The Torch
A deep dive into classical education
What is Virtue Education?
In classical education, definitions are incredibly important. The Latin root word for virtue, virtus, has meanings ranging from “moral strength” or “goodness” to “manliness” or “courage”. For the topic of Virtue Education this month, I will lean on the definition of virtue as “a habit”, that is, once a person develops a good habit, it becomes a virtue that is part of that person’s character.
Nova Classical Academy students learn five virtues: fortitude, temperance, justice, prudence, and wisdom.
A natural question might be, how does one teach a good habit long enough to become a virtue? I’d love to share some observations from around the Nova Classical Academy building in order to illuminate Virtue Education.
Fortitude
Definition: Fortitude is having the courage to face challenges and obstacles; persevering what things get tough.
Action: Students in grades K-8 often stand to answer a question. This act is courageous enough, but even more so when the teacher keeps them standing to answer a second question or correct their first answer. We see Fortitude at Nova Classical when students stand up!
Temperance
Definition: Temperance is mastering ourselves and our impulses for the sake of the happiness of those around us. It is about acting the right way at the right time.
Action: Sitting in on a School of Rhetoric (grades 9-12) seminar, I see students using their Temperance as they listen respectfully to one of their classmates whose viewpoint differs from their own. Their teachers have instilled these habits by teaching and reviewing expectations for the foundations of civil discourse.
Justice
Definition: Justice is treating others with respect and taking responsibility for their well-being; fairness.
Action: My office is located at the junction of the 7th and 8th grade hallways, with windows on both sides. From this vantage point, I am able to observe a wide spectrum of student behavior. My favorite part of having this view into the 6-8 grade school life is how often they advocate for Justice, seeking fairness in a situation where they may have been subject to a lack of respect, as well as recognizing their own role in the interaction.
Prudence
Definition: Prudence is having sound judgment and making sound choices. It is being thoughtful.
Action: I was especially moved in a School of Rhetoric (11-12) art class the other day where the students were providing peer critique for each other's self-portraits. You may imagine how feelings could easily be hurt in this situation, but when I asked a student about how they interacted in this vulnerable state, she responded that they all have to trust each other. Our students display Prudence when they interact thoughtfully in order to create a safe environment.
Wisdom
Definition: Wisdom is the ability to learn a thing and see its usefulness. Wisdom is the most precise and perfect form of knowledge: the knowledge of things that are valued most highly as truthful, beautiful, or good.
Action: I observe wisdom all throughout Nova Classical Academy, but will highlight our staff for this virtue. The people who choose to work at this school open themselves to the inevitable gift of lifelong learning-- the pursuit of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness in order to better the world around them.
If you’re still with me, thank you for your willingness to read about the aspects of Virtue Education I see at Nova Classical Academy. If you have any of your own observations to share, I would love to hear them!
May our actions lead to virtuous habits,
Dr. Missy Johnson
As a teacher and student of Latin and Greek, the classical model was a natural choice for me as an educator. I hold the teaching of grammar, logic, rhetoric, and virtues in high regard for learners of all ages and backgrounds. Nova Classical’s community model is inspiring, and I hope to bring thoughtfulness and openness to the Great Conversation.