Bona Verba from the Headmaster
As winter transitions into spring, the halls of Cincinnati Classical Academy buzz with anticipation and purpose. It’s teacher recruitment season again, a time marked by careful consideration and fervent dedication to finding educators who will contribute to the cultivation of wisdom and virtue in our students while honoring the families within the CLASSICAL community. To be sure, the selection of new teachers is one of our most significant undertakings each year, as we recognize that the caliber of our faculty profoundly impacts the content-rich education we provide to our students.
Our hiring process is guided by the principles of functional literacy, cultural literacy, and moral literacy, each playing a vital role in shaping our faculty and ensuring alignment with our mission and vision.
Functional literacy encompasses the practical skills necessary for effective teaching. We seek candidates who, beyond “loving to work with children,” can manage a classroom with ease, establish routines and procedures, and deliver instruction in practical subjects. Additionally, we value educators who demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning, dedicating evenings and weekends to lesson preparation and professional development. Functional literacy goes beyond mere competency; it reflects a genuine passion for teaching and a lifelong love of learning.
Cultural literacy is another cornerstone of our hiring criteria. We prioritize candidates who are deeply aligned with the ethos of our classical school and understand the aims and methods of classical education, including our low-tech environment. It’s essential that potential teachers can articulate our mission and vision, recognizing education as a pursuit of goodness, beauty, and truth. Cultural literacy extends beyond academic qualifications; it encompasses a shared understanding of our school’s values and a commitment to fostering a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment.
Perhaps the most important aspect of our hiring process is moral literacy. We believe that great teachers not only impart knowledge but also embody the virtues we seek to instill in our students. We look for candidates who exemplify perseverance, wisdom, and empathy, demonstrating a deep sense of responsibility towards their students’ moral and intellectual development. Moral literacy transcends the classroom; it permeates every interaction and serves as a guiding light for both educators and students alike.
At all times in the hiring process, we are mindful of the profound impact our teachers will have on our school community. Because of this, we are confident in our ability to attract individuals who embody the values and principles that define Cincinnati Classical Academy. Guided by the tripartite criterion of functional, cultural, and moral literacy, we are committed to building a team of educators who will inspire, challenge, and uplift our students in their personal growth.
In the coming months, we look forward to welcoming new colleagues who will join us in our collective mission to nurture the minds and hearts of our students, fostering a lifelong love of learning and a commitment to virtue. Together, we will continue to uphold the standard of excellence that defines Cincinnati Classical Academy.
Torches Up!
Mr. Michael Rose
Headmaster
Mr. Michael Rose
Meet the Headmaster
Mr. Rose has taught various courses at Brown University, Cincinnati Moeller, and The Summit Country Day School. As a part of his degree work in education, Mr. Rose’s research interests included the Great Books curriculum, the Paideia teaching method, and the “effects of emerging digital technology on student reading, writing, and researching.” Read More