There are still many challenges to overcome and issues to consider as we slowly climb our way out of the pandemic. In addition to reflecting on the lessons Covid has taught us from an educational perspective, several other social issues have emerged as well that need attention in our schools and communities. So, how should classical Christian educators respond? How do we wisely navigate these issues and stay faithful to our mission?
Join our panel of heads of school from across the country as they discuss and share wisdom and insight, plus the lessons they’ve learned over the past few months. Hear about what policies and practices worked and which ones didn’t.
Eric Cook
Eric Cook is from Lexington, Kentucky, but worked in schools in Ohio and Virginia before joining Covenant Classical School in 2009. Eric earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Social Studies Education from Transylvania University, and a master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from Northern Kentucky University. He has taught history, political science, psychology and philosophy in public schools, and served as an assistant principal for several years. In 2006, Eric felt called to join the classical Christian school movement and became the Middle and Upper School Head at Faith Christian School in Roanoke, Virginia. In addition to his leadership roles, Eric taught apologetics, theology, philosophy of religion, and served as thesis director. He is also the President of the Society for Classical Learning.
Katharine Savage
Katharine Savage is the founder and Head of Philadelphia Classical School and is grateful to have worked alongside colleagues in the classical Christian school movement for almost ten years. She leads the ACCS Northeast regional cohort of schools and has written for the Classical Difference magazine. Prior to founding PCS, she was the energetic "starter" - starting other community based endeavors, leading parenting seminars, writing church curriculum, and being a wife and mom to three children. She and her husband Brian have been serving in the city of Philadelphia, PA for twenty years. She loves rereading old books and watching ballet performances.
Peter Hansen
Peter Hansen joined Trinity Christian Academy as its Head of School in July of 2020. Originally born and raised in California, Mr. Hansen moved to Texas in high school where he graduated from a classical Christian school and met his future wife, Lisa. He graduated from Hillsdale College with a Bachelor’s degree in philosophy and theology and then went on to earn his Master’s degree in liberal arts from St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland. Mr. Hansen has taught history, philosophy, apologetics, political science, logic, rhetoric, senior thesis, Bible, Latin, and literature in prominent classical Christian schools throughout the nation including Regents School of Austin, Rockbridge Academy, and Annapolis Christian Academy. He also served as the Head of School for Annapolis Christian Academy for twelve years and Lancaster County Christian School for two years prior to his tenure at TCA. Mr. Hansen is married to Lisa and they have four teenage children, three of whom attend TCA while his oldest attends the University of Kentucky. In his free time, Mr. Hansen enjoys spending time with his family, watching movies, eating at good restaurants, visiting coffee shops, and staying active through golf, soccer, playing drums, snowboarding, and surfing.
Eric DeVries
Eric was born in Oklahoma, but spent most of his childhood in Spokane, Washington. He graduated from Whitworth University where he met his lovely wife, Jen. Eric and Jen have been happily married for 22 years. They have 5 children, spanning from a senior in high school down to a first grader! He began working at The River Academy in Wenatchee Washington in 2004 as a teacher. In 2008 he was promoted to Head of School where he continues to serve today. Eric is working on his Masters in Christian Leadership with a focus on Classical Schools from Gordon College. When he is not immersed in classical education, he and his family enjoy the outdoors. They love taking advantage of the hiking, mountain biking, and snow skiing that the Wenatchee Valley has to offer.