B.A., Philosophy, Texas A&M University
M.A., Humanities w/a Classical Education Concentration, University of Dallas
Joshua Villarreal (Vee-yu-ree-ahl; roll your “r’s” if you can) is a Teacher Support Lead for the K-12 Office at Hillsdale College. Growing up in Austin, Texas, he attended public school for most of his formative years. He finished his Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy at Texas A&M University after spending two years in seminary at the University of Dallas, where he was first exposed to classical education. After graduating, he began his career in education in 2019 at Founders Classical Academy of Leander, teaching sixth-grade literature and history for two years. He then taught 9th Grade Literature, Logic, and Rhetoric. Prior to his role at the College, he was formerly the Dean of Students at Valor South Austin, where he taught 12th-grade Integrated Humanities in addition to his leadership responsibilities.
What is the most inspiring part of your job?
"I am most inspired when I see a teacher masterfully weaving together lesson planning, content knowledge, classroom management, and assessments to communicate our noblest ideals in their particular subject. Teachers are mediators between students and the transcendental virtues, those who communicate our noblest ideals and the realization of our highest desires to unlearned minds and hearts."
Favorite classical quote:
"Await no further word or sign from me: your will is free, erect, and whole—to act against that will would be to err: therefore I crown and miter you over yourself." —Dante, Purgatorio