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Welcome to the

2026 Summit on Classical Education

Educating for Wisdom in the Modern World

The Classical Education Summit is a premier gathering uniting K-12 and higher education leaders to advance classical education’s growth from kindergarten through graduate school.

Florida International University in Miami

Two Day Event

May 1-2, 2026

Event Ticket

$149

THIS EVENT IS
SOLD OUT!

Where Tradition

Ignites Transformation

A statewide network of teachers, school leaders, scholars, researchers, policy makers, and supporters who believe education should aim at wisdom, not test scores.

While K-12 classical schools in Florida experience remarkable growth, there’s also a renewal of the liberal arts in colleges and universities across the state.
This May we will gather K-12 and higher education in common cause: the growth and development of classical education–from kindergarten to graduate school.
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Florida International University in Miami

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Two Day Event

May 1-2, 2026

Engaged women at Florida Institute of Classical Learning event, promoting classical education and community leadership.

The gap we're bridging

Florida’s classical education movement is thriving — with dozens of schools, innovative programs, and passionate educators transforming learning across the state. But here’s the challenge: we’re doing this transformative work in isolation.
Teachers, leaders, and supporters at every level — K-12 through university — are navigating similar challenges without connecting, sharing insights, or building on each other’s successes.
This summit changes that.
For two days, we’re bringing together everyone shaping classical education in Florida. You’ll engage in honest conversations, gain practical strategies, and build authentic relationships that will strengthen your work for years to come.
This is where isolation ends and collaboration begins.
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Insights from

Classical Educators

Sessions on

Knowledge Sharing

Connect with

Industry Leaders

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Meet Our

Speakers

Sarah Abbott

The Consortium of Classical Educators

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Alyssan Barnes

Institute for Catholic Liberal Education

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Mark Bauerlein

First Things

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Christine Boor

Belmont Abbey College

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Jonathan Butcher

The Heritage Foundation

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Don Charles

Freedom in Education

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Eric Cook

Society for Classical Learning

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Martin Cothran

Memoria College

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Daniel Coupland

Hillsdale College

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Eric Coykendall

Hillsdale K-12

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David Diener

Hillsdale College

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Florida Institute of Classical Learning at the Florida Summit on Classical Education.

Carrie Eben

Eben Classical

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Robert Enlow

Ed Choice

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Mimi Ensley

Flagler College

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Florida Institute of Classical Learning at the Florida Summit on Classical Education.

Joshua Gibbs

The Classical Teaching Initiative

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Portrait of a professional man at the Florida Summit on Classical Education, emphasizing classical learning and educational excellence.

Jonathan Gregg

Hillsdale College

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Daniel Guernsey

Ave Maria University

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Jesse Hake

ClassicalU

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James Hankins

Univeristy of Florida

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Joshua Herring

The Rafiki Foundation

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Ravi Jain

Philosophical Theologian

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Junius Johnson

Independent Scholar

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Alex Julian

Classic Learning Test

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Torgun Lovely

Liberty Common School

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Benjamin Lyda

Scriptorium Writing

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Jennifer Mauser

Institute for Excellence in Writing

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Patricio Mendez

True North Classical Academy

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Sarah Novlan

Classic Learning Test

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Devin O’Donnell

ACCS

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Florida Institute of Classical Learning hosts a summit on classical education in Florida, promoting traditional teaching methods and academic excellence.

Kathryn Perkins

Florida Charter Institute

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Christopher Perrin

Classical Academic Press

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Brian Polk

College of the Ozarks

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Paul Powell

Florida Charter Institute

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David Randall

National Association of Scholars

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Carol Reynolds

Professor Carol

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Jonathan Roberts

Ancient Language Institute

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Florida Institute of Classical Learning speaker at the Florida Summit on Classical Education, promoting classical education methods and values.

Gregory Roper

University of Dallas

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David Rothman

Independent Scholar

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Ian Rowe

American Enterprise Institute

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Tom St. Antoine

Palm Beach Atlantic University

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Krystyn
Schmerbeck

Benedictine College

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Susan Spear

Independent Scholar

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Elisabeth Sullivan

ICLE

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James Tanton

Mathematical Association of America

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Florida Institute of Classical Learning representative speaking at the Florida Summit on Classical Education, promoting classical teaching methods.

Jeremy Tate

Classic Learning Test

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Erik Twist

Arcadia

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Gregory Wilbur

New College Franklin

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Brian Williams

Templeton Honors College

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Prominent speaker at the Florida Summit on Classical Education, representing the Florida Institute of Classical Learning, emphasizing the importance of classical education in Florida.

Daniel Willingham

University of Virginia

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John Young

Flagler College

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And More!

Featured

Sessions

Become accustomed to a room full of people who care about the same things you do.

Registration (4:00PM)

Check in, receive your conference materials, and enjoy coffee while connecting with fellow educators who share your commitment to cultivating wisdom through classical education.

Welcome Remarks
(6:00PM)

Leaders from around Florida will set the vision for our time together, highlighting the unique opportunity we have to unite K-12 and higher education in advancing classical pedagogy across our state.

Opening Keynote (6:30PM)

Chris Perrin and Carrie Eben, authors of The Good Teacher, will challenge us to think deeply about the purposes and practices of teaching in forming wise men and women, setting the foundation for two days of meaningful dialogue and practical learning.

