Abstract: The classical renewal movement offers hope for human flourishing, not because the tradition presumes to hold an answer to every question, but because it creates space to encounter the true, good, and beautiful and, in return, create more of it. St. Augustine, CS Lewis, and recently authors such as James K.A. Smith, draw our attention to this idea that educational formation is ultimately a reordering of our love and desire. We embody desire through repeated words, prayers and practices, commonly called liturgies. This cultivates and creates culture. If our educational mission is to raise children to love what is true, good and beautiful, the task of educators is liturgical – to lead the child to repeatedly encounter the true, good and the beautiful. Drawing on the design and success of The Heritage Program, this workshop will highlight tangible methods to integrate the liturgical arts in school culture and curriculum.
Salome Palmer serves as the strategic coordinator for classical school initiatives which includes her work with Gordon’s graduate leadership program. She also directs Heritage, a summer program for high schoolers, which she founded in the summer of 2021. Since its initial launch, the Heritage Program continues to expand, drawing students from all over the country. Salome is passionate about developing programs and building relationships that enhance and grow the classical movement.
Salome experienced a classical education firsthand through attending Mars Hill Academy in Mason, OH during middle and high school. She matriculated at Gordon College as a part of the inaugural Global Honors Cohort and triple-majored in Music, Comparative Literature, and Biblical Studies. Having grown up in a bicultural family, Salome is passionate about international travel and community development. She has served as a teacher in Rwanda, Kenya, Nepal, and Greece. Most recently, she volunteers with a ministry foundation in Northern Haiti, working with the team to launch a classical trade school. She is currently completing her MA in Leadership through Gordon College and attends an Anglican church in Amesbury, MA where she contributes to the liturgical life of the body through songwriting, poetry and discipleship.
