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Charlotte Mason Conference Resources

The lectures and Keynote presentations from our conferences are listed below- click on the appropriate button to access them. The lectures will appear in a pop-up window, so make sure that your browser is not set to block them.
    Speakers: Susan Crist Biography
Susan Crist is the Lower Elementary Principal at Perimeter School in the Atlanta area.  She and her husband, Stephen, found their “home” in the writings and philosophies of Charlotte Mason in 1991, and have endeavored to raise their 2 daughters—Caitlin and Hannah-- to treasure the delights of nature, living books, great art, music, travel, and  the value of persons as image-bearers of Christ.  Susan has been blessed to have been able to live out these precious principles in her professional life, as well, most importantly as Principal in Charlotte Mason schools for 6 years.  Her first love is the young child, and she feels fortunate to be able to specialize in this area of Kindergarten through Second graders in the covenant school context. & Gladys Schaefer Biography
Gladys Brasher Schaefer has always been a lover of books.  Growing up in rural Alabama, the library was her best friend.  When she discovered Charlotte Mason in the late 1990’s, she knew she had found a kindred spirit. Her degree in Accounting from the University of Montevallo was accompanied with a minor in English “to keep her sane”.    The home schooling adventure began in 1995 and continues today.  She is married to Dale Schaefer and is the mother of six perfect children and mother-in-law to one perfect son in law. Her work at Red Mountain Community School in Birmingham, Alabama has been some of the most rewarding of her life.  As high school mentor, she taught English, History and Fine Arts.   The recent school year ended in the graduation of her third child, the first one to be home-schooled from K5 to 12th grade. 
Topic: CM 101:  The Historical and Theological Background of Charlotte M. Mason (2008) This workshop is an introduction to the sociological and geographical settings in which Miss Mason lived and developed her philosophy of education.  Highlights will include a discussion of the events occurring in Great Britain during the late Victorian and Edwardian era, as well as commentary on and photos of the Charlotte Mason College and the Lake District of England.  Understanding Miss Mason’s time and place provides for greater context in understanding her educational philosophy both then and now.  Suggested reading to obtain a maximum appreciation for this seminar is The Story of Charlotte Mason by Essex Chalmondeley.



Speaker: Jack Beckman BiographyJack's thirty years of school experience include serving as a teacher, Principal, school-starter, and professor of education, and have encompassed Master's degrees in both Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Research, and a Ph.D. in Teacher Education from the University of Cambridge. Charlotte Mason's model of teacher training drew him to the UK to complete his dissertation on that topic. In collecting data, Jack spent a full year driving from the South Downs to the Lake District of England interviewing Charlotte Mason-trained teachers ranging in age from 101 to 78 -- listening to their stories of life in college and in the classroom. At present, he is Associate Professor of Education at Covenant College. Jack and his wife Barbara have two lovely daughters, Kara and Anneliese.
Topic: From Enigma to Educationalist - Assessing Charlotte Mason (2007) The historian's imagination takes the traces and voices of the past and creates a narrative story of a lived life. There is much to commend in the life and work of Charlotte Mason as we sift through the archival boxes in the Armitt and listen to the now dwindling voices of those most touched by her. How are we to assess all of this knowledge and wisdom? What does it tell us about life and learning? In a conference focused upon assessment in the classroom, an appropriate starting point is Charlotte herself. Let us examine some of the mysteries and extant truths of Charlotte Mason as we seek to assess her ideas through the narrative turn of history.





    Speakers: Deborah Dobbins Biography
Deborah Dobbins has taught at Perimeter Christian School in Duluth, GA for 6 years. She enjoyed teaching 2nd grade for five years and this year has exclusively taught nature studies to 1st and 2nd graders in the Enrichment Art program. Deborah has a Master's in Education from the University of South Carolina. & Holly Anne Dobbins Biography
Holly Anne Dobbins was a student at Perimeter Christian School. She is being homeschooled during her high school years which enables her the opportunity to be an assistant teacher in the nature studies classes with her mother. HollyAnne's cumulative review describing the nature study process was published in the Spring 2007 Charlotte Mason Educational Review. HollyAnne has a passion for nature studies, art, and ballet.
Topic: Teaching Nature Study to First and Second Graders (2007) Deborah and HollyAnne will demonstrate techniques used in teaching Enrichment Art/Nature Studies classes for 1st and 2nd grade students. This class includes:
  1. – a devotion
  2. – 1 minute observation of nature
  3. – sharing from observation
  4. – mixing watercolors
  5. – nature book handwriting lesson
  6. – watercolor painting using drybrush method
Supplies needed: nature study book, Prang professional OVL-8 semi-moist watercolors and a size 2 brush.







Speaker: Megan Hoyt Biography A licensed teacher and freelance writer, Megan Hoyt has endeavored to bring the humanities to life for her children and the families of the homeschool group she co-created, CMeLearn. The daughter of symphony musicians, Megan was raised backstage at the opera, ballet, and music hall. This blend of experiential learning with exposure to great works of music has made her increasingly aware of the desperate needs within our nation's schools for quality arts study and outreach. She earned a master's degree in Biblical Studies from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and a bachelor of arts degree with double majors in English and History from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Her breakout topics will include: "Bringing Composers to Life: The Use of Story to Ignite a Passion for Music Within Your Students," "CMeLearn! How to Plant, Fertilize, and Grow a Charlotte Mason Support Group," and "Bible Instruction for All Ages: Awakening a Passion for God within the Hearts of His Children."
Topic: Composer Study: The Waltz King Cordially Invites You to Attend... (2007) This session will feature a sample CM composer study lesson with a modern twist. You will learn the value of listening to live music as opposed to recordings and walk away with creative ideas to enliven the composer study experience. Listening recommendations will be handed out and we will put a name to those many tunes you know you've heard before somewhere. You will discover innovative ways to incorporate composer study into your regular day and learn new ways to freshen the music of the past for your 21st century students.