Reception
(7:30-9:00PM)

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and live music with colleagues, as we begin cultivating a K-20 ecosystem for the advancement of classical education in Florida.

We’re designing the experience so you can actually connect: guided table discussions, role-based roundtables, and time to talk without rushing. 

And of course, hear from an amazing line-up of presenters. 

Breakfast and Registration

7:00 AM – 7:45 AM

Opening Keynote

8:00 AM – 9:10 AM

Daniel Willingham (University of Virginia) will provide insights from the latest in cognitive science, prompting us to explore practices that enhance learning in relation to effective pedagogy.

Divide into Tracks

9:15 AM – 11:30 AM

Three focused tracks:
• Teachers: Discover the power of classical pedagogy
• Leaders: Uncover the secrets of vibrant school communities
• Supporters: Learn how to equip classical schools for long-term success.

Shared lunch & Common Talk

12:00 PM -1:30 PM

Join us for a communal meal where conversations flow naturally between K-12 teachers, university professors, administrators, and supporters. This is where real connections form — sharing challenges, celebrating victories, and discovering unexpected collaborations across educational levels.

Divide into Tracks

1:45 PM – 4:30 PM

Three focused tracks:
• Teachers: Discover the power of classical pedagogy
• Leaders: Uncover the secrets of vibrant school communities
• Supporters: Learn how to equip classical schools for long-term success.

Conclusion

4:40 PM – 5:00 PM

Enjoy a surprise announcement—and a charge to cultivate this growing K-12 ecosystem in the Sunshine State. 

Leave with a renewed sense of purpose, practical strategies for your classroom or institution, and a network of allies committed to the same educational vision.

Your Seat

At the table

Whether you fit one role or wear multiple hats, you’ll find your community here.

K-12 Educators

Teachers passionate about restoring wonder and wisdom in the classroom

School Leaders

Heads of school, administrators, and co-op directors shaping institutional culture

Higher Education Faculty

Professors and faculty committed to renewing the liberal arts tradition

Academic Leaders

Curriculum designers, department chairs, and culture-builders at every level

Supporters & Advocates

Trustees, donors, parents, and community members investing in classical education

Vision Partners

Anyone ready to help Florida lead the nation in educational renewal

Why You Need to Be Here

Because Classical Education is worth fighting for. But also because it’s heavy work to carry alone.

You need to be here if you’ve ever thought:

  • “We’re (re)building culture but I wish I knew others doing this well…”
  • “It often feels like we’re burning energy and time reinventing things that might have already been solved somewhere else…”
  • “We need resources that actually help and not overwhelm with just more theory and aspirational concepts…”
  • “I want supporters, parents, and peers who truly understand the mission and not just the jargon…”
  • “We’re growing but the school-year clock feels like it’s working against us…”


This summit brings clarity, collaboration, and a network that will continue long after the May event.

Register Now
Innovative Classical Learning conference at Florida Institute of Classical Learning, featuring educators and scholars engaging in discussions on classical education philosophy and methods.

Choose

Your Track

Dedicated educator engaging students in classical learning methods at Florida Institute of Classical Learning.

Teachers

Practical pedagogy, time-tested methods, real classroom tools.

No jargon. No busywork.  For the people actually in the trenches.

Discussion at Florida Institute of Classical Learning, highlighting classical education, cultural enrichment, and community engagement.

Leaders

Culture-building. Hiring. Curriculum. Mission drift prevention.

Everything that keeps you up at night is tackled head-on.

Family enjoying outdoor activities in a wooded area with blooming flowers, representing the Florida Institute of Classical Learning's emphasis on nature and traditional values.

Supporters

For scholars, donors, trustees, parents, friends, advocates, state and local officials.

How to understand the mission, how to help without micromanaging, how to build buy-in.

Grab your

Ticket Now

Register Now

01

Network & Keynotes

Secure your seat and bring a team if you can because this is the kind of event where shared experience strengthens real work back home.

02

Post-Event Resources

Registration will also include all recorded talks.

03

Pricing Options

Group Rate Price: $99 for groups

Full Price: $149

Team Discount: Five or more attend at the $99 group rate pricing through April 17

04

VIP Access

Refer three other who register to secure your ticket to the VIP cocktail hour.

Community support keynote Roundtable Presentation Registration
Community support keynote Roundtable Presentation Registration

Meet

Our PARTNERS

Become a Partner

Summit Host

Our Partners

Participants at the Florida Summit on Classical Education, organized by the Florida Institute of Classical Learning, engaging in discussions on enhancing classical education methods.
Attendees at the Florida Summit on Classical Education discuss innovative teaching methods for classical learning in a professional conference setting.
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Scriptorium Writing
Hillsdale College campus building with historic architecture, representing higher education and classical learning in Michigan.
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Frequently

Asked

Questions

Is there a remote option?

No, but a post-event recorded option will be available for those who cannot attend in person.

Yes, that’s ideal!  We encourage schools and co-ops to send teachers, leaders, and supporters.

Yes! Click HERE for details

Business casual is welcome, with polos and short sleeves appropriate to the heat index.

More details to come… 

Absolutely. Attend the sessions that appeal to you the most. Recordings of every session will be available 30 days after the summit ends.

Of course, all are welcome.

