Mars Hill Academy is pleased to present our Classical, Christian Summer Teacher Training in 2023!
July 18-21, 2023
WHAT: A practical training intensive for all who desire to acquire or improve their skills as classical and Christian educators and administrators. Led by Mars Hill Academy teachers, attendees will delve into the classic methodology and leave prepared to meet the challenges of the upcoming school year.
WHO: Current CCE teachers, college students, MHA parents, and anyone wanting to learn more about classical, Christian education are invited to attend.
WHERE: Mars Hill Academy, 4230 Aero Drive, Mason, OH
Mars Hill Academy is conveniently located in Mason, Ohio with quick access to I-71 and I-75 and both the Cincinnati and Dayton airports.
Mars Hill has reserved rooms at Tru by Hilton Mason King's Island. To take advantage of the discount rate, book your room by June 19 online or by calling 1-800-HILTONS and mention Mars Hill Academy Group Block or the code "MHA."
COST:
Regular Price: $375 p/p; Four or more/school: $350 p/p
Optional three-day evening class: $50 p/p additional
Why Choose MHA for Your Teacher Training?
Years First in the Nation on Classic Learning Test
Teacher Leaders with Advanced Degrees
MHA's Years of Equipping Students with the Tools of Learning
Instructors’ Combined Years of Classical, Christian Education Experience
Meet Our Summer Training Team
Lindsay Atkinson
Kindergarten teacher Lindsay Atkinson knew from an early age she wanted to teach. She pursued that passion, earning both her B.S. and Master’s in Elementary Education. Her background includes teaching in public and private schools — the past two years at Mars Hill in a Classical Christian setting. She considers it an unique privilege to partner with parents to help point their kindergarten students to the worthy goals of living lives of truth, beauty, and goodness as they strive to honor the Lord in all they do. She loves teaching children and coming alongside their parents.
Lisa Cunningham
After her time at Tennessee Temple studying music, Mrs. Lisa Cunningham turned to education at Shreveport Baptist University. Her favorite graduate classes at the University of Houston and Miami University were about children's literature. She now loves to incorporate music and stories into all her fourth grade classes. She is passionate about teaching children about God's word, His world, and the words we all use whether they are in English or in Latin.
Traci DeBra
After years of instructing Rhetoric School English, Traci DeBra took her passion for education and her love for her Savior and began teaching in the Grammar School at Mars Hill Academy. As a young girl, Traci delighted in reading literature, writing poetry, and crafting stories—and encourages her students to find their God-given gifts and passions too. A lifelong learner herself, Traci recently earned her Master's in Teaching English.
Dr. Christopher Jero
Dr. Christopher Jero is a former violinist to whom God gave a passion for making Him known through the Holy Scriptures. Believing that there is no more intimate way of communing with God in Scripture than through the original languages, Dr. Jero pursued an M.A. in Old Testament and a Ph.D. in Hebrew and Cognate Studies. He seeks to be an instrument by which God inspires the same passion in his students as he teaches Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey, Biblical Hermeneutics, Greek, and Hebrew.
Dr. Laura Lucas
After working for more than 12 years in the consumer products and flavor development industries as a Ph.D. research chemist, Dr. Laura Lucas transitioned to the classroom to fulfill God’s calling on her life. She currently teaches general science in grades 3-6 and high school chemistry, and coaches the Science Olympiad teams for Mars Hill. Her classroom goals are to impart lifelong wonder, shape young minds to embrace the creative, orderly, and intentional design of the world in which we live, and make science accessible for all.
Bob Maruna
Bob Maruna, who teaches upper school math and science, challenges students to embrace the beauty and order seen in creation as occurring not by chance but rather by the intentional design of the Creator. He desires to develop the minds of students to comprehend the genius behind creation’s imbedded mathematical principles and laws. Upon graduating with a B.S. from West Point, he served as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army for several years during which time he earned an M.S. from Troy University in Alabama. He has spent 23 years administrating and teaching in classical Christian education.
Mike McKenna
Mike McKenna was drawn to classical and Christian education from a nagging sense that something was missing. After earning his B.A. in Music Education and his M.A. in Christian School Administration, Mike served as headmaster of Christian schools for more than a decade. However, he felt that prayer, Bible class, and chapel weren't sufficient when it came to educating our children for Christ. Once he attended a seminar by Dr. George Grant on classical Christian education, he realized that Christian education was meant to be about becoming fully human in Christ. Mike has been headmaster of classical and Christian schools since 2000.
Andrew Stapleton
Andrew Stapleton devotes his time at MHA to discipling Logic and Rhetoric School students toward learning truth, living goodness, and loving beauty. He teaches in the areas of Literature, Humanities, and Theology; he also coaches the Varsity Soccer and Worldview Summit Student Leadership teams. He holds a B.A. in History and Christian Thought and an M. Div.
Abby Taylor
Once experienced first grade teacher Mrs. Abby Taylor discovered classical education, she never looked back. She blends her training in education with a classical and Christian approach to give students a solid foundation for learning all subjects. Her joy in teaching is watching first graders grow in their knowledge and understanding of God. She loves seeing firsthand the children delight in learning new things about God’s world. She loves to help teachers begin the new year with a master plan so they can be equipped and prepared from the moment the students walk through the door.
James Waldy
James Waldy is a lifelong educator who has been involved in classical education for 36 years. He holds a B.A. in Elementary Education, an M.A. in Educational Administration, and an Ed.S. in Educational Administration. He has taught at every K–12 grade level and has served as either dean of faculty or principal in 27 of his 39 years in education. James serves Mars Hill Academy as the grammar school principal, dean of faculty, and astronomy teacher. Beyond the classroom he enjoys helping students develop varied interests in everything from archery and playing chess to throwing pottery and creating stained glass.