Teaching and Training

This year, God blessed our school with the opportunity to take our entire staff to Pittsburgh for the annual ACCS Conference. The Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS) is the premier network and accreditation body for classical and Christian schools and we are happy to be affiliated with them. At this conference, our teachers were able to attend workshops specifically designed to instruct and grow them in classical education philosophy and pedagogy. Workshop topics ranged from “integrating Scripture into every lesson” to “cultivating gracious classroom management.” One of the most edifying workshops for me was on the book John Milton Gregory’s Seven Laws of Teaching.

Gregory was a preeminent educator and author in the 19th century. He served as the first president of the university of Illinois and was also worked as a minister. Gregory wrote the Seven Laws of Teaching originally for Sunday school teachers but the principles in his work have proved profitable for a much wider audience for over a century. At Ancient Paths, we require all of our teaching staff to read the Seven Laws of Teaching. Any serious teacher would find the contents of his work invaluable. This workshop connected many of Gregory’s principles to the modern day classical classroom. One of the principles discussed was the distinction between teaching and training.

Teaching involves instruction, the transfer of knowledge, and the advancement or growth of a learner. Training consists of disciplines necessary for teaching. Gregory writes, “…it is the first business of education to give such training as will bring [students] to full development. This training may be physical, mental, or moral.” The physical discipline of a correct pencil grip is necessary for learning how to form letters. The mental discipline of memorizing parts of speech is necessary for learning English grammar or advancing to a foreign language. The discipline of speaking politely is necessary so that a student can learn how to express heart felt love and respect toward their teachers and peers. Many more examples could be supplied. Any school that expects to teach their students should also put in the effort to train their students. Training is not inconsequential and must be a key component to a successful school culture.

Hebrews 12:11 says, “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” So, when Ancient Paths asks a student to sit still at their desk, stand while reading aloud, keep their desks organized, walk silently in a straight line, take notes in a precise way, speak to their teachers with respect, or dress in a specific way, we are seeking to train our students for their good. We want to train a student’s behavior so that there is fertile ground for learning and in hope that there will be a fruitful yield.

Training is something that will be stressed particularly at the beginning of the year. Parents can expect the first couple weeks at Ancient Paths to focus on disciplining physical and mental behavior by practicing student routines and rehearsing expectations. We believe that this will optimize our ability to teach and maximize the student’s ability to learn as the year progresses. However, it is always crucial to keep in mind that our efforts must be blessed by God’s Spirit if our training will be eternally significant. Please continue to pray for and support Ancient Paths as we enter the final weeks before the school year begins.

Josh Lister - Headmaster