Meet Our

Speakers

If classical education matters to you, this summit is where you should be this May. Come meet others doing the same good work and leave with more clarity, more friends, and more fire for the mission.
Get Your Ticket Now
Enthusiastic students studying classical literature and philosophy, engaged in collaborative learning at Florida Institute of Classical Learning.
Insightful writing at the Florida Institute of Classical Learning, focusing on classical education, teaching methods, and scholarly discussions in a classroom setting.
Engaged women at Florida Institute of Classical Learning event, promoting classical education and community leadership.
Innovative Classical Learning conference at Florida Institute of Classical Learning, featuring educators and scholars engaging in discussions on classical education philosophy and methods.
Students playing violins at a classical music concert, bright stage lighting, young musicians performing, part of the Florida Institute of Classical Learning programs, fostering classical music education.
Engaged panel discussion at Florida Institute of Classical Learning conference, featuring diverse speakers and microphones, promoting education and classical learning in Florida.
Students at Florida Institute of Classical Learning, engaging in educational activities and community learning experiences.
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Sarah Abbott

Sarah Abbott lives on an oddly named road in the backwoods of Massachusetts. She is a classical educator and student with over twenty-five years of experience teaching, training, and coaching. She serves as the Head of Teacher Training and Staff Development for the New England Consortium of Classical Educators and a Classical Education Specialist at Southeastern University. Since graduating her son, Sarah spends her days leading book clubs, designing curriculum, and conducting teacher training.

Woman speaking at Florida Summit on Classical Education, promoting traditional learning methods and classical curriculum in Florida.

Alyssan Barnes

Dr. Alyssan Barnes has studied and taught within the classical tradition for over two decades, beginning her work in trivium-based education in 2001 after graduate study at the University of Dallas. She has served as a teacher of formal rhetoric, AP English, and moral philosophy at a classical Christian high school in Waco, Texas. Dr. Barnes is the author of two high school rhetoric textbooks, Rhetoric Alive: Principles of Persuasion and Rhetoric Alive: Senior Thesis Student Workbook. She has also developed and taught a graduate course on the trivium for the University of Dallas’s master’s program in classical education. An Alcuin Fellow of the Society for Classical Learning, she helped launch the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education’s Catholic Educator Formation and Credential program and continues to support Catholic teachers as Head of Cohort for Oklahoma.

Man in a suit attending the Florida Summit on Classical Education, emphasizing the importance of classical learning methods in Florida.

Mark Bauerlein

Mark Bauerlein is Professor Emeritus of English at Emory University, where he taught from 1989 to 2018. He earned his PhD in English from the University of California, Los Angeles, and has written widely on literary criticism, cultural history, and higher education. Bauerlein previously served at the National Endowment for the Arts as Director of the Office of Research and Analysis, contributing to the influential report Reading at Risk. He is a senior editor of First Things, a visiting scholar at Ralston College, and a trustee of New College of Florida. The author of several books, including The Dumbest Generation and its sequel The Dumbest Generation Grows Up, he is also a frequent contributor to major scholarly and popular publications.
Portrait of David Randall, a distinguished educator at the Florida Institute of Classical Learning, showcasing his dedication to classical education and community engagement.

Christine Boor

Dr. Christine Boor is the inaugural holder of the Vilma György Pallos Endowed Chair in Classical and Liberal Education at Belmont Abbey College. She earned a BA from Belmont Abbey College and a PhD in political science from Baylor University and serves as Associate Professor in the Honors College at Belmont Abbey. As holder of the college’s first endowed chair, Dr. Boor oversees the development of Belmont Abbey’s Master of Arts in Classical and Liberal Education program. The program is designed to foster deep engagement with classical pedagogy, the Great Books, the liberal arts, and the Catholic intellectual tradition.

Jonathan Butcher

Jonathan Butcher is the Will Skillman Fellow in Education at The Heritage Foundation, where he researches and writes on K–12 and higher education policy. He is the author of Splintered: Critical Race Theory and the Progressive War on Truth and coeditor of The Critical Classroom and The Not-So-Great Society. Butcher has testified before policymakers across the United States, and his work was cited in the final report of the Federal Commission on School Safety. He previously served as Education Director at the Goldwater Institute and as Director of Accountability for the South Carolina Public Charter School District. He holds a BA from Furman University and an MA in economics from the University of Arkansas and is a frequent contributor to national media outlets.

Don Charles

Don Charles is Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Freedom in Education, where he works to advance solutions addressing challenges in K–12 education. A retired business executive, he brings decades of leadership experience in building and scaling organizations. At Freedom in Education, Charles focuses on strengthening academic quality, increasing transparency, and expanding access to high-quality education. His work reflects a commitment to education as a foundation for opportunity and the flourishing of the next generation.

Eric Cook

Eric Cook is President of the Society for Classical Learning (SCL) and has been formally involved with the organization for over a decade, serving in roles including Executive Director and Board Chair. Before joining SCL full-time, he spent thirteen years as Head of School at Covenant Classical in Fort Worth, Texas, and previously served as Head of Upper School at Faith Christian School in Roanoke, Virginia. He has also taught and led in public school settings, instructing subjects ranging from philosophy to senior thesis. Cook holds a BA from Transylvania University, an MA in Instructional Leadership from Northern Kentucky University, and an EdS in Classical School Leadership from Gordon College. He is a frequent conference speaker and consultant.

