What to Expect
Teachers are the heart of the school. Without dedicated, competent teachers, the best educational practices will never come to fruition in the classroom. PCCA’s teachers are expected to implement PCCA’s academic mission. In the classroom, the teacher is in charge. Outside of the classroom, teachers receive professional guidance with respect to specific goals and objectives from Hillsdale College and the Principal.
At PCCA education is derived from the philosophies found in the left-hand column of the table below. By enrolling your child at PCCA, you will witness firsthand the qualities and benefits of a Classical Education and specific character curriculum.
Role of the Teacher
What PCCA Is
Knowledge-centered/intellectualist
- Acquiring knowledge from the past and
present and recognizing patterns that may
occur in future; - Developing skills important for the individual
society; - A core curriculum
What PCCA Is Not
Student-centered/anti-intellectualist
- Learning based on the learner’s interests
- No required core curriculum;
- Emphasis on integration
Moral Development
What PCCA Is
Knowledge-centered/intellectualist
- Students learn right from wrong from their
studies, from adult guidance, and from extra-
curricular activities
What PCCA Is Not
Student-centered/anti-intellectualist
- Morality develops from the individual’s
experience - It is best learned when not taught directly
Curriculum
What PCCA Is
Knowledge-centered/intellectualist
- Core subjects are taught separately;
- History and Geography are defined
- Explicit phonics instruction is used to teach
reading
What PCCA Is Not
Student-centered/anti-intellectualist
- Any subject can serve to develop problem-
solving abilities and creativity; - Social Studies combines History, Sociology,
Geography and Anthropology
Work Habits
What PCCA Is
Knowledge-centered/intellectualist
- Students are expected to learn what is taught;
- Students are taught important skills to help
them become good citizens and learners
What PCCA Is Not
Student-centered/anti-intellectualist
- The best learning comes when students are
interested in what they learn; - Therefore teachers are to encourage students
to follow their own interests in learning; - Students are assumed to have good habits
Promotion
What PCCA Is
Knowledge-centered/intellectualist
- Promotion is largely by achievement;
- Student may be remediated and retained if
achievement is too low
What PCCA Is Not
Student-centered/anti-intellectualist
- Social promotion is preferred;
- Student is promoted with age group even if
achievement is too low
Teacher’s Background
What PCCA Is
Knowledge-centered/intellectualist
- Education in subject matter being taught is
preferred; - Of course, excellent teaching methods are
also required to help students learn the
content
What PCCA Is Not
Student-centered/anti-intellectualist
- Teacher’s mastery of subject matter is
considered less important than an
understanding of child and adolescent
development