Charlotte Mason's Design for Education: An Enduring Legacy for Today?

Join with elementary, secondary, and post-secondary school, homeschool, and university educators, researchers, and other academics and practitioners as together we uncover the relevance of Mason’s design for education today.

19 Jul 2023 - 21 Jul 2023

Event Overview

Join others from around the world as we gather in this intimate conference to discuss and engage the life and legacy of an increasingly globally renowned educationalist, Charlotte Mason (1842-1923), founder of the University of Cumbria’s Ambleside Campus. Together homeschool educators, primary and secondary teachers, professors, researchers, and authors will explore and uncover the relevance of Charlotte Mason’s design for education today.

Key conference topics are: Charlotte Mason: A Life and a Legacy (July 19), Awakening the Whole Child: Reclaiming an Out-of-Doors Life (July 20), and Awakening the Whole Child: Reclaiming Self-Agency through Narration and the Narrative in Education (July 21).

Pre-conference opt-in immersions, including visits to local schools, and experiences with local and international experts are being planned for several days before the conference, and the conference will conclude on Friday evening (July 21) with a community celebration featuring dramatic readings from Mason’s works and other literary and artistic contributions.

The emphasis throughout the conference will be on the relevance of Charlotte Mason’s design for education for transforming educational practice today. Participants will experience lively discussion and community throughout the conference and leave not only knowing Charlotte Mason better themselves but also knowing better how to offer a Charlotte Mason education to others.

Spaces are limited and early registration is highly recommended. Note that access is very limited to pre-conference options and is only open to conference registrants. Access to the community celebration is open to all and is free and registration for it is recommended but not required.

On-campus accommodations options are available from July 14-July 24, 2023, for pre-conference visits and walking in the area.

Interested in presenting at the conference?

About Speakers & Sessions

Event Information

The conference will be filled with lively discussions and active learning oriented around Charlotte Mason’s philosophy and continued relevance for education today. From Wednesday afternoon until Friday evening (July 19-21), the conference will focus on key components of Mason’s philosophy, practice, life, and legacy, aspects of which will be presented, examined, and discussed in a number of diverse sessions including expert panels, presentation panels, practical immersions and workshops, and springboard conversations with presenters speaking as a mix of home and classroom educators, practitioners, scholars, researchers, authors, and other experts.

Atmosphere. The entire conference will be touched by the beauty of the campus, the echo of history throughout the town, and the beckoning of the natural beauty of the region. Local educators, students, artists, naturalists, historians, and agriculturalists will contribute to the cultural and educational experiences of attendees.

Registration and Call for Proposals. Given the space and campus accommodation options, tickets are very limited. Register here to secure your spot! Are you interested in speaking at the conference? Read about the various types of sessions and topics we’ll be discussing, and submit a proposal for your session here!

Hosts: This is a joint conference of the University of Cumbria and the Charlotte Mason Institute. The conference is part of the Charlotte Mason Studies program at the University and contributes to the University of Cumbria’s three pillars of people, place, and partnerships at the Ambleside Campus by leading and participating in international collaborative research, writing, and convening that connects Charlotte Mason’s legacy with education today. The conference also contributes to the Charlotte Mason Institute’s vision for a relational education for all students and teachers in every setting and its mission of promoting the principles and practices of Charlotte Mason’s design for education through research, discussion, and shared experiences.

What is the Refund Policy?
Please fill out the Cancellation and Refund Form and send it to cm2023@cumbria.ac.uk to request a refund. Requests received by March 15th 2023 will receive a refund minus a £30 cancellation fee. After March 15th, no refunds will be provided.