Dr. John Girdwood is an American artist, poet, and educator whose work unites faith, freedom, and the moral imagination. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and MA Teaching from Wayne State University, where his research on early American civic virtue explored the foundations of self-government and moral leadership. He also serves as an Administrator / Instructional Coach in Detroit, guiding teachers and students in the practice of learning, language, and liberty. His BA is from Michigan State University, James Madison College, PTCD. Girdwood has taught political science at Wayne State University, government and history at Montcalm Community College, social studies in middle schools in metro Detroit, and English as a Second Language for multilingual learners in K–8 programs. His dual life as scholar and teacher shapes his vision of art as public service, and of particular salience, a way to turn truth into beauty and philosophy into light. EdD Candidate.