Brief Biography:

‍Marcus grew up in Minnesota and had every variety of education possible in his K-12 years: homeschool, homeschool co-op, private school, public school, and a classical school. After attending Hillsdale and studying English, he taught middle school and high school English, Philosophy, and History at a classical charter school in Texas. Throughout his four years there, he aided the development of a senior capstone curriculum and a high school writing program for the school’s first three graduating classes. He returned to Hillsdale for the Master’s of Classical Education program to study the heart and soul of classical education in more depth. He plans to return to the world of classical education after the program. ‍

Research Interests:

In the field of education, I am interested in the development of the Socratic method throughout the history of education, classical pedagogy as applied to mathematics and writing, and Socratic seminars especially. Generally, I am interested in the philosophical and ethical systems of Ancient Greece, patristic theology, the plays of William Shakespeare, the novels of Cormac McCarthy, and the nature and effects of postmodernism and mass media on culture.

Post-Graduation Plans:

‍I plan to take a position at a classical school that involves curriculum development, in-class instruction, and/or school leadership.

What brought you to Hillsdale?

‍Hillsdale’s impeccable balance of philosophical discourse and practical wisdom. Other grad programs in education are too focused on qualitative or quantitative metrics without understanding the importance of a deeply rooted sense of place and purpose. At Hillsdale, a common teleology is shared: man is made for community.

What has been the thing you’ve appreciated most about your time here?

‍I have appreciated the community of friends the classical education program seeks to cultivate. The professors and guest speakers are founts of wisdom, and the students in the program are eager to uncover the great truths of human civilization.

What is distinctive about Hillsdale’s Graduate School of Classical Education?

‍Hillsdale’s Graduate School of Classical Education is the only program in America that aids its students with the practical and philosophical skills necessary to be effective teachers and leaders in the world of education in America today. We need educators who understand the true nature and history of education to be leading our schools. In a world dominated by quantitative models of learning, ideological rhetoric, and misplaced goals of pedagogy, Hillsdale’s Graduate School of Classical Education aims to equip teachers to be lifelong learners and virtuous leaders.

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