Meet Lincoln Prep’s New Headmaster, Eric Tope

Lincoln Prep August 19, 2024 -

Eric Tope, a cornerstone of the Lincoln Prep community since its founding in 2015, has been named as the academy’s new Headmaster. A familiar face in the halls, Tope began his journey with Lincoln Prep as a founding faculty member, initially teaching sixth-grade U.S. History. Over the years, his versatility and dedication saw him take on a diverse range of subjects, including Literature, Economics, Rhetoric, and even Music Theory. His leadership potential was quickly recognized, leading to his tenure as Dean of Students and later as Assistant Headmaster—a role he held for five years before stepping into his new leadership position.

However, teaching, let alone leading in a classical education academy, was not part of Tope’s vision growing up in Chandler, Arizona. “Chandler Prep was still a grocery store when I was a kid,” Tope shared. In high school, he was an enthusiastic metalhead. “I wasn’t athletic. I wasn’t particularly industrious academically. So, I was one of those kids with long hair who wore the same Metallica shirt every day to school in the mid-90s… The hair surprises people,” he said jokingly, referring to his trademark bald head, usually seen around campus with sunglasses perched on top. It was during his sophomore year in high school that he met Melissa, who would later become his wife of 15 years.

Tope attended Arizona State University (ASU), where he received a B.A. in American History and an M.A. in Political Science. “I wanted to be a bureaucrat. I wanted to work somewhere in the administrative state at the federal level, like the State Department. I applied for everything I could think of. I got one unpaid internship, and I did that, but for whatever reason, I just could not make it happen.” By his late twenties, Tope and his wife were expecting their first child, and he decided to set aside his original aspirations and find something more practical.

His sister, who had been teaching for many years at that point, urged him to get his substitute teaching certificate. She knew if he tried it out, he would love it. Although Tope was reluctant at first, he soon proved her right.

“My first assignment was second grade. I showed up and did my best to teach the lesson. We read some Charlotte’s Web together, and there was a teaching assistant (TA) in the room, so I thought it was okay. Then the principal of the school called me that day.” Tope was terrified, assuming the phone call meant he had already received a complaint on his first day. To his surprise, she called to let him know that the TA said he was really good and that the kids had given positive feedback. She also informed him that the classroom teacher would be going on maternity leave in a couple of weeks and asked if he would like to finish out the year with that group of students. “I was simultaneously terrified but also really surprised and encouraged by the immediate feedback,” he said. Much to his amazement, he realized how much he enjoyed working with kids, which led him to pursue his teaching certificate.

After a short time working as a teacher, Tope came across a job listing for Great Hearts. “9th grade Humane Letters looked interesting because of my background in American history and politics, so I submitted an application,” he recalled. He was offered a teaching job shortly after his interview and teaching demo. But he soon realized that he didn’t truly know what he was getting into. “It was very clear to me that there was a language that I did not speak—I mean, literally, I didn’t speak Latin.”

“I think my first year, even though I was on a really steep learning curve in terms of understanding classical education, was still a great experience. Meeting colleagues with degrees from places like Thomas Aquinas College, St. John’s University, or the University of Dallas, getting to know people in the network, and just having a really good experience with families is what probably won me over. By year two, I was very committed to deepening my understanding of what we do and do well. What I valued more than anything was the community that I had.”

When he is not working, Tope enjoys spending as much time as possible with his wife and their two sons. “My oldest son is 12, about to be 13, and I’m having a hoot recreating my childhood with him,” he said. “Somehow, despite a 25-year age gap, a lot of the things I liked, he likes, whether it’s certain movies or music. But we both really enjoy camping, so we spend a lot of time outdoors. And he’s slowly getting into lifting weights, which was something I did a lot when I was his age, so I’m having a fun time doing ‘manly’ things with him.”

One thing about the seemingly strait-laced headmaster that surprises most people is that he has been in and out of heavy metal cover bands for most of his life. As a guitarist, he was into thrash metal bands in college and has been a part of several musical groups covering many 80s rock bands. This experience even came in handy when the academy needed someone to fill in for a music theory class.

Tope’s path from a heavy metal enthusiast with aspirations of working in federal bureaucracy to the Headmaster of Lincoln Prep shows how life can take unexpected turns. His story illustrates how education can change not only the lives of students but also those who teach them. With his strong dedication to the school community, love for classical education, and a surprising musical background, Tope brings a unique blend of experience and enthusiasm to his new role. As he continues to guide Lincoln Prep, there is no doubt that his leadership will leave a lasting impact on the academy and its students.

Do you have a story or know of a story that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts? Please contact jason.moore@greathearts.org.