New Teacher Institute

Overview

Every September I tell the same story to the new Interns. I confess to them that I spent the majority of my first year as a teacher behind my closed classroom door. I had a teaching credential and twelve weeks of student teaching experience. Some of that training must have followed me to my first classroom, but I felt that I was in "over my head." I was hesitant to seek help for fear of exposing my inexperience and incompetence.


	"The great thing about the New Teacher Institute is that I never felt as if I was "just an intern." The entire faculty treats all interns with respect and as professionals. I was given the opportunity to develop my teaching skills by actually and actively doing…the way I believe learning occurs. I taught every day, had support with lesson plans and help in developing my management skills. I had two terrific mentors and I have a much greater sense of confidence and professionalism than I had two years ago." Brian Corvo, former intern, former Head Science Teacher

The New Teacher Institute, established in 1990 by Headmaster Brewster Ely, provides beginning teachers with a two year training program developed to ensure that their professional careers would start with confidence, expertise, and realistic expectations. I have been fortunate to be involved with the New Teacher Institute since its inception. I have had the opportunity to witness the Town community receive an infusion of energy, creativity, and enthusiasm as each new group of interns enters Town. I observe the interns fully immersed in school life, supported and encouraged in everything they do. Town abounds with educators who wish to share suggestions, learning theories, years of experience, materials, and encouragement. This support helps all new faculty develop a positive, professional attitude, which ultimately creates a better learning environment for students.


	"I am confident I have learned more from the Town School boys than I have taught them. They have reconfirmed for me the significance of a hug, the magic of a smile, the power of laughter. While I am impressed by my students' insights and academic excellence, I am overwhelmed by the potential of their hearts and spirit." Ursula Guise, former intern, Head First Grade Teacher

I have seen one hundred and ten men and women complete their training for a complex and demanding profession at Town School. Upon completion of the program, they entered their own classrooms with the benefit of two years of teaching experience combined with the guidance and practical applications learned from the head teachers with whom they taught.

Ultimately, the New Teacher Institute is more than a two year training program. It is a means of transferring years of invaluable experience to the next generation of teachers.