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The Battle Hymn of the Refugee Teacher

The explosive growth of classical education is luring teachers from traditional district schools—and reminding them why they became teachers in the first place

Annika Hernandez photo By Annika Hernandez

April 14, 2026

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The Battle Hymn of the Refugee Teacher

Education Next • Annika Hernandez

Something hopeful is happening beneath the headlines about teacher burnout: many educators are not giving up on teaching, but searching for schools where intellectual seriousness, moral formation, and love of learning still shape the work. This piece traces why classical education is becoming that refuge—and why its growth may signal not only a new home for teachers, but a deeper renewal in American education.

Annika Hernandez photo

Annika Hernandez

Education Next