Martin Cothran

Martin Cothran is a writer, educator, and leading advocate for classical Christian education. A cofounder of Memoria Press and Highlands Latin School, he has played a central role in advancing classical education in both homeschool and school settings. He serves as Provost of Memoria College, Director of the Classical Latin School Association, and Editor of The Classical Teacher. Cothran holds a BA in philosophy and economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MA in Christian Apologetics from the Simon Greenleaf School. The author of widely used textbooks in logic, rhetoric, and Latin, he is a frequent conference speaker and prominent voice on education, culture, and public policy.
Portrait of David Randall, a distinguished educator and classical scholar, smiling in professional attire.

Daniel Coupland

Dr. Daniel B. Coupland is Dean of the Diana Davis Spencer Graduate School of Classical Education and Professor of Education at Hillsdale College, where he previously served as Dean of Faculty. He holds a BA in Spanish from Liberty University, an MA in Linguistics from Oakland University, and a PhD in Education from Michigan State University. Beginning his career as a high school teacher, Dr. Coupland now teaches courses in English grammar and classic children’s literature. He is a former editor of the Journal of the Society for Classical Learning and currently advises the Barney Charter School Initiative and the Institute for Classical Education. His research focuses on grammar instruction and children’s literature, and he is coauthor of Well-Ordered Language, published by Classical Academic Press.

Eric Coykendall

Eric Coykendall is Director of Publishing for the K–12 Education Office, where he oversees program operations, publishing, and new school development. He previously served as Director of Programs for the Claremont Institute. Coykendall holds a BA in Politics from Hillsdale College and an MA and PhD in American Politics and Political Philosophy from Claremont Graduate University. His work supports the growth and development of schools dedicated to providing a rigorous and meaningful education.

Portrait of David Randall, a distinguished educator and leader at the Florida Institute of Classical Learning, showcasing his expertise in classical education.

David Diener

Dr. David Diener is Assistant Professor of Education at Hillsdale College with extensive experience in classical Christian K–12 education, including eight years as a headmaster. He earned a BA in Philosophy and Ancient Languages from Wheaton College and completed an MA in Philosophy, an MS in History and Philosophy of Education, and a dual PhD in Philosophy and Philosophy of Education at Indiana University. Dr. Diener has served as a missionary educator in Bogotá, Colombia, and remains active in the classical education movement through leadership roles with the Alcuin Fellowship, the Society for Classical Learning, and the Classic Learning Test. He is the author of Plato: The Great Philosopher-Educator.
David Randall Bio - Florida Institute of Classical Learning, showcasing David Randall, a distinguished educator dedicated to promoting classical education and cultural heritage.

Carrie Eben

Carrie Eben has championed classical education in private school and homeschool settings for over twenty-four years. She serves as a founding board member of Sager Classical Academy in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and a founding member of the Central Consortium of Classical Educators. As a consultant, she designs and leads workshops for administrators, teachers, and parents across a variety of classical education contexts. Eben is a CiRCE Institute Master Teacher and holds a BSE from John Brown University and an MSEd from Oklahoma State University. She is currently a PhD student in the Humanities program at Faulkner University. Her first book on classical pedagogy, coauthored with Dr. Christopher Perrin, is forthcoming from Classical Academic Press.

Robert Enlow

Robert Enlow is President and CEO of EdChoice, one of the nation’s leading organizations advancing educational choice and parental freedom in education. He has been a central figure in the school choice movement since 1996, beginning with the launch of the Milton and Rose Friedman Foundation for EdChoice, where he served in leadership roles before becoming President and CEO in 2009. Under his guidance, EdChoice has worked across dozens of states through research, training, public engagement, and community partnerships. Enlow has authored numerous articles and op-eds and is coeditor of Liberty and Learning: Milton Friedman’s Voucher Idea at Fifty. He holds a BA from Seattle Pacific University and studied theology at Oxford University.

Mimi Ensley

Dr. Mimi Ensley is a scholar of late medieval and early modern literature whose work focuses on book history, reception history, and cultural memory. Her book Difficult Pasts: Post-Reformation Memory and the Medieval Romance (Manchester University Press, 2023) examines how post-Reformation readers used medieval texts to shape national and religious identities. Dr. Ensley teaches medieval and early modern literature and academic writing at Flagler College, where she also serves as Assistant Director of the Honors Program. She has previously taught at Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Notre Dame in both South Bend and London.
Portrait of David Randall, a distinguished educator and classical scholar, outdoors with greenery and historic architecture in the background.

Joshua Gibbs

Joshua Gibbs is Director of the Classical Teaching Institute at The Ambrose School in Boise, Idaho, and has nineteen years of experience teaching classic literature in Christian schools. He lectures on pedagogy and the Great Books and offers online courses through Gibbs Classical and ClassicalU. Gibbs is the author of How To Be Unlucky, Something They Will Not Forget, The 25th, and Love What Lasts. A frequent conference speaker, he is also the creator of the In the Trenches and Proverbial podcasts and serves on the Templeton Honors College advisory board.
David Randall, faculty member at the Florida Institute of Classical Learning, specializes in classical education and philosophy, contributing to the development of future leaders through his expertise.

