About

Apprentice Program

Overview

The Apprentice Teacher Training Program at New Canaan Country School provides "on the job" training for individuals interested in becoming elementary and middle school teachers. Classroom placements range from kindergarten to sixth grade. Each apprentice works directly alongside a lead teacher, and together, they provide instruction to students in language arts, mathematics, and social studies. For those interested in sports, apprentices have opportunities to coach in the school’s interscholastic athletic program. On Wednesday afternoons, apprentices attend faculty meetings and participate in seminars that address a variety of topics in teaching and education.
This program is uniquely designed to give beginning teachers the experience and training they need to go out and lead classrooms of their own. Country School is a leader in teacher training with nearly 1,000 apprentices coming through the program since 1952. We welcome anyone thinking of pursuing a career in education to apply.

Benefits

The Apprentice Teacher Training Program is total immersion into the teaching profession. The school provides a stipend of $30,000 to its first-year apprentices (with an increase for each following year of service), and housing is available for a modest fee. There is some financial support for apprentices who wish to begin graduate work. Through this comprehensive work experience, apprentices who complete the program gain a unique stepping-stone for a career in teaching. Upon completion of the Apprentice Teacher Training Program, most apprentices either apply for full-time teaching positions or enter graduate school.

Who Should Apply?

To be eligible for the program, candidates must have completed a bachelor's degree. Naturally, an active interest in working with children is essential, along with a desire to participate in all aspects of professional life here at school. In keeping with its commitment to diversity, County School welcomes applications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Country School is committed to the development of compassionate teachers who value, accept, and respect diversity. Our school community strives to create an inclusive environment in which each member feels comfortable and accepted, an environment in which differences and commonalities are appreciated in equal measure.

Sample Apprentice Workshops

-Classroom Management and Effective Classroom Design
-Lesson Planning 101 & Differentiation in the Classroom
-Effective Use of Technology in the Classroom
-Best Practices in ELA and Math
-Social Emotional Learning in a Post-COVID World
-Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Your Classroom
-Authentic Assessment and Data-Driven Instruction

To Apply

In order to be considered for an apprentice position, please complete the use the link below to access the full job description and application form for apprentice positions. If you have any questions, please email Jody Sheldon, Apprentice Coordinator.






List of 1 members.

  • Photo of Lacey Ramsey

    Lacey Ramsey 

    Director of Apprentice Teacher Training Program / Learning Resources Teacher

At A Glance

-One-or two-year program, a third-year fellowship is possible
-Hands-on classroom experience (Kindergarten-Grade 6)
-Generous stipend ($30,000 year 1, $31,000 year 2, $34,000 year 3)
-Housing for a moderate fee
-Professional workshops
-Health benefits
    • New Canaan Country School's Apprentice Teacher Training Program

Reflections in Education

List of 1 news stories.

  • Speers-Stoddard Apprentice Teacher Fund

    The Speers-Stoddard Apprentice Teacher Fund supports the growth of the Apprentice Teacher Program at New Canaan Country School. The fund was established in 2022 by the Speers and Stoddard families in honor of longtime NCCS teachers Sue Speers (Upper School Humanities 1967-1992) and Pat Stoddard (Upper School Humanities 1968-1978). Both Sue and Pat were trailblazing teachers, ahead of their time in many ways, and embodiments of the Country School mission and commitment to great teaching. They pushed students to tackle hard topics and advocated for the school to take risks with new curriculum and approaches. Education and teaching are important to both families and this fund will provide enhanced training for the next generation of teachers at NCCS and beyond.
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New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.