The Classical Teaching Institute

*Register today* for The Great Books Getaway / June 9 - 13, 2025 Taught by Joshua Gibbs Instead of attending a huge conference this summer, consider attending a cozy five-day retreat for humanities teachers that offers both rest and deep focus on what humanities teachers actually do—teach classical texts. Many teachers leave big conferences saying that the dense schedule of lectures felt like “drinking from a firehose.” While such a claim is humble on the part of the teacher, no one actually wants to drink from a firehose. You leave thirsty and confused. At the end of the school year, teachers need rest and renewal. They want ideas, plans, counsel, and guidance to take back to their classrooms in the fall—but they also want leisure and room to breathe. They want time and space to consider the year that’s finished and what changes they want to make in the year to come. From June 9-13, The Classical Teaching Institute is pleased to offer the Great Book Getaway at The Ambrose School in Meridian, ID. The Great Books Getaway revolves around the unhurried reading and consideration of classic texts. Over the course of five days, Joshua Gibbs will offer attendees a slow, unwinding picture of what it means to teach classic literature in a truly humane manner. The “menu” for the inaugural getaway will include "Pride & Prejudice," "The Social Contract," "Paradise Lost," and James Joyce’s "Dubliners." At the end of the Great Books Getaway, participants will take home a clear picture of what it looks like to use lecture, discussion, assessment, catechisms, and personal stories to lead students through a classic text.

Jeremiah Mavrogeorge argues that, "The educator is a lightning rod for praise and criticism." In his new essay, he offers encouragement to teachers who are suffering for doing good.

"Is this the kind of school where board member's kids get away with murder?" and four other important questions to ask before you get into a classical school.

"The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church." -Tertullian "Friendship with the world is enmity with God." -St. James "Friendship with the world is the seed of the church." -Youth pastor Steve

Classical Christian education has been invaded by men like Harge Manning, founder of the Diluvian Consortium.

In this episode of "In the Trenches," Joshua Gibbs and Beatrice Gibbs read a dialogue from "A Parley With Youth."

"Here’s a copy of the student handbook. Make sure you have a look at the dress code section. It was written by the Sybil of Cumae."