Mr. Zach Summers
Headmaster, Humanities
Education and Degrees:
- B.A. in Digital Media and Computer Science - University of Alabama
- M.A.Ed. in Language Arts - University of Alabama at Birmingham
Teaching History:
- Eighth Grade Homeroom - St. Francis Xavier Catholic School - 5 years
- Latin Teacher and Classical Literature - Lakeway Christian Academy - 3 years
- English II CP - Powell High School - 1 year
- Confirmation Preparation Teacher - St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church - 6 years
- Confirmation Preparation Teacher - Holy Ghost Catholic Church - 4 years
- Marian Catechist Mentor - Marian Catechist Apostolate - 2 years
Philosophy of Education:
G.K. Chesterton stated that education “is only the truth in a state of transmission.” Further, he stated that it is not a subject, and does not deal in subjects:
“Education is the transmission of a way of life from one generation to another.”
Inside that transmission is the best of that culture: the most beautiful, good, and true that has been expressed. What better culture than the soil from which the church sprang? Inside the transmission is not only the knowledge of the culture, but also the responsible usage of that knowledge, i.e. wisdom. To wield knowledge without wisdom is to, as C.S. Lewis put it, “only make us more clever devils.” To guide us in that wisdom, we need the virtues to help form our character. What is not inside of this transmission is the objectification of man to merely a cog in the machine, i.e. merely a good citizen. Education should acknowledge the soul, that there is one, and that this soul is made in the image and likeness of God. Out of respect for man’s dignity, it should prepare man to find his fullest expression, a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. As such, his fullest expression lies not in intellectual and character formation alone, but nourishing his spiritual formation as well. This is aided in no better way than the sacraments. As we worship the incarnate God, this education should also address the physical formation, teaching us to test the capabilities of our bodies and using these physical expressions as an opportunity for self-denial and therefore, increased holiness. Time has proven that the best way to transmit this message is not through subjects to master, but skills to begin a lifelong journey of inquiry; in short, not what to think, but how to think. These skills have proven best taught in the form of the seven liberal arts.
So what is my philosophy of education? Our school’s motto states it rather well: “To cultivate wisdom and virtue in our children through the nourishing of the body and soul with the true, good, and beautiful by way of the sacraments and the seven liberal arts.”
Message to parents:
Parents, you are the primary educators of your students (CCC 2223), forming souls for the Kingdom of Heaven. I am only here to supplement that mission! For years, I have quested for a school in which I could best support that holy cause. It would appear that you and I have been tasked by God with another plan: erect a new school that exposes them to the graces of the sacraments and the best that has been thought for millenia! Know that each day I seek not only to train your students to become skilled and competent citizens, but also to help forge them into crusaders: well-rounded, prayerful, responsible Catholics that go forth boldly to bring Christ into the world.
Extracurricular Activities:
“It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.”-Socrates
Whenever I am not reading primary texts from Western Civilization (i.e. Plato’s Republic, and not commentaries on the Republic), I balance the intellect with physical discipline, such as weekly runs, kayaking, and core workouts. I enjoy scouting trips with my eldest son, as well as Irish dancing with my eldest daughter, believing that a conscientious effort should be made by fathers to set aside time for each of their children. We also enjoy supporting my wife in her art competitions across the entire southeast.
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