Michael Oakeshot, in his great book, The Voice of Liberal Learning, said, “Education is not acquiring a stock of ready-made ideas, images, sentiments, beliefs and so forth; it is learning to look, to listen, to think, to feel, to imagine, to believe, to understand, to choose and to wish.”
As you get started this year, remember that our students need us to know and see them. True formation only comes in the context of meaningful relationships. The best educators see. They take the long view and remain attentive to those whom they teach. As Simone Weil wrote, “Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” Let’s remember who and what this work is for. May our schools be marked by deep connection, formation, and the ability to listen, look, and attend to our students. We pray that the joy of the Lord and a spirit of humility, gratitude, and welcome would characterize our schools and undergird your profound calling.
A hopeful new year is before us all. Like you, we have enjoyed a full and productive summer. The Lord is faithful and continues to prosper the work of classical Christian schools all over the country and world. We are honored to serve and walk alongside you as co-laborers in this work. I want to encourage all of you as you fulfill your calling as a classical Christian educator! You have been entrusted with shepherding the hearts and minds of so many young people. We pray for all of you regularly and ask God’s abundant provision for your efforts!
In the coming weeks, we will share more about SCL’s strategic priorities for this year and the rapidly expanding classical Christian school movement. Please let us know how we can help your school thrive!
In Christ,
Eric Cook
President
