Looking Forward in the Midst of Farewell

Volume 4, Issue 8: May 2025

Looking Forward in the Midst of Farewell

“We should not look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dearly bought experience.”

-- George Washington

As the academic year draws to a close, many of us find ourselves both looking ahead and pausing to savor the present moments that mark a meaningful sense of closure for students, faculty, and leaders alike. Undoubtedly there are farewells and bittersweet departures that come with the end of any school year, and in this issue of Grow with Great Hearts, we reflect on George Washington’s 1796 Farewell Address, as Director of the Great Hearts Institute Carol McNamara offers insights into the enduring lessons his leadership continues to teach us.

Washington's Farewell Address

An Enduring Example of Leadership

by Dr. Carol McNamara, Director of the Great Hearts Institute

"Washington reminds us that “virtue” is a necessary spring of popular government, the sort of virtue that is informed by institutions of learning that promote knowledge and enlightenment."

The term "semiquincentennial" may be a mouthful, but it's a fitting term for marking our nation's 250th anniversary. In 2026, the Great Hearts Institute and Symposium will commemorate this anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—a defining moment that launched the bold and enduring experiment of American self-government. Our collective goal throughout the year is to examine how classical learning across the curriculum - from science and math to the fine arts, languages, history, philosophy, and literature - shapes the American experiment in republican government and prepares students to become citizens and leaders for the future. It is at this point prosaic to hold up George Washington as the greatest model for presidential leadership in American history. Some argue that he is not an appropriate model because his example is not replicable. It is likely true that no one can match Washington’s leadership, but it is always worth understanding the classical prototype if not to duplicate, then at least to emulate.

Reflections on Change

Grow with Great Hearts invites you to reflect upon and apply content from our feature articles and other stories to your own practice of leadership.

This month's prompts, in the spirit of retrospection:

Dr. McNamara states that Washington "very deliberately demonstrates how to balance ambition with wisdom and human happiness." What is the appropriate balance for personal ambition in leadership, when viewed through the lens of the needs for others?
Change and transition, especially between endeavors which required and will require great emotional investment are unique learning opportunities. In what ways have you experienced this intersection of bittersweet farewell and eager, forward-looking happy anticipation, from one role/place to another, and what did you learn from such?

Incoming Executive Directors

Great Hearts Texas warmly welcomes two veteran Great Hearts school leaders to the new role of Executive Director.

Andrew Duininck

“It’s incredibly rewarding to collaborate with Headmasters who are so committed to the mission. Walking alongside them as they lead has been a joy.”

After years of teaching in both public schools and international settings, Mr. Duininck found himself searching for something more—a school community that wasn’t just about academics but about forming the whole person. “I was looking for something deeper. A mindset and a lifestyle, not just an educational system,” he recalls. “Great Hearts drew me in with its commitment to intellectual and moral excellence.” It was the classical tradition—its pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness—that ultimately resonated with him. “There’s something deeply human about returning to the great books and big questions that have shaped our culture."

Samuel Heisman

"What still draws me now as a parent of five scholars—is the alignment around human flourishing and the cultivation of hearts and minds. That mission permeates everything we do, whether in business operations or the classroom.”

As Samuel Heisman prepares to step into his new role as Executive Director in Texas, he reflects on the journey that brought him here. "I’m mostly kidding when I say they were the only outfit that would give me a shot,” Mr. Heisman laughs, remembering his start with Great Hearts right out of college. “But seriously, what drew me then—and what still draws me now as a parent of five scholars—is the alignment around human flourishing and the cultivation of hearts and minds. That mission permeates everything we do, whether in business operations or the classroom."

Leading Young Hearts

Did you know that Great Hearts has a preschool model? Would you or someone you know be interested in helping Great Hearts found a new Young Hearts preschool in Scottsdale? Become a Preschool Director and explore a new pathway to leadership! Apply today!

Highlighted Opportunities

Each month, Grow with Great Hearts curates a short listing of highlighted opportunities - to share with you new avenues for growth available across our network. Feel free to share these opportunities with colleagues outside of Great Hearts, and receive a faculty/staff referral bonus.

Academy Leadership & Non-Teaching Positions

ARIZONA

LOUISIANA

Enrollment Marketing Coordinator (Great Hearts Harveston)

TEXAS

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Western Hills)– San Antonio
Special Education Coordinator (Forest Heights Lower) – San Antonio
Athletic Director (Monte Vista)– San Antonio
Facilities Technician (Prairie View) - Ft. Worth
Nurse (Arlington) - Arlington
Nurse (Lakeside)– Ft. Worth
Registrar (Monte Vista Upper)– San Antonio
Registrar (Prairie View Lower)– Ft. Worth
Director of Community Engagement (Invictus) – San Antonio
Director of Community Engagement (Irving Lower) – Irving

Home Office Positions

AMERICA

New Market Major Gift Development Officer – Phoenix

ARIZONA

Office Manager Training Coordinator – Phoenix
Outreach Training Coordinator – Phoenix
Dual Enrollment Teacher of Record – Phoenix
ESS Specialist – Phoenix
Major Gifts Officer – Phoenix
Development Data Specialist (part-time) – Phoenix

Growth Opportunities

Lives of Leaders: Xenophon

Join APEX Course "Lives of Leaders: Xenophon," in which learners will examine Xenophon’s life and work. They will explore several themes related to leadership, including how following well is a prerequisite to leading well, what it takes to become a leader, and how interpersonal relationships evolve in the transition into leadership positions. The course concludes with an opportunity to reflect on what was learned and apply it explicitly to the practicalities of institutional leadership. Additionally, learners will participate in an open forum with veteran Chandler Prep Headmaster John Paul Poppleton, which will allow the opportunity to ask questions about his experience in leadership in light of our study of Xenophon.

Readings include Xenophon’s Anabasis of Cyrus and a selection from Xenophon’s Education of Cyrus as well as Diogenes Laertius’ biographical essay “Life of Xenophon.”

You may register for this course using this link, or view the entire Summer Catalog here! Remember, courses are free for all Great Hearts employees! Course begins May 26th, so register today!

Have questions? Email jennifer.ramirez@greathearts.org.

Visit the Careers website for updated information on ALL openings!

NON-TEACHING OPENINGS

OPENINGS BY ACADEMY

LEADERSHIP OPENINGS

Questions or Suggestions? Email us today!

www.GreatHeartsCareers.org