Dr. Brian Polk, director of the Center for Classical Education at School of the Ozarks, leads a breakout session for experienced teachers during the Summer Teacher Training in July.

POINT LOOKOUT, MO — School of the Ozarks hosted its second Summer Teacher Training, July 14-17, for teachers who are in their first years of teaching within the Classical Christian Education model, as well as experienced educators. Over 150 teachers throughout North America attended the three-day training sessions, with most of their expenses being paid by the Stanley M. Herzog Charitable Foundation.

Andrew Pyatt, humanities instructor at School of the Ozarks, leads a plenary discussion titled, “The Student Has Become the Teacher,” emphasizing the importance of self-directed learning.

The training saw significant growth in its second year. Registrations rose from 100 participants in 2024 to 165 in 2025, reflecting a growing nationwide interest in the classical Christian model. It included approximately 20 hours of sessions led by experienced classical educators, with a focus on four foundational themes: Purpose, Preparation, Pedagogy, and Portrait. These core topics provided teachers with practical skills in classroom management, instructional philosophy, and the desired outcomes for students educated in the classical tradition. Sessions also included breakout seminars tailored to grade level and discipline, ensuring relevant, applicable instruction.

Dr. Brian Polk, director of the Center for Classical Education at School of the Ozarks, explained, “This training focuses on the classroom skills that are needed to deliver a great classical Christian education. Attendees spend time working closely with educators who understand their subjects and age groups.”

While only the second training hosted by School of the Ozarks, over 150 teachers throughout North America attend the event, with most of their expenses being paid by the Stanley M. Herzog Charitable Foundation.

Training Up New Teachers

Dr. Brad Dolloff, dean of School of the Ozarks, emphasized the event's purpose. “President Emeritus, Dr. Jerry C. Davis, envisioned the type of education at School of the Ozarks becoming a national model. Under the recent administration of President Brad Johnson, we are seeking to leverage our model to help others,” said Dolloff. “We can’t expand what we’re doing at School of the Ozarks by adding more students, but we can expand the movement by training more teachers.”

The week culminated in a celebratory “tunnel” of applause—a tradition borrowed from the School of the Ozarks’ own tradition for graduating seniors — symbolizing the new teachers’ sendoff into a wider movement of education.

The Summer Teacher Training is offered for both seasoned and learning classical educators and includes breakout seminars tailored to grade level and discipline, ensuring relevant, applicable instruction.

“Ultimately, the work that we are doing is discipling students in the way of Jesus,” said Andrew Pyatt, humanities instructor at School of the Ozarks. “We can’t look at other schools as competition. We are part of a family, and we want to help one another.”

Teachers from across the country found encouragement in both the philosophical foundations and the practical tools they received. Caitlyn Thompson, a fifth-grade teacher from the Ecclesial Schools in Florida, said, “I’ve loved hearing from other educators and leaders who are doing some of the same things — mutual goals, mutual purposes — but doing it very differently. It’s been really encouraging.”

The week culminates in a celebratory “tunnel” of applause—a tradition borrowed from the School of the Ozarks’ own tradition for graduating seniors — symbolizing the new teachers’ sendoff into a wider movement of education.

Partnership with The Herzog Foundation

The Summer Teacher Training at School of the Ozarks was made possible by the generous support of the Stanley M. Herzog Foundation, which dedicates itself to aiding teachers, administrators, and schools in improving the quality of K-12 Christian education and growing its impact and accessibility through training sessions, online resources, and grants. The Foundation’s mission is to catalyze and accelerate the development of quality Christ-centered K-12 education.

To learn more about the Herzog Foundation and its impact on Classical Christian Education, visit: https://herzogfoundation.com/about/