A Real Thomas Jefferson Experience

A Thomas Jefferson Education is really about realizing your responsibility as an individual to educate yourself but does so in a manner where you feel it's a privilege. It's an environment where policy and regulation get out of the way and let teachers inspire and children educate themselves. It's a place where children and adults alike learn how to think, how to analyze, how to relate and how to be leaders. It is a school that is lead by a spirit of goodness and greatness. It is a school that helps children feel comfortable in their skin and confident in who they are and what they can become. It's a school where learning is sought after even “after-hours”. It is a school that paves the way for children to be solid leaders of their families, communities and the nation.

Pinnacle Learning Center is where a real TJED takes place. It's in Lindon and they really put the mentor/classic approach to work. Dr. Kimber was running the school up until this past September. Now Dr. Kimber is writing “curriculum” for the schools that apply the mentor/classic method.

The other day I was reading a blog and I noticed that the principal from Kimber Academy had left a comment. I immediately emailed him and told him how much I admire a school like Kimber Academy that applies the TJED approach. He emailed back and asked me to come to the school and have a look for myself. I did.

As I walked in the school I was greeted by smiling students, teachers and a few parents. The walls were decorated with pictures of the Prophet and apostles and leaders of our nation. The children were just finishing up a break.

They have a snack bar where treats can be bought. The young lady running the snack bar was being mentored and was learning about profit margins. She could go to Costco and by Snickers to sell and get a smaller profit margin or she could purchase Oreo packages and get a 100% return on her money. The learning process was amazing. She had a job and responsibility. She was a steward over the schools money and she was learning entrepreneurship skills. After she learned about that her brain is turned on and she realizes that there are more possibilities out there and more ways she can be a good steward, expand that knowledge and be responsible. What could be better than that?

I sat and listened to the 9-11 year-olds begin their class. The teacher had thought that some one had done something that was not very nice to another student and the teacher had gotten wind of that and suggested they all write apology letters to the girl. The teacher started the class explaining the situation as she new it to the children. They listened to her but then explained to her the situation as it happened. The teacher had made a mistake. Then an amazing thing happened...the teacher actually treated them like adults and listened and went right in to her lesson.

They began giving reports and the children stood with confidence one by one and gave their report. The other children gave comments, feedback and questioned what they were hearing to gain a better understanding. It was a great thing to witness.

I then went to visit the 5-8 year-olds. They were al gathered around a table learning. Many of them were too excited to have a visitor to pay attention to their lesson, but with a little encouragement were back on task. On the whiteboard were magnets of a Book of Mormon time line and more pictures of leaders of the Church. The children were adorable and very well mannered.

Next I went to visit the seniors. They were having their Book of Mormon class. A few parents were joining the class and they came prepared with their homework too. The teacher was leading a discussion. Questions were asked. Hands flew into the air. Their comments were respected as well as challenged to ensure a solid understanding. They were having fun and learning a great deal. They were explaining the symbolism of Moroni renting his garment, what tokens are and much much more. I walked away knowing that I was witnessing a TJED school in session.

My overall impression of the school was so in-line with what the TJED book teaches, I walked away feeling so inspired. I am coming back on Wednesday to teach a class on entrepreneurship and genealogy and I may even volunteer to teach some electives for them like dance and the principal even suggested a class like genealogy for kids or something. Anyone who may want to get involved is welcome to do so. You could volunteer your time (or get paid) to teach an elective a few times a week. Today was karate day! There are only about 36 students there now, but they are constantly growing.

Teachers inspire. Students educate. Inspiration and education was what was happening at Pinnacle Learning Center, right here in Lindon, Utah. Those children are preparing themselves for greatness. The teachers are first class mentors. The students are first class educators.

Teachers inspire.

Children educate.