The Society for Classical Schools of Michigan is a venue for leaders, faculty, staff, students, and parents of private classical Christian schools in the State of Michigan to collaborate and grow in our understanding and love of the Good, True, and Beautiful.
This society was formed in June 2023 when leaders from several classical Christian schools gathered in Lansing to chart a course based on a collective desire to fellowship and learn together while sharing best practices, professional development, and greater connection with each other.
Past events have included the organizational meeting for leaders and a teacher fellowship in November in Waterford.
Future events include a joint field trip in Spring 2024 and leader meetings in Hillsdale.
If you have questions or want to join our email list, please contact societyclassicalschoolsmi@gmail.com
Biographies
Jack Hummel | Head of School, Cedar Classical Academy
Jack grew up in the Lansing area with his three siblings. He and his wife, Caroline, have four children. He has a B.S. in Economics with a minor in Mathematics from Hillsdale College. His favorite books are The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Professional Development/Speaking Areas:
Caroline Hummel | Director of Advancement, Cedar Classical Academy
Caroline grew up near Chicago, IL and has four sisters. She and her husband Jack have four children. Caroline has a B.A. in Politics from Hillsdale College. Her favorite books include That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis, Sick Heart River by John Buchan, and Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne.
Professional Development/Speaking Areas:
Katherine Sinkovitz | Dean of Academics, Oakdale Academy
Miss Sinkovitz serves as the Dean of Academics at Oakdale Academy and as a faculty member in the Rhetoric School. She brings with her a long history of involvement in classical education, from her own education in that method as a child to her collegiate studies and teaching experience in its philosophy. She believes passionately in an education geared toward human flourishing and steeped in truth, goodness, and beauty and is blessed to support Oakdale Academy's teachers in that work.
Educational background:
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B.A. in English & Classical Education, Hillsdale College
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M.A. in Educational Leadership & Administration, The George Washington University
Professional Development/Speaking Areas:
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New teacher training and support
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Curriculum review and improvement
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The Trivium and Quadrivium
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Virtue development in school and at home
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House systems, student government, and high school culture
David J. Stanton IV, Ed.D. | Headmaster, Oakdale Academy
Dr. Stanton serves as Headmaster of Oakdale Academy. His passion for Classical Christian education and for committing Oakdale's Mission, students, staff, and families to the Lord are his highest priorities.
He brings experience from both private and public education in teaching and leadership roles over the past two and a half decades.
During his career, Dr. Stanton served at a traditional Christian school, teaching history courses and Old Testament. From there, he spent 17 years in a public school district teaching a variety of history and French courses and then serving as an administrator at the middle school level.
Dr. Stanton retired with over twenty-one years of honorable service in the United States Navy, having achieved the rank of Commander. During his time, he served in a variety of units supporting US European Command, Office of Naval Intelligence, and US Central Command. He was deployed two times - to Afghanistan and to Bahrain. He commanded a European Command unit just prior to retirement. HIs personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and other personal awards and numerous joint, unit, and campaign awards.
His educational background includes:
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Bachelor of Arts, Hillsdale College
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Master of Arts, Central Michigan University
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Education Specialist (Ed.S.), Liberty University
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Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Liberty University
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Diploma (Joint Professional Military Education), US Naval War College
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Diploma (Combined Joint Warfighting School), Joint Forces Staff College
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Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Counseling, Liberty University (currently enrolled)
Professional Development/Speaking Areas:
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Leadership
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Board Governance
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Strategic Planning
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Head of School search
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Team Building
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School Culture
