Is Shady Hill's Teacher Training Course (TTC) Just For ...
Is Shady Hill’s Teacher Training Course (TTC) Just For Apprentices? Each year, the TTC trains 15–18 aspiring teachers. But is the TTC just for apprentices? The genius of the program is that it turns Shady Hill into a learning community, top to bottom. An alum recently reflected on one way he, as a student, benefited from having a TTC apprentice in his classroom. “From Day 1, we forged a strong bond. He was a student practicing to be a teacher and took learning very seriously. His determination inspired me to strive for excellence.” The TTC is a win-win for all involved. The thorough selection process ensures that apprentices are well qualified, and teachers benefit from having an extra pair of capable eyes, ears, and hands in the classroom. Many apprentices are experienced teachers and are pursuing a Masters degree at one of Shady Hill’s partnering universities, such as Lesley. The university connection means that apprentices bring current research and educational practices to campus. Mentor teacher Betsy Anderson TTC ‘86 said “We have great stuff in our repertoire thanks to apprentices.” Betsy continued, “Having someone looking over your shoulder lifts everything up a notch or two. It is my responsibility to make sure that they understand what they are seeing. I hold them accountable, and they hold me accountable by noticing things, asking about kids, discussing class dynamics, and creating effective learning experiences.” Apprentice Cathy Sullivan echoed Betsy’s sentiment, saying, “It’s a true collaboration. Everyone is working in the best interest of the students.”
Grade IV gradehead Chris Theodorou TTC ‘90 debriefs the day with his apprentice Jennifer Harrison TTC ‘16.
Janice Wong, TTC ’13 Shannon Kilduff TTC ’04 mentored Janice Wong. Apprentices like Janice understand the importance of getting to know children and how they best learn. In their Grade I class, Janice connected easily with students. She designed engaging lessons that reflected children’s interests, and she provided one-on-one support. Shannon remembers, “Each day, we would review the day’s highs and lows, discuss questions, and plan for the next day, focusing on best practice.” The TTC also thinks deeply about cultural lenses that apprentices bring to the classroom. Alicia Hsu, who also mentored Janice at the Lawrence School in Brookline, said, “The opportunity to mentor an Asian-American apprentice was a rich, rewarding experience. The work we did together went beyond pedagogy and methodology. We delved into the ways in which identity, race, and culture are reflected in who we are as teachers, and how we teach and build relationships with Asian, Asian-American, and non-Asian students.” Desiree Ivey, Director of the TTC, expressed it succinctly