1:1 Stoic Philosophy for Teens: Learn Courage, Wisdom, Resilience & Self-Control
A 24-week class where teens learn, discuss, & apply Stoic virtues & principles that build character, promote resilience, happiness and self-control, and strengthen their capacity to reason and solve problems
Mark Slack, MA
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(53)
Star Educator
What's included
Meets on Demand
schedule meetings as needed25 mins
per sessionTeacher support
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Homework is assigned at the end of each class and is to be completed prior to the next class. Students can expect to spend 1-2 hours working outside of class each week. Because this class is learner-specific, homework can take many different forms. Learners may be asked to complete a small project (demonstrating sphere of influence or writing a letter, for example), read an article or relevant passage, implement and monitor a specific strategy, compose a list or develop a goal fundamental to their improvement desires. Learners will be asked to maintain a notebook devoted to this class. This will be used to jot down quotes, ideas, thoughts, and authors and should be a place in which to keep a brief journal when thinking about or applying new knowledge outside of class. Short readings and questions may be assigned prior to class so that learners can more fully engage with the material during class.Assessment
Learners will continually reflect on, analyze, and assess their own progress with assistance from the teacher. This may include committing to small projects, critical journal entries, charting progression, setting and revising goals, etc.Class Experience
The purpose of this course is to provide an individual space for teen learners who are seriously interested in developing the skills and mindsets associated with Stoic philosophy. Each individual will determine the path this course takes according to their personal interests, desires, and aspirations. Weekly content will be created specifically for and tailored to that student only. While no experience or knowledge is required, a serious determination to learn, analyze, and implement Stoic strategies and techniques is absolutely required. If you are unsure whether this class is suitable for your learner or have questions regarding the scope of the course, feel free to message me anytime! As a dedicated educator, I believe that the greatest teaching values are centered around fostering a love for learning, encouraging critical and creative thinking, and promoting a positive and collaborative classroom environment. I am committed to providing timely and responsive communication with parents and learners within 24 hours. I also believe in providing personalized, objective feedback on the written projects that learners turn in, as I recognize the importance of constructive feedback in supporting their growth and development. Quality is of utmost importance to me as an educator. I am committed to delivering high-quality instruction that is tailored to the unique needs and interests of my learners. I believe in using evidence-based instructional strategies and best practices in education. I continue to engage in professional development so that I can continually improve my teaching skills and provide the best possible education to my learners. Service is at the heart of my teaching philosophy. I am dedicated to serving my learners and developing unique classes to engage their minds and creative spirits. I believe in building strong partnerships with learners to create a collaborative approach to their education, where students remain actively involved in their own learning journey. I strive to provide timely and constructive feedback to learners on their written projects, as I believe that feedback is crucial in guiding their progress. By fostering a supportive and welcoming classroom environment and maintaining open lines of communication, I aim to create a positive and enriching classroom experience for all my learners. My teaching style has been described by colleagues and students as engaging, objective, unique, and focused. One of my core beliefs is that every child is capable of learning and must be given the opportunity to grow and flourish academically, socially and intellectually. I firmly believe that one's ability to precisely communicate thoughts and ideas to others through speaking and writing is one of the greatest ways to ensure future success in whatever domain one chooses to pursue. Search terms: teen, writing, reading, self, improvement, resilience, courage, learn, philosophy, stoic, coach, character, develop, challenge, change, tutor, think, justice, wisdom, courage
Learning Goals
Learners will first focus on integrating components and teachings of Stoicism into their own lives with special attention paid to concepts such as resilience, wisdom, courage, justice, and sphere of influence and control. Additionally, students will:
1. Develop an appreciation for and understanding of stoic philosophy
2. Engage in thoughtful, productive, and meaningful dialog about the principles of Stoicism
3. Read and analyze short passages and quotes from various Stoic Philosophers
4. Reflect on behavior, choice, and influence according to Stoic principles
5. Apply new knowledge to their lived experiences
6. Discuss and debate class material in order to clarify and justify their thinking
Learning goals will be individualized, learner-specific and created collaboratively with the learner. Goals should be focused on areas where the learner desires improvement, new perspectives or strategies. Some examples include time-management, building courage, increasing reasoning and problem solving skills, increasing productivity, goal-setting, or developing greater levels of resilience according to the masters of Stoic thought.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Hello Parents -
I recognize that many families have different levels of comfort around certain subjects. This class is absolutely not meant to be therapeutic in nature and there will be no discussion of potentially sensitive or objectionable topics. I will not discuss or address a learner's personal feelings, experiences or emotions related to potentially sensitive or objectionable topics. All materials used in this class will focus solely on aiding the learner in developing a Stoic mindset according to the teachings of ancient and modern thinkers. I cannot and will not provide advice, share personal opinions, or otherwise guide learners in their decision-making. This class is only intended to serve learners with an interest in learning, analyzing, and practicing Stoic virtues and principles as a philosophy.
Supply List
Pencils or pens Dedicated notebook or journal
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
We will often refer to the writings and ideas of the major Stoic philosophers (i.e. Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Zeno of Citium, Epictetus, Rufus) and modern intellectual thinkers such as Ryan Holiday and Jordan Peterson. Additionally, video material as it pertains to the concepts of Stoicism may be used to illustrate, demonstrate or inform.
Joined August, 2022
5.0
53reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Much of my 15 years of teaching has been spent in English and literature classrooms serving middle and high-school students. But perhaps the greatest impact I've had on students has been in my role as mentor and skills coach using the philosophy of Stoicism as a guiding mindset. In this capacity I've worked with over a hundred students looking to improve and strengthen their capacity to discover and develop themselves in ways that typical academic studies do not provide. Often students want to build character, strengthen resilience, gain new perspectives, learn strategies to accept change and overcome challenges. Resilience, self-control, and courage can be learned by anyone who desires to do so. Reviews
Live 1-on-1 Lessons
$39
per sessionMeets on demand
25 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
