Classical in goals and methods

Through Socratic seminars and the Great Books of Western Civilization, students explore questions of philosophy, history, and pedagogy with the aim of forming teachers who are not just knowledgeable about their discipline and skilled practitioners, but virtuous men and women who love to learn.

Designed for working teachers, the majority of MAT courses take place during 5-week summer residencies in St. Davids, PA. Other courses are taught online.

2023 Summer Course Offerings

Summer 2023 (online from May 29th – June 23rd)

  • History and Philosophy of Ancient and Medieval Education - taught by Dr. Brian Williams

Summer 2023 (in-person residency from June 11th-July 14th)

Session 1: June 12th – 27th

  • Classical Pedagogy I - taught by Dr. Fred Putnam
  • Classical Pedagogy II - taught by Dr. Brian Williams with guests Robin Burlew and Andrew Smith from Veritas Classical School in Richmond, VA
  • Dignity and Difference - taught by Dr. Amy Richards

Session 2: June 29th – July 14th (No classes on July 4th)

  • Reading and the Formation of the Soul - taught by Dr. Kathryn Smith
  • Great Conversations III: The Beautiful - taught by Greg Wolfe
“The MAT program has kept the idealist in me alive. Every educator feels trapped by some great issue in the American educational system today. The MAT program has helped me carefully examine the history of these issues and their philosophical underpinnings. With the Great Tradition as our guide, we teachers are able to come together to read great works that reinvigorate our tired imaginations. I am more hopeful teacher because of the rich conversations I have had with my classmates and professors.”

Frank Chilbert, Mainline Classical Academy - Bryn Mawr, PA