Reflections on CCLE XXV: Strengthened for the Task

A friend once told me she believed classical Lutheran education could help save the world. That’s a pretty bold statement—it earned an eyebrow raise from me. But she went on to explain that when we provide our children with a rich and broad education, full of what is good, beautiful, and true, an education that opens their eyes to objective, Biblical truth, nourishes their souls on God’s saving Word, and equips them to live boldly within their God-given vocations, we are indeed guiding them toward the path of salvation through our one, true Savior, Jesus Christ. Since then, the words of my wise friend have led me to seek a deeper understanding of classical Lutheran education.

Last week, I attended my first Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education conference, CCLE XXV, held at Concordia University Wisconsin. What a blessing to join nearly 500 adults and children in worship, fellowship, and learning! But beyond the joy of connecting with like-minded souls, I hadn’t anticipated how profoundly the event would bolster my faith and fortify my resolve to support Faith Lutheran School through my roles as marketing director, teacher, and parent.

Throughout the week of CCLE XXV, nearly fifty sectional sessions, led by esteemed pastors and educators, explored various aspects of classical Lutheran education and their implementation in school and home-learning settings. Among the many inspiring sessions I attended, several were led by faculty from Faith Lutheran School. Our talented teachers are not only experts in their areas of instruction but are also sought out to share their expertise and methods with educators from across the country at the CCLE conference each year. Their desire to spend time during the summer teaching and learning is a testament to their professionalism and commitment to classical Lutheran education. For me, it was a privilege to be a student in their sessions, witnessing firsthand the knowledge, creativity, and passion they bring to their classrooms every day.

Did you know that our fifth graders can write vivid, sophisticated descriptions of characters from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales in the style of Charles Dickens? In her session, “Writing Through Imitation,” Mrs. Britanny Wilber (FLS’s former fifth-grade, now kindergarten teacher) discussed how to train students to be great writers by studying and imitating the works of the masters. As the group practiced her techniques in class, I, too, experienced the joy our children must surely find in this task.

In her presentation, “Math IS a Language: From Phonemes and Morphemes to Syntax and Discourse,” FLS math instructor, Mrs. Erika Mildred, explored how mathematics functions as a language system with direct parallels to the structures of English grammar, yet with a unique morphology and syntax. By integrating the concept of math as a secondary language, students can develop a mathematical fluency that extends beyond the basic memorization of formulas and rules.

In their respective sessions, “Why Latin?” and “Why Teach Astronomy?” FLS Latin teacher, Mr. Steven Krycho, and science teacher, Miss Rebekah Roundey, examined the rationale for including these subjects in a classical curriculum. Miss Roundey asserted that astronomy does not simply complete the classical Quadrivium of subjects; it “serves as a capstone to the sciences, uniting observation, scientific methods, logic, theory, and more.” Similarly, Mr. Krycho explained that although a knowledge of Latin may indeed boost students’ SAT scores, there are many non-utilitarian benefits to its study. Latin learning instills in students an appreciation for its intrinsic beauty as a language, as well as a deeper understanding of classical culture, history, and literature. After all, why read Cicero in translation when you can read him in the original Latin?

The importance of educating children through quality, enduring literature was addressed in multiple sessions throughout the conference. One such session was a panel discussion, “The Importance of Lutheran Literature in Our Homes and Schools,” led by FLS fourth-grade and high school English teacher Mrs. Christine Elliott Rivers, along with fellow author Katie Schuermann and the publishing team for their recently printed children’s fiction books. They discussed the dearth of uniquely Lutheran children’s fiction, which Lutheran publisher Kloria is working to fill. The panel discussed both the process of producing these books and the benefits of quality children’s fiction in general. Fables, fairy tales, and morally grounded novels not only teach virtues, heroism, and the dichotomy between good and evil, but are also vital to expanding a child’s imagination. An agile imagination can think beyond the factual to understand the theoretical and make discoveries in all areas of study. And, most importantly, cultivating imagination opens children to believing the unbelievable and to seeing the unseen, thus laying the foundations for Christian faith.

At the conclusion of CCLE XXV, I left the CUW campus and its sweeping Lake Michigan views with a renewed sense of purpose and dedication to the calling of classical Lutheran education. There is important, impactful work to be done every day at Faith Lutheran School. I am blessed to be in the company of such a gifted faculty, partnering with families to nurture children in knowledge and faith. In the words of Martin Luther, “Learning is not easily acquired, nor easily put to work. For although such works do not make men righteous before God or save them, nevertheless, it is a joy and comfort to know that these works please God so very much.”