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Panel Discussions Cultivate Wisdom in Numbers at the 2025 National Symposium for Classical Education

One of the most anticipated tracks being offered at the 2025 National Symposium for Classical Education [1] are the panel discussions, where attendees experience the collective intelligence of a group of experts in the field of Classical Education. We know that when individuals collaborate, their diverse perspectives can lead to deeper insights. Nowhere is this more evident than in these curated panel discussions designed to foster meaningful discussions on classical education and its role in “Cultivating Wonder,” the theme of this year’s Symposium [1].

SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM AND TRACKS AVAILABLE NOW [2]

Hosted by the Great Hearts Institute [3], the Symposium [1] is set to take place at the Mission Palms Hotel [4] in Tempe, Arizona, from February 19-21. This prestigious event will bring together educators, scholars, and thought leaders to explore the richness of classical education through various insightful presentations.

The panels have been pulled together to bring wisdom to the subjects as well as diverse perspectives, which will should prove to provoke deep thought on each of the interesting and inspiring topics. One such topic is “The Novel: Studying Human Nature, the Passions, and the Cultivation of Wonder through Stories,” which will address the vital role of novels in education.

A recent Atlantic Magazine article has raised concerns about the decline of full-length novels in American high school curricula. The article warns that students increasingly struggle to read novels in their entirety, which has profound implications for their intellectual and moral development.

This panel will be comprised of Christopher Scalia – Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute [5], Debra Romanick Baldwin – Associate Professor of English at the University of Dallas [6], and Jacob Howland – Provost and Dean of Intellectual Foundations at the University of Austin [7].

Christopher Scalia – Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, Debra Romanick Baldwin – Associate Professor of English at the University of Dallas, and Jacob Howland – Provost and Dean of Intellectual Foundations at the University of Austin. [8]

These distinguished scholars will delve into why reading complete novels is a cornerstone of a well-rounded education. It will explore the ways in which novels help students develop a rational understanding of human nature, inspire wonder, and nourish creativity. Through engaging with literary characters and their complex narratives, students gain an enriched perspective on the human experience, one that fosters both intellectual and moral growth.

Other Panel Discussions include:

Inclusion of panel discussions highlights the collective intellect gained through collaboration, while workshops allow for a focused deep dive into specialized topics led by individual experts. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, share best practices, and collaborate on ways to ensure the future of classical education remains strong.

2025 Great Hearts National Symposium for Classical Education banner with photos of keynote speakers, Matthew Crawford, Jessica Wooten Wilson, and Sir Jonathan Bate [9]

Join us this year in “Cultivating Wonder.” Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an enriching experience that brings together some of the brightest minds in classical education. REGISTER NOW [10] and be part of the conversation that is shaping the future of classical education.

Do you have a story or know of a story that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts? Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org [11].

Submit a student application to a Great Hearts Academy by visiting: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/enroll/ [12]