TEACHING APPRENTICE PROGRAM (TAP)
A residency program for aspiring Elementary, Middle, and High School teachers with
Creating Innovative School Educators
APPRENTICE TESTIMONIALS
The Berwick Academy Teaching Apprentice Program is an excellent way to gain hands-on experience in the classroom. The program allowed me to quickly build my skills as an educator under an experienced mentor and in a supportive community. Thanks to this one year program, I have earned my masters degree, feel confident leading my own classroom, and am now working at a top-class school that I intend to stay for many years to come
From the coursework at Lesley University to the amazing community at Berwick Academy, I would absolutely not be the teacher I am today without the Teaching Apprentice Program During this program, I gained invaluable perspective as I was able to look through the lens of both a student and teacher, which continues to inform my practice as a teacher to this day. Every day I looked forward to getting into the classroom where I had the opportunity to collaborate with amazing mentors who consistently pushed me to take risks, be vulnerable and instilled a mantra of personal growth for my students and for myself
Berwick TA 2019-2020
For me, the Berwick Academy Teaching Apprentice Program was made by the school’s superlative faculty Not only were my mentor teachers eager and well prepared to help me develop my own practice, but the rest of the faculty also was equally willing to discuss plans, offer ideas, and invite me into their own classes.
Sam, Berwick TA 2020-2021
Ali Vandenburgh Director, Teacher Apprentice Program (TAP)
avandenburgh@berwickacademy.org
Alex, Berwick TA 2017-2018
Amanda,
Wh y BERWICK?
Diverse Community of Learners
Exceptional Faculty
Our TAs learn alongside highly qualified and dedicated Berwick mentors.
Individualized Guidance
Berwick’s TAP consists of a small cohort of TAs which allows for flexibility and care when selecting each TAs’ two teaching placements In addition, TAs receive individualized support and feedback from their mentors and the on-site program director on a regular basis.
Applicable Coursework
Classes and assignments purposefully connect theory and practice in a comprehensive manner. Berwick TAs enroll in a balanced curriculum comprising of 30 credits from pre-determined and elective courses
Berwick’s TAs learn in and outside the classroom through faculty meetings, coaching athletic teams, assisting with theatrical productions, leading assemblies and creating unique activity period selections.
Accelerated and Affordable
Each TA earns their M Ed in 12 months while gaining legitimate work experience. The tuition cost is split between Berwick and Lesley University making it an affordable way to earn an advanced degree
State of the Art Facilities
Set on 72 acres, students and faculty are encouraged to expand their horizons by balancing academics with athletic, dramatic, and musical options
&
Designed for Aspiring Independent School Teachers
pursued its mission of promoting “Virtue and Useful Knowledge” through a purposeful blend of strong academics, arts, and athletics
Founded in 1791, Berwick Academy is an independent, coeducational country day school Berwick serves nearly 600 students in grades PK-12 from the seacoast area of southern Maine, New Hampshire, and northeastern Massachusetts For over 200 years, the Academy has Berwick Academy has been training future educators since 2006 Teaching apprentices (TAs) in this fieldbased, non-licensure program work under the guidance of experienced Berwick Academy faculty mentors while earning their M Ed from Lesley University Through engagement, TAs become valued members of Berwick’s community. Our TAs have gone on to successful careers at independent schools throughout New England, and as far away as North Carolina and Hawaii.
TEACHER APPRENTICE PROGRAM (TAP)
A t a g l a n c e
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree (3 0 or higher) and a commitment to working in teams; prior experience working with children is preferred. The students must have a diligent and focused work ethic. We encourage people of varying ages, experiences, and backgrounds to apply
Berwick’s Teaching Apprentice Program works on a set sequence of courses Beginning in June, accepted students begin Lesley University coursework In the fall semester, students begin their teaching apprenticeship at Berwick.
Interested applicants should email Program Director Ali Vandenburgh (avandenburgh@berwickacademy.org) to arrange a brief phone call.
Application requirements include a resume, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and a campus visit Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis and depend on space and mentor availability
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH THE MAINE SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The Maine Scholars Program
Lesley University is dedicated to training teachers and mental health professionals in the most impactful way Through the Maine Scholars program, Lesley creates seamless pathways to Maine employers providing close support to students during their educational journey and beyond. With a generous grant from The Lunder Foundation, Scholars are eligible for exclusive financial aid and scholarship benefits
Benefits of becoming a Maine Scholar
Scholarships & Eligibility: Through a generous grant from The Lunder Foundation, Scholars are eligible for a super-sized scholarship All students who live or want to work in Maine are eligible!
Guaranteed Internships at Acceptance: Through growing partnerships, Lesley students increasingly start their education knowing where they are headed with an internship placement granted upon acceptance Rather than spending time researching, applying, and competing for internships, they can focus on making it the best experience it can be Upon graduation, Maine Scholars are given priority job consideration by their internship or practicum organization
Life-Long Support: Students working together at the same partner sites form cohorts where they support one another personally and professionally and build networks that last a lifetime.
Apply Through Lesley University
To receive more information on scholarships and stay connected to Lesley University visit: lesley edu/a-call-for-maine-scholars