Jonathan Gregg

Dr. Jonathan Gregg holds a BA in mathematics and English from Hillsdale College, an MA in humanities from the University of Chicago, and a PhD in mathematics education from Michigan State University. Since 2015, he has taught in the Mathematics and Education departments at Hillsdale College, where he received the Emily Daugherty Award for Teaching Excellence in 2024. He previously served as Assistant Director of the Barney Charter School Initiative and taught middle and high school mathematics in the Great Hearts charter school system. Dr. Gregg is the author of the Archimedes Standards, a comprehensive PreK–12 mathematics framework.

Daniel Guernsey

Dr. Daniel Guernsey has more than thirty-five years of experience in Catholic education. He has served as an English teacher and as a principal for seventeen years, including as founding principal of Ave Maria’s classical academy. Guernsey also founded Ave Maria University’s undergraduate program in Elementary Education and its graduate program in Catholic educational leadership. He is a Senior Fellow with the Cardinal Newman Society and serves as Executive Director of NAPCIS, the National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools, which accredits Catholic schools nationwide.

Jesse Hake

Jesse Hake is Director of ClassicalU.com and the TrueNorth.fm podcast network at Classical Academic Press. He holds a BA in history from Geneva College and a Master of Letters in history from the University of St Andrews. He began his career teaching at both the college and high school levels before serving as an upper school teacher at Covenant Christian Academy and later as Academic Dean and Principal at Logos Academy in Pennsylvania. He contributes to classical education through writing, speaking, and podcasting and serves as Board Secretary for the Alcuin Fellowship.


 

Portrait of David Randall, a distinguished scholar and educator at the Florida Institute of Classical Learning, emphasizing classical education and leadership.

James Hankins

Dr. James Hankins is an American intellectual historian specializing in the Italian Renaissance and the classical tradition. After forty years of teaching at Harvard University, he now serves as Visiting Professor at the Hamilton School of Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida. He is a Corresponding Fellow of the British Academy and recipient of the Serena Medal for Italian History (2024) and the Paul Oskar Kristeller Lifetime Achievement Award (2012). He is founding editor of the I Tatti Renaissance Library and associate editor of the Catalogus Translationum et Commentariorum.

Joshua Herring

Joshua Herring is the Curriculum Program Manager for the Rafiki Foundation, Director of the Logres Institute for Classical Liberal Studies, and author of Sons of Adam, Daughters of Eve: C.S. Lewis’s Images of Gender. He has taught 6-12th grade humanities, spend three years in high school administration, and built classical education programs at the college level. He loves helping teachers, leaders, and parents own their intellectual inheritance.

Ravi Jain

Ravi Jain is a scholar of philosophical theology completing his doctorate at Oriel College, University of Oxford. His research explores the relationship between mathematics, metaphysics, and education, and his dissertation is titled “Whose Mathematics, Which World?” He is coauthor of The Liberal Arts Tradition and A New Natural Philosophy, and author of The Enchanted Cosmos: Mathematics and the Logos Who Is Love. Jain has consulted with government and church leaders on educational renewal and has spoken widely across North America, Africa, China, and Europe. His work seeks to recover a richer understanding of mathematics within the classical and Christian intellectual tradition.

David Randall, a distinguished scholar and educator, is featured in this portrait representing the Florida Institute of Classical Learning.

Junius Johnson

Dr. Junius Johnson is an independent scholar, teacher, musician, and writer, and serves as Executive Director of Junius Johnson Academics, through which he offers innovative courses for both children and adults that unite wonder with intellectual rigor. A devoted lover of story, he is especially drawn to fantasy, science fiction, and young adult literature, and performs professionally on the French horn and electric bass. He holds a BA in English Literature from Oral Roberts University, an MAR from Yale Divinity School, and an MA, two MPhils, and a PhD in Philosophical Theology from Yale University. The author of five books, including The Father of Lights: A Theology of Beauty and On Teaching Fairy Stories, he is a frequent contributor to conversations on faith and culture through blogs, podcasts, and live teaching.

Alex Julian

Alex Julian is a Managing Consultant with Arcadia Education and a veteran leader in classical education. He previously served as a Senior Headmaster at Great Hearts Academies, where he spent over thirteen years leading schools, mentoring leaders, and advancing network-wide initiatives. Julian began his career as a teacher of history and humane letters and brings extensive experience in school leadership, operations, and strategic development. He also works with leadership teams using the Lencioni model to strengthen vision and execution. He holds a degree in history from Arizona State University.

Torgun Lovely

Torgun Lovely has served at Liberty Common School for over eighteen years in a variety of teaching and leadership roles. He began as a mathematics specialist, overseeing the school’s K–9 mathematics program, and later helped develop its high school mathematics curriculum into one of the top-performing programs in Colorado. He went on to serve as Assistant Principal and then Principal of the high school before returning to the classroom as a mathematics instructor and department chair. Lovely holds a BA in mathematics and an MBA from Colorado State University and remains committed to excellence in classical education.

Benjamin Lyda

Benjamin Lyda has more than twenty years of experience in education across public, private, charter, and homeschool settings, serving as a teacher, administrator, and consultant from K–12 through college. He holds a Master of Humanities and a Master of Theological Studies and is the author of Scriptorium Writing, a classical writing curriculum for upper elementary and middle school students. Through his work in curriculum development, speaking, and teacher training, Lyda seeks to support educators in cultivating a distinctly Christian vision of education rooted in the pursuit of the good, the true, and the beautiful.

