TEACHING INTERN PROGRAM OF THE PUTNEY SCHOOL

TEACHING INTERN PROGRAM
OF THE PUTNEY SCHOOL

For the 2008-09 school year

The purpose of The Putney School Intern Program is to prepare young people for careers in teaching. Participants will experience a good cross-section of life in a boarding school that since its founding in 1935 has gained a national reputation as a leading progressive school. To be eligible, candidates must have completed an undergraduate degree in the liberal arts and have a strong desire to enter the teaching profession. Teaching internships are normally offered one or more of the following disciplines in any given year: English, history, mathematics, science, technology, languages, arts. The Putney School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, place of birth, age, national origin, or handicaps in the making of employment decisions. The Putney School seeks to promote diversity through its program and hiring.

Classroom Expectations. The program will be tailored to the skills and interests of the individual intern and the needs of the school. Interns will generally work under a master teacher in their discipline, observing classes and assisting with individual and group projects. Specific arrangements will be worked out with the mentor teacher, but as a minimum, interns should expect to audit at least one class on a regular basis taught by his or her mentor teacher and to visit on a weekly basis other classes within the department. In addition, all interns visit classes in other departments of the school on a regular basis; at some time they may arrange for a "secondary major," spending time in one other department. All interns visit classes in all departments within the school. As the year progresses, interns are invited to teach classes under the supervision of the master teacher and in the spring will usually develop and teach a class or course of their own. Mentor teachers will sit in and critique the classes. Interns should expect to teach one or two sections of this class. From time to time they may also be asked to teach other classes.

Attendance. The intern year begins with orientation for new members of the faculty and staff in August and ends with post-graduation faculty meetings in June. Attendance and participation at all regular school functions required of full-time faculty is expected, as well as attendance at all intern program functions. During the year the interns will have the same vacations as the faculty.

Afternoon and Evening Programs. All interns are expected to participate in the Afternoon and the Evening Activity programs. Putney offers evening activities for 90 minutes four nights a week. The Evening Program provides a chance to explore diverse performing, visual and literary arts and crafts. Afternoon activities include the sports and work programs. Interns should plan to participate as coaches or activity leaders at least four afternoons each term according to interests and expertise. Final arrangements will be made with the directors of the evening, athletic and work programs.

Residential Duties. Interns will live in dormitories and serve as dorm heads. Time requirements and responsibilities are generally alternating weekends on duty and two evenings per week, plus lots of additional incidental time.

Training. During the first semester, mentors and interns have regular, informal conversations on educational issues, curriculum and topics relevant to teaching at the secondary level. Often in the past, we have done this by having dinner together regularly and inviting other faculty and staff to talk about their work at the school. In the second semester, these discussions continue but less frequently. Interns take part in meetings of the professional staff and are expected to participate fully in all aspects of school life, including work on the farm and in the library. They are full-fledged faculty members.

Salary and Benefits. In addition to housing, meals are provided in the main dining room while school is in session. Interns also receive medical insurance and will receive a stipend of $18,000 for the year.

Interns are responsible to Emily H. Jones, Director

Intern Application: Download MS Word Form