Working Classicists
LightNews LightNews
banner
workingclassicists.bsky.social
Working Classicists
@workingclassicists.bsky.social
4.7K followers 440 following 720 posts
www.workingclassicists.com

🏺A hub of resources, support & solidarity
⚡️Representing the working class in classics
🏛️ Run by @miri.bsky.social & @misterconnor1.bsky.social
✍️ Platforming working class academics
❤️ Woke AF

email us: [email protected]
Posts Replies Media Videos
workingclassicists.bsky.social
Did anyone go for a classics-themed Halloween costume this year? We did!

Let us see yours 👀
George in a toga and Miri in a Medusa costume
November 1, 2025 at 10:38 AM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
We've made a few small changes to our National 5 textbook, following some feedback. Thank you to everyone who reached out! 🙏

The new edition can be downloaded at the same place.

We've also added an answer scheme for all the questions and the mock exam. ☺️

www.workingclassicists.com/national-5-c...
Front cover for the National 5 Classical Studies booklet, featuring frescoes from the Villa of Mysteries in Pompeii.
October 22, 2025 at 8:01 AM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
Talking monsters in Dundee in a week or so 👹

Why not pop by and say hello 👋
Myths & Monsters with Miri Teixeira and George Connor Saturday 25th October 2025, 2:30pm Lochee Community Library, High Street, Lochee Dundee, DD2 3AU For further information contact: 01382 431835 or lochee.library@leisureandculturedundee.com
October 15, 2025 at 12:33 PM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
👋
Newspaper article about the Working Classicists Guide to National 5 Classical Studies, in today’s Courier (Dundee).
October 7, 2025 at 9:14 AM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
Treated ourselves to a physical copy of our Nat 5 textbook! 🎁📕

Now seriously thinking about a print run… 🤔

Still available FOR FREE (unless you’d like to make a donation) on our site.

www.workingclassicists.com/national-5-c...
September 27, 2025 at 1:53 PM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
✨ We are SO delighted to release our guide to National 5 Classical Studies. ✨

It's completely free (unless you'd like to make a donation) and is the first Classics textbook written for the Scottish education system in two generations! ✊⚡

www.workingclassicists.com/national-5-c...
Cover of the book featuring feescoes from the Villa of Mysteries
September 13, 2025 at 5:23 PM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
We've been busy with this for a while but it's very close to launch 👀
Cover image for National 5 Classical Studies textbook
September 7, 2025 at 10:24 AM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
Some photos from our panel today!

Thanks so much to Jordan, Alex, and Sam for their wonderfully engaging papers! And to everyone who came to listen and speak to us ☺️

If you dropped us a business card we’ll be in touch next week 📧
Jordan Lynch from Thurso High School giving a talk on improving access to classics for geographically remote teachers and learners at the Classical Association Conference 2025 on the Working Classicists panel. George Connor from Working Classicists giving a talk on class as an accessibility requirement in Classics at the Classical Association Conference in St Andrews Sam Newington and Alex Imrie giving a talk at the Classical Association Conference about their Ancient Voices summer school. Miri Teixeira from Working Classicists giving a talk on the book A Periodic Table of Greek Mythology at the Classical Association Conference 2025
July 12, 2025 at 6:09 PM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
We’re on our way to St Andrews for the CA Conference!

Looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day 🌞
Miri and George from Working Classicists
July 12, 2025 at 8:22 AM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
✨ Come and see us tomorrow at the Classical Association Conference 2025!

#ancientsky #classicssky

Here’s some more info on our panel:
A Working Classicists Manifesto: First-hand accounts and actionable policies to improve access for working class academics Classical Association Conference 2025 Saturday 12 July 2025 Younger Hall, Seminar Room 4 | 11:30am Miri Teixeira A Periodic Table of Greek Mythology: Rewriting the landscape for working class contributors Jordan Lynch Spatio disiuncti non cordibus: improving access to Classics for geographically remote teachers and Learners Samantha Newington & Alex Imrie Ancient Voices: Modern Relevance George Connor Beyond half-measures: class as an accessibility requirement in Classics
July 11, 2025 at 8:07 PM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
Oh yeah, it’s our 4th birthday today!