Jennifer Mauser

Jennifer Mauser is an Educational Consultant with the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW), where she specializes in supporting students with learning differences. An accomplished IEW instructor, she has been implementing the Structure and Style® method in her teaching for many years and joined IEW formally in 2016. In addition to her consulting work, Mauser continues to teach students in her private practice and contributes to IEW through writing and training.

Patricio Mendez

Patricio Mendez is a veteran educator with 17 years of classroom experience who specializes in middle and high school philosophy. At True North Classical Academy, he serves as a Philosophy Teacher and the Director of EdTech & Analytics, integrating technology and data to support classical learning. An alumnus of Florida International University, Patricio is currently completing his MAT at the Templeton Honors College at Eastern University.

Sarah Novlan

Sarah Novlan is an educator with experience in both teaching and curriculum development. She holds a BA in English and education from The University of Texas and an MEd in Gifted and Talented Education from Southern Methodist University and is currently pursuing a doctorate at Abilene Christian University. Novlan has taught at private schools for eight years and has also worked as an editor and writer for educational publishing companies. Since 2016, she has served on the faculty at Hill Country.

Devin O’Donnell

Devin O’Donnell is the Director of Media and Publishing at the ACCS. He has served in classical Christian education for over 20 years as a teacher, leader, and writer. He is author of The Age of Martha: A Call to Contemplative Learning in a Frenzied Culture (2019). He is also a contributor to Salvo Magazine and has published in Touchstone, Forma and the CiRCE Blog, CLT Journal, and others. He was the Research Editor at Writ Press in 2015 and worked to produce the award-winning Bibliotheca, which is now an exhibit at the Museum of the Bible. Though he earned his MA in the Humanities in 2010, he still remains a classical hack who came up through the manhole covers of learned society. He has four adventurous children, and he lives with his wife in the Northwest, where he writes, fly fishes, and longs for the sea.

Kathryn Perkins

Kathryn Perkins is Executive Deputy Director at the Florida Charter Institute, a statewide education think tank. She oversees the Institute’s Teaching, Learning, and Leadership pillar, leading efforts to study, codify, and share research-backed instructional best practices through educator workshops and published research. Prior to joining the Institute, Kathryn spent twelve years at Uncommon Schools, a high-performing charter management organization, where she helped drive exceptional student achievement at both the school and network levels. Her roles included Director of Strategy and Operations for the Curriculum & Assessment team, as well as Instructional Dean and English teacher. A former Teach For America corps member, Kathryn brings deep expertise in curriculum, instruction, and leadership development to her work supporting educators across Florida.
David Randall, Florida Institute of Classical Learning expert, in a professional headshot with bookshelves in the background.

Christopher Perrin

Dr. Christopher Perrin is an author, consultant, and speaker dedicated to the renewal of the liberal arts and classical education. He is cofounder and CEO of Classical Academic Press, a leading publisher and consulting organization serving classical schools and educators worldwide. Dr. Perrin also serves as Director of the Alcuin Fellowship with the Institute for Classical Schools and is a former vice president of the Society for Classical Learning. He holds a BA in history from the University of South Carolina and an MDiv and PhD in apologetics from Westminster Theological Seminary, and studied literature at St. John’s College in Annapolis. A former college professor and founding headmaster of a classical school in Pennsylvania, he is the author and coauthor of several widely used language curricula, including Greek for Children and Latin for Children.
A smiling man in a blue blazer sitting on outdoor stairs, representing the Florida Institute of Classical Learning at the Florida Summit on Classical Education.

Brian Polk

Dr. Brian Polk has served in classical education for seventeen years in roles ranging from science teacher to administrator and board chair. He earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College in 2018, where his research deepened his commitment to strengthening Classical Christian schools in their mission and practice. In addition to his work with the Society for Classical Learning, Brian directs the Center for Christian Classical Education at College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri. Through leadership, research, and institutional support, he works to advance excellence and faithfulness in Classical Christian education.

Paul Powell

Paul Powell serves as Founding Director of the Florida Charter Institute at Miami Dade College and Executive Director of True North Classical Academy, roles he has held since 2023. He brings extensive experience in school leadership, having served for nearly a decade at Uncommon Schools as Regional Superintendent of Instruction, as well as in earlier roles including Assistant Superintendent and Associate Managing Director. Paul is also Founder and President of Powell Consulting. Earlier in his career, he was Founding Principal of True North Troy Preparatory Charter School and served as a Program Director with Teach For America in New York City. He holds a BA in Mathematics from Goucher College and an MA in Secondary Mathematics Education from Loyola Marymount University, and currently serves as a trustee of Goucher College.
Bio of David Randall, a faculty member at the Florida Institute of Classical Learning.

David Randall

Dr. David Randall is Director of Research at the National Association of Scholars, where he writes and leads research on higher education, science, and public policy. He is coauthor of The Irreproducibility Crisis of Modern Science and has published on the topic in outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and The Hill. His reports for NAS address civics education, social justice education, college common readings, and Advanced Placement curricula. An intellectual historian, Randall is also the author of The Concept of Conversation and The Conversational Enlightenment. He holds a PhD in history from Rutgers University, an MFA in fiction writing from Columbia University, a master’s in library science from Long Island University, and a BA from Swarthmore College.
Portrait of David Randall, a faculty member at Florida Institute of Classical Learning, showcasing his expertise in classical education and leadership.

