The Paideia Center

The National Paideia Center serves as a source of information, inspiration, and training for those who are dedicated to transforming whole schools into activist learning communities based on the Paideia philosophy. The Paideia school provides a unique approach to active learning. The ultimate goal of the school is to teach all students to think so that they may: become good citizens, lead good lives, and earn a decent living.

The National Paideia Center was formed at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1988.  A partnership between UNC President Willam Friday and Mortimer Adler included a vision to support instruction across the state.  In the years since, the National Paideia Center staff has worked in schools across the nation, in Sweden and Chile as well.

OUR CORE STAFF

Our Core Staff develop materials and publications while also leading training and outreach events.

Dr. Terry Roberts, Director

troberts@northcarolina.edu
919-962-3134
Dr. Terry Roberts has been the director of the National Paideia Center since 1993. A former high school English teacher, he is practicing scholar of American Literature and Cultural Studies, with a strong penchant for the classics. He is fascinated by the social and intellectual power of dialogue to teach and to inspire.

Dr. Laura Billings, Associate Director

billings@northcarolina.edu
919-962-3136
Dr. Billings has been the Associate Director of the Paideia Center since 1998. She is a former secondary teacher from Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Billings’ research and teaching focus on the socio-linguistic aspects of dialogue. In addition, she is deeply committed to holistic assessment practices.

The National Paideia Faculty

Since 1995, the National Paideia Center has trained and supported a self-selected team educators, designated as the National Paideia Faculty.  National Paideia Faculty lead training events and support the Center’s outreach efforts.  If you are interested in becoming eligible for National Paideia Faculty status, send us your application for membership in the Paideia Educator Network.

National Paideia Faculty 2011-2012

Bob Alexander     Ashland , PA

Natalie Allen       Pueblo West, CO

Steve Ball       Nashville, TN

Cheryl Beeson       Greensboro, NC

Amy Bender       Glendale, WI

Laura Cook      Harrisburg, NC

Meryle Elko      Charlotte, NC

Kelly Foster      Tacoma, WA

Sally Griffin      Gastonia, NC

Arlie Harris      Raleigh, NC

Christie Hinson      Chapel Hill, NC

Kristin Knight      Chattanooga, TN

Marcia Lakovitch      St. Augustine, FL

Jennifer Mangrum      Greensboro, NC

Lynne Murray      Greensboro, NC

Pelusa Orellana      Santiago, Chile

Susan Poindexter      Greensboro, NC

Tracey Stevens      Chattanooga, TN

Marcy Thayer      Chattanooga, TN

Grant Zimmerman      Chapel Hill, NC