Very grateful for all the support and love over the years - we couldn’t do any of it without you all 🥳
A picture of the statue head of Bacchus blowing a party horn with balloons in the background
July 9, 2025 at 2:27 PM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
Who is going to the Classical Association Conference on the weekend in St Andrews?

We’ll both be there on Saturday (11.30am, Younger Hall, Room 4), hosting a panel about - you guessed it - working class opportunities in Classics and class as accessibility.

Would be lovely to meet some of you!
A photo of George and Miri from Working Classicists sitting in front of a Working Classicists banner and smiling
July 7, 2025 at 2:51 PM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
Well that was lovely, we’re putting the phones down for a bit and going off to get some fish and chips.

Congrats again to all our winners, thank you so much to anyone who nominated, and we love all of you who support us 🥰
Miri and George from Working Classicists looking cheerful and giving a thumbs up
July 5, 2025 at 4:08 PM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
⭐ WORKING CLASSICIST OF THE YEAR ⭐

Zena Kamash (@zenakamash.bsky.social) is this years' Working Classicist of the Year!

Congratulations, Zena! 🏆

#WCA2025
Working Classicist of the Year: Zena Kamash What the nominators said: “Zena has consistently worked to decolonise the fields of Classics, Classical Archaeology, and particularly, Heritage Studies, addressing problems of digital and technological colonialism, community exclusion, imperialist attitudes, media bias and illiteracy, and the many ways that academia continues to inflict trauma. “Most recently, she has found traditional and non-traditional ways to model 'gentler, creative and ethically-driven ways to respond to heritage damaged in conflict that recentre people and their hopes, dreams and needs at the heart of these debates’. “Her handbook, Heritage and Healing in Syria and Iraq, presents a case for craft and creativity to those who feel most comfortable with a 'traditional' academic approach, while her Crafting Heritage for Wellbeing in Iraq project puts that approach into practice, using traditional crafts and creative workshops to help build community, improve mental health, and present new ways to preserve heritage What the panel said: Zena has researched and written on the subject of the Roman Middle East for many years, but always with an eye on practical real-world connections. In a region which has been ravaged by Western military interventions, her work is only becoming more and more important. Centred around recovery from trauma, Zena’s work emphasises the humanity of those – people and places - affected by such destruction, and looks at the efficacy of proposed solutions, assessing them within contexts of media illiteracy, geopolitical biases, and other distorting prisms. All of Zena’s work, from her doctoral thesis (Water Supply and Management in the Near East), to her Crafting Heritage and Wellbeing in Iraq project, to her recent book, Heritage and Healing in Iraq make no bones about asking people to reorient their ideas of Classics, of colonisation, of modern global conflicts, and the profound intersections they share. This is the kind of dialogue which is required in modern Classics. a picture of Zena Kamash
July 5, 2025 at 1:01 PM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
🌱 NEWCOMER CLASSICIST 🌱

Mhairi White (@mhairi-at-ou.bsky.social) is this year's winner in the Newcomer Classicist category!

Congratulations, Mhairi!🏆

#WCA2025
Newcomer Classicist: Mhairi White What the nominators said: “Mhairi White is one to watch! She is relatively new to Classics and studying for an MA - but her enthusiasm and energy are infectious and inspiring. “In the last year she's set up a thriving WhatsApp group for other students, organised workshops with academics and directors, and is planning to go into schools to share her latest research project on Medusa. “She has the gift of making learning seem magical.” “Through personal challenges, she's continued to hold other people up and encourage them to celebrate their successes.” What the panel said: Through what has been a very challenging time personally, Mhairi’s devotion to her learning community has shone through. She is a skilled academic, as shown through her energetic pursuit of her MA, and is also a determined representative of the student body in interactions with all levels of her study. What was clear from her nominations was her understanding of study as a community rather than a solo pursuit. At every level, Mhairi sees the value in every person, in every aspiration, and in every victory, no matter how big or small. If this is the beginning, it is auspicious, and the discipline will only benefit from having Mhairi - a person whose compassion is equal to her academic gifts – in it. A picture of Mhairi White
July 5, 2025 at 1:01 PM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
🤝 COMMUNITY CLASSICIST 🤝

Aôthen Magazine (@aothenmagazine.bsky.social) is this year's winner in the Community Classicist category!