Carol Reynolds

Dr. Carol Reynolds is an engaging speaker and music historian celebrated for her humor, energy, and ability to connect music with Western cultural history. Fluent in Russian and German, she earned a Bachelor of Music from Hollins College and completed a master’s degree in piano and a PhD in musicology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, conducting doctoral research at the Leningrad Conservatory with State Department support. She spent many years as a professor of music history at Southern Methodist University, where she founded the SMU-in-Germany program. Since retiring, she has created acclaimed multimedia courses in music, history, and the arts and has become a sought-after lecturer for Smithsonian Journeys and classical education organizations.
Young man smiling in front of a brick wall, representing Florida Institute of Classical Learning at the Florida Summit on Classical Education.

Jonathan Roberts

Jonathan Roberts is Director of Ancient Language Institute and has taught Latin to students ranging from middle schoolers to college professors. Originally from Aguascalientes, Mexico, he has previously taught at Great Hearts Academies, Veritas Scholars Academy, and the Davenant Latin Institute. Roberts earned a BA in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from The King’s College in New York City and an MA in Philosophy from the University of Missouri. He is currently developing a Latin reader that uses graded, comprehensible input to introduce students to Roman history. With years of experience in classical language instruction, he remains committed to helping students encounter Latin with clarity, rigor, and delight.
Portrait of David Randall, a distinguished educator and leader at Florida Institute of Classical Learning, emphasizing classical education and community engagement.

Gregory Roper

Dr. Gregory Roper is Associate Professor of English and Dean of Students at the University of Dallas, a role he has held since 2021. He earned his BA from the University of Dallas and completed his MA and PhD at the University of Virginia. A specialist in Middle English literature, Dr. Roper has published widely on Chaucer, the Gawain-poet, and medieval penitential literature, as well as on pedagogy and literary theory. He teaches courses in the literary tradition, medieval literature and drama, critical theory, and creative nonfiction. His book The Writer’s Workshop helped renew interest in teaching writing through ancient and medieval practices of imitation. In addition to his scholarship, Dr. Roper is deeply committed to mentoring students, particularly in matters of vocation and graduate study.
Portrait of David Randall, a distinguished scholar and educator in classical studies, featured on the Florida Institute of Classical Learning website.

David Rothman

Dr. David J. Rothman has taught at Lighthouse since 1998 and received the Beacon Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2012. A widely published poet and essayist, he is the author of six volumes of poetry, including My Brother’s Keeper and The Elephant’s Chiropractor, both finalists for the Colorado Book Award. His work has appeared in leading journals such as The Atlantic, Poetry, The Kenyon Review, and The New Criterion, and he won a Pushcart Prize in 2018. Rothman has also served in numerous academic and arts leadership roles, including President and CEO of the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts and Director of the Graduate Creative Writing Program at Western Colorado University. Former Poet Laureate of Colorado’s Western Slope, he lives in Crested Butte, Colorado.

Ian Rowe

Ian Rowe is a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where his work focuses on education, family formation, and upward mobility. He is also cofounder of Vertex Partnership Academies, a network of virtues-based International Baccalaureate high schools, and chairman of the board of Spence-Chapin, a nonprofit adoption services organization. Rowe previously served as CEO of Public Prep, a network of charter schools in New York City, and held leadership roles at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and MTV. He is the author of Agency: The Four Point Plan (F.R.E.E.) for All Children to Overcome the Victimhood Narrative and Discover Their Pathway to Power and writes widely on education and culture. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BS in computer science engineering from Cornell University.

Tom St. Antoine

Dr. Tom St. Antoine is Director of the Frederick M. Supper Honors Program and a scholar of communication, with research in rhetoric, public address, and organizational communication. He holds a BA in Communication from Palm Beach Atlantic University, an MA in Communication from Florida Atlantic University, and a PhD in Speech Communication from Louisiana State University. His work has been published in journals focused on Christian higher education, and he has presented at national and regional conferences.

Krystyn Schmerbeck

Krystyn Schmerbeck is Director of Graduate Studies in Classical Education and a longtime Catholic educator devoted to the pursuit of truth and wisdom. Originally from Rochester, New York, she studied classical languages and philosophy before working in public policy and exploring religious life. Over the past twelve years, she has served as a teacher, principal, and instructional coach in both diocesan and classical schools. Krystyn holds a master’s degree in public policy from George Washington University and a master’s degree in Catholic School Leadership from Marymount University in Virginia. She is currently pursuing doctoral studies at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, and continues to support the formation of educators committed to the classical and Catholic intellectual tradition.

Susan Spear

Susan Spear is a poet and professor of creative writing and English literature based in Denver, Colorado. After studying English literature and writing as an undergraduate and completing a graduate degree in mass communications, she began teaching high school English in 2001 before returning to poetry through Lighthouse Writers in Denver. Her passion for verse forms led to further study and an MFA in Creative Writing (Poetry) from Western Colorado University in 2012. She has since taught literature, composition, and creative writing at Colorado Christian University for nine years. Her work has appeared in Academic Questions, and she served as Managing Editor of THINK: A Journal of Poetry and Criticism from 2013–2019. She is the author of Beyond All Bearing and coauthor of Unlocking the Secrets of English Verse.

