Structuring Space and Time for Human Flourishing

Posted on by Society for Classical Learning

In this workshop, we will explore ways of structuring space (primarily classroom architecture) and time (scheduling) to promote the flourishing of faculty and students. Every school has limitations regarding space and time, and no two schools are alike in their limitations, but employing a thoughtful design process can help schools make the most of what limited space and time they have. I will share the process whereby we have begun to restructure our classrooms and our daily schedule at The Stony Brook School in hopes of inspiring schools to do the same within the context of their own limitations.

Sean Riley

Sean A. Riley, PhD, serves as Academic Dean at The Stony Brook School, a Christian boarding and day school on Long Island. He earned his PhD in philosophy from Baylor University. At The Stony Brook School, Sean has taught courses in history, English, the Bible, and philosophy; coached football, tennis, and the Ethics Bowl team; and served as a dorm dad. He lives in Stony Brook with his wife, Emily, and his four children: Aidan, Liam, Honora, and Quinn.

21st Century Classical

Posted on by Society for Classical Learning

I will argue that education can be both genuinely and thoroughly Classical and at the same time prepare students to be leaders and innovators in the 21st century. I will argue that many of the 21st Century skills being enumerated by progressive educators are the same skills a Classical education is best equipped to offer. I will also maintain that so long as we maintain a Christian Classical commitment to truth, beauty and goodness, and ultimately to God, we should allow ourselves to employ 21st century pedagogical methods where appropriate. Students need the best training they can get to solve 21st century problems, but even more so they need the orientation of the soul towards the Good that Classical education provides.

Sean Riley

Sean A. Riley earned his Ph.D in philosophy from Baylor University in 2011. He chairs the history department, teaches AP European History and two philosophy courses, coaches football, tennis, and the Ethics Bowl team, and serves as a dorm dad at The Stony Brook School on Long Island. He has also led summer travel courses to Greece, Turkey, and China. Prior to teaching at The Stony Brook School, he taught courses at Baylor University, McLennan Community College, and Live Oak Classical School in Waco, Texas. Sean is the author of Recovering the Saints from Modern Moral Theory, available on Kindle. He lives in Stony Brook with his wife, Emily, and his four children, Aidan, Liam, Honora, and Quinn.

A Brief History of Moral and Political Thought

Posted on by Society for Classical Learning

But have you ever struggled with how you will teach your science class when students have a range of ideas about creation? Have you wondered how you will teach science accurately while respecting each student’s family values and beliefs? Hear how one teacher encourages lively, respectful discussion and deals with difficult questions from logic-level students. Lecture and small group discussion will help you to lead your students to honor our Creator while seeing through a glass, darkly.

Sean Riley

Sean A. Riley earned his Ph.D in philosophy from Baylor University in 2011. He chairs the history department, teaches AP European History and two philosophy courses, coaches football, tennis, and the Ethics Bowl team, and serves as a dorm dad at The Stony Brook School on Long Island. He has also led summer travel courses to Greece, Turkey, and China. Prior to teaching at The Stony Brook School, he taught courses at Baylor University, McLennan Community College, and Live Oak Classical School in Waco, Texas. Sean is the author of Recovering the Saints from Modern Moral Theory, available on Kindle. He lives in Stony Brook with his wife, Emily, and his four children, Aidan, Liam, Honora, and Quinn.

Philosophy in Christian Schools

Posted on by Society for Classical Learning

We will investigate the benefits of making philosophy a core subject in 21st century Christian schools and discuss curricula and pedagogical approaches that work with high school students.

Sean Riley

Sean A. Riley earned his Ph.D in philosophy from Baylor University in 2011. He chairs the history department, teaches AP European History and two philosophy courses, coaches football, tennis, and the Ethics Bowl team, and serves as a dorm dad at The Stony Brook School on Long Island. He has also led summer travel courses to Greece, Turkey, and China. Prior to teaching at The Stony Brook School, he taught courses at Baylor University, McLennan Community College, and Live Oak Classical School in Waco, Texas. Sean is the author of Recovering the Saints from Modern Moral Theory, available on Kindle. He lives in Stony Brook with his wife, Emily, and his four children, Aidan, Liam, Honora, and Quinn.