Congratulations to Samantha, Kaitlin, and Dominic (as well as all the contributors)! 🏆

#WCA2025
Community Classicist: Aothen Magazine What the nominators said: “Aôthen Magazine has brought together professionals, amateurs, and creatives of many ages and backgrounds in a wide encompassing and ongoing creative dialogue about the Classics. “Their tireless efforts have made Aôthen a very special and unique project which has been a source of pleasure and education for me this past year. “Aôthen is innovative and welcoming in a rare and wonderful way and this is in no small degree due to the team's genuine and all-encompassing love for, and expertise within, the field of Classics.” The nominations explained: “Aôthen Magazine has brought together professionals, amateurs, and creatives of many ages and backgrounds in a wide encompassing and ongoing creative dialogue about the Classics. “Their tireless efforts have made Aôthen a very special and unique project which has been a source of pleasure and education for me this past year.” What the panel said: What Aôthen have accomplished since their launch in 2022 is nothing short of amazing. Publishing an online – and in-print – literary magazine, online articles and columns, fundraising for charities, and more. Each issue of the magazine is crammed with stories, poems, and reflections – it is an extraordinary space for writers of all backgrounds, demonstrating the principle that all voices deserve to be heard. The team - Kaitlin Smith and Dominic Wexler, led by Editor-in-Chief Samantha Ng - have done remarkable work in pursuit of their principles: “Protect heritage, think critically, and decolonize archaeology.” Aôthen is an important space, organisation and creative collective: a worthy winner of this community prize. A picture of the staff at Aothen Magazine - Samantha, Kaitlin, and Dominic.
July 5, 2025 at 1:01 PM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
🧑‍🏫 EDUCATOR CLASSICIST 🧑‍🏫

Louise Scott is this year's winner in the Educator Classicist category!

Congratulations, Louise! 🏆

#WCA2025
Educator Classicist: Louise Scott What the nominators said: “Louise is a tireless force in promoting the subject and a hugely engaging and inspiring educator. “Over 50% of pupils at Louise’s school live in one of Scotland’s most deprived areas, and around 30% have an additional support need.” “Louise’s impact goes far beyond the classroom. She has encouraged pupil participation in prestigious opportunities like the Gilbert Murray Prize. Last year, as a result of her efforts, Beath High was the only state school awarded. This year, one of Louise's pupils won the Grand Prize, with several more Highly Commended. “Louise’s work is nothing short of transformative. She is not only opening doors to the past, but also to new futures — smashing barriers, raising aspirations, and proving that passion and access to the ancient world should never be limited by postcode or income.” A picture of Louise Scott, smiling What the panel said: Reading about Louise’s journey with Classics was inspiring. Louise has done something remarkable, giving access to the ancient world to pupils between the ages of 13 and 18 in an area of high social deprivation. Indeed, so effective has her work been that her school has had to bring additional Classics staff on-board. Louise’s enthusiasm has encouraged pupils to try something new, to the extent that this year the prestigious Gilbert Murray Prize was won by one of Louise’s state-educated pupils, with several others commended. Providing her pupils, many of whom had never left the UK, with access to a trip to Pompeii will have life-long effects, many of which will go far beyond education. Louise is clearly an outstanding educator, with a living commitment to equal opportunity in Classics. She is more than deserving of this award.
July 5, 2025 at 1:00 PM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
🦸 UNSUNG CLASSICIST 🦸

Del Maticic (@maticiceronian.bsky.social) is this year's winner in the Unsung Classicist category!

