graduate programs like those at Benedictine College. “Benedictine College understands the importance of revitalizing culture through education—which makes it an ideal partner in this classical renewal movement.”

The mission of Classical Commons is an extension of classical education itself: “Classical, liberal arts education is simply the gold standard: the excellence of an intellectual and ethical tradition stretching over 3000 years. Benedictine College gets that! Classical integrates mind and heart in ways conducive to human flourishing. Because it returns to perennial questions, classical education is the most relevant form of teaching.” As Jackson puts it, “Ultimately, it concerns what it means to be fully human—and we want to see everyone experience that reality.”

By connecting aspiring teachers and leaders with strong programs of higher education and K-12 schools seeking quality talent, Classical Commons is creating a nexus to sustain the exponential growth of classical education.

Training Teachers for Classical Schools

As part of Benedictine College’s strategy to transform culture in America, the Sheridan Center for Classical Studies offers two graduate programs in classical education that support the efforts of both the CLT Classical Teaching Corps and Classical Commons.

Equipping educators with a strong philosophical foundation in classical education through instruction in the great works of the Catholic intellectual tradition as well as explicit instruction in pedagogy and curricular integration for the purpose of forming students in intellectual and moral virtues is the mission of Benedictine’s graduate programs in classical education. Through these programs, graduate students (re)discover the wonder, delight and fullness of the classical tradition.

In addition to forming future members of the CLT Classical Teaching Corps and interested candidates referred from Classical Commons, the Sheridan Center for Classical Studies welcomes anyone interested in learning more about classical education to consider its degree programs:

• Master of Arts in Classical Education for teachers
• Master of Arts in Classical Leadership for school administrative leaders

Applications are now open for the next cohorts, which begin in May 2025. These programs equip aspiring teachers and leaders with a foundational understanding of the the rich Catholic intellectual tradition, while also providing explicit instruction in classical teaching methods and school leadership best practices. For more information, contact the Sheridan Center.

Through strategic partnerships, Benedictine College, the CLT and Classical Commons will work together to support the transformation of culture in America, which begins in our K-12 schools and local communities. It is through these programs that faith, civil discourse, and studied analysis of issues can be returned to our society.

“Without question, classical education is a form of civic renewal, for our entire society,” said Jackson. “Our organization was founded to serve the common good. We believe that classical education is not just for the religious or for those who like old books. It truly provides a vision of the good life—and that’s for everyone.”

 

Founded in 1858, Benedictine College is a Catholic, Benedictine, residential, liberal arts college located on the bluffs above the Missouri River in Atchison, Kansas. The school is honored to have been named one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report, the best private college in Kansas by The Wall Street Journal, and one of the top Catholic colleges in the nation by First Things magazine and the Newman Guide. It prides itself on outstanding academics, extraordinary faith life, strong athletic programs, and an exceptional sense of community and belonging. Benedictine College is dedicated to transforming culture in America through its mission to educate men and women within a community of faith and scholarship.

By Emma R.C. Lyons

By Krystyn Schmerbeck

The Sheridan Center for Classical Studies forms minds and hearts by promoting the liberal arts and the Catholic intellectual tradition.