Elisabeth Sullivan

Elisabeth Sullivan is Vice President of Mission Advancement at the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education, where she works to promote and expand the renewal of Catholic liberal education. She previously served as Executive Director, developing program content, publications, and the Institute’s annual conference while advancing its mission through national speaking engagements. A CiRCE-Certified Classical Teacher, she has taught middle school writing and literature and served in leadership roles within Catholic education. Elisabeth holds a BS in Humanities from Georgetown University and an MS from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

Portrait of David Randall, a faculty member at the Florida Institute of Classical Learning, showcasing his expertise in classical education and leadership.

James Tanton

Dr. James Tanton is an Australian-American mathematician and renowned math educator. He holds a BA in mathematics from the University of Adelaide and earned his PhD in mathematics from Princeton University in 1994, specializing in algebraic topology. After teaching at several colleges, he spent nearly a decade teaching high school mathematics at St. Mark’s School in Massachusetts, where he received the Kidder Faculty Prize for excellence in teaching. Tanton is the author of more than ten books on mathematics and curriculum and is widely known for his engaging educational videos, which have reached millions of viewers online. He has also worked internationally to promote interest in mathematics through school programs and currently serves as a visiting scholar at the Mathematical Association of America in Washington, DC.
Florida Institute of Classical Learning representative speaking at the Florida Summit on Classical Education, promoting classical teaching methods.

Jeremy Tate

Jeremy Tate is founder and CEO of the Classic Learning Test and a national leader in the renewal of classical education. An educational entrepreneur and advocate for humane learning, he has been featured in major media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Fox News, and MSNBC. Prior to founding the CLT, he served as Director of College Counseling at Mount de Sales Academy in Maryland. Jeremy holds a BS in Secondary Education from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree in Religious Studies from Reformed Theological Seminary. He regularly writes and speaks on classical education, literature, and culture.

Erik Twist

Erik Twist has played a significant role in the growth of classical education in the United States. From 2008 to 2022, he helped develop Great Hearts Academies into the nation’s largest network of classical schools, serving in roles that included teacher, founding headmaster, and President of Great Hearts Arizona. His leadership also extended to public service through his work with the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools and the Arizona Charter Schools Association. Erik studied political science at Trinity University and theology and philosophy at the University of Oxford. He writes on education and culture for publications such as the Washington Examiner, RealClearEducation, and The Free Press, and hosts the Schooling America podcast.

Gregory Wilbur

Gregory Wilbur is Founder, Permanent Trustee, and Senior Fellow at New College Franklin, where he has taught widely across the classical curriculum, including courses in music, geometry, cosmology, moral philosophy, and poetics. A composer and educator, he holds an MM in Composition and a BA in Music from the University of Alabama. In addition to his work at New College Franklin, Wilbur serves as Chief Musician at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church (PCA). He is the author and contributor to several books and articles and speaks regularly on the arts, worship, and education. His compositions include award-winning works for choir, orchestra, film, and congregational worship, and he recently released his fifth collection of hymns, Praise Your Maker.

David Randall, a distinguished educator and classical scholar, is featured in this portrait. He is dedicated to promoting classical education and fostering a love for the humanities.

Brian Williams

Dr. Brian Williams is Dean of the Templeton Honors College, Associate Professor of Ethics and Liberal Studies, and Co-Director of Templeton’s Master of Arts in Teaching program. Formerly a Lecturer in Theology and Christian Ethics at the University of Oxford and Director of Oxford Conversations, he holds an MPhil and DPhil in Christian Ethics from Oxford, as well as graduate degrees in theology from Regent College. His research explores the tradition of Christian liberal arts education, with interests in virtue ethics, political thought, Dante, and classical pedagogy. Dr. Williams is the author and editor of several works, including The Potter’s Rib and Everyday Ethics, and serves as General Editor of Principia: A Journal of Classical Education. He is an Alcuin Fellow and advisor to multiple classical education organizations.
Portrait of David Randall, a scholar at Florida Institute of Classical Learning, wearing glasses and a tan blazer, standing outdoors near a brick wall.

Daniel Willingham

Dr. Daniel Willingham is Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia, where he has taught since 1992. He earned a BA from Duke University and a PhD in cognitive psychology from Harvard University, and his scholarship focuses on applying findings from cognitive psychology and neuroscience to K–16 education. A leading advocate of evidence-based teaching, Dr. Willingham is widely known for challenging unsupported educational theories and clarifying how learning actually works. He is the author of several influential books, including the bestselling Why Don’t Students Like School? and Outsmart Your Brain, which have been translated into more than twenty languages. In 2017, he was appointed by President Obama to the National Board for Education Sciences.

John Young

John Young is a scholar of medieval history with a focus on the cultural, political, and economic life of the high Middle Ages. He holds a BA in history from Brigham Young University, a diploma in Jewish Studies from the University of Oxford, and both an MA and PhD in Medieval Studies from the University of Notre Dame. He teaches a wide range of courses on European and African history and conducts research on monasticism and Jewish–Christian relations, with additional interests in Mormon Studies.

The Florida Classical Education Summit is a premier gathering uniting K-12 and higher education leaders to advance classical education’s growth from kindergarten through graduate school.

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Florida International University in Miami

May 1-2, 2026