Congratulations, Del!🏆

#WCA2025
Unsung Classicist: Del Maticic What the nominators said: “Del has worked tirelessly, both as a graduate student and now as an early career scholar and teacher, on behalf of justice and equity within the field of Classics, particularly in North America. “His efforts have been instrumental in giving graduate students a seat at the table in the governing of the Society for Classical Studies, and his committee service on both the Contingent Faculty and Data committees for SCS has been invaluable in advocating for improving the working conditions of early-career classicists, especially those of disadvantaged demographics. “He has continued to produce and curate cutting-edge scholarship related to eco-criticism and other innovative ways of approaching ancient literature.” What the panel said: It would have been enough to earn a nomination here solely on the volume of work Del has done on an academic level – book reviews, conference papers, articles, chapters, editing – but in combination with his contribution to making material working conditions better for his colleagues, it was clear that we were learning about someone of exceptional value to the discipline. Working towards improvements in any arena can be a thankless and tiring task, but Del has invested a huge amount of his energy in doing the things which often go unnoticed, but which benefit many after the fact: attending meetings, asking questions, making the case, and being prepared to do it repeatedly. Del embodies the value of fairness, and strives towards a better kind of academia. We are delighted to shine a light on his phenomenal contribution. A picture of Del Maticic, smiling
July 5, 2025 at 1:00 PM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
🎨 CREATIVE CLASSICIST 🎨

Basil Wright (@kobanya.bsky.social) is this year's winner in the Creative Classicist category!

Congratulations, Basil! 🏆

#WCA2025
Creative Classicist: Basil Wright A picture of Basil Wright smiling What the nominators said: “As a black person, AAVE (African American Vernacular English) speaker, and linguistics minor, I find the Afrodyssey really close-to-home and interesting. It highlights how ancient Greece wasn't "white" by today's standards, and it challenges the perception that white, western culture descended from the Greeks.“ “Their work provides a fresh, inclusive perspective to the story that it is fun and engaging to read a work in this kind of translation.” “Basil always does incredible work, and they put so much heart into anything they do. They are always bringing a different perspective to the table, and uplifting others, big and small.” What the panel said: Basil Wright has been writing about Classical mythology for many years, but their work has not always received the spotlight it deserves. As a writer, narrative designer, sensitivity consultant and, impressively, the creator of the Afrodyssey, Basil has tirelessly used their creative powers to channel the ancient into the modern through storytelling and games. Basil models the Working Classicists values of increasing access to those denied, and providing a voice to those unheard. If enthusiasm is the core facet when it comes to outreach, few could be considered more in touch with the spirit of that word.
July 5, 2025 at 1:00 PM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
✊⚡🏆
Working Classicists Awards 2025
✊⚡🏆

It's time to announce the winners of #WCA2025!

Our six categories this year:

🎨Creative Classicist
🦸Unsung Classicist
🧑‍🏫Educator Classicist
🤝Community Classicist
🌱Newcomer Classicist
and
⭐Working Classicist of the Year

And our winners are...
The Working Classicists Awards 2025
July 5, 2025 at 1:00 PM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
Working Classicists Awards 2025

TOMORROW

2pm (UK time)

Get ready to cheer on our winners! 👀
#WCA2025
Working Classicists Awards 2025 2pm Uk time 05/07/25
July 4, 2025 at 10:22 AM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
NOMINATIONS CLOSE AT MIDNIGHT (GMT) TODAY!

Last chance to tell us about someone you think deserves a prize for being so hot-danged great.

docs.google.com/form...
Working Classicists Awards 2025 Vaporwave-style poster
June 14, 2025 at 10:22 AM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
It's really cool when people are nice to each other, and by PURE COINCIDENCE there's a quick and easy way to do something amazingly positive right here.

Nominate someone for our annual awards, and feel the satisfaction of doing something lovely.

docs.google.com/form...
Working Classicists Awards 2025 Vaporwave-style poster
June 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
Happy publication day to @rhigarthjones.bsky.social 🥳
A copy of All Roads Lead to Rome by Rhiannon Garth Jones
May 22, 2025 at 1:06 PM
workingclassicists.bsky.social
Still time to nominate someone for a lovely prize.

It's our favourite bit of the year; we love hearing about great work being done in the world of Classics and all its related fields.

Go on... tell us about someone marvellous!

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Vaporwave design - Working Classicists Awards 2025 - Six Categories - Nominations Now Open
May 13, 2025 at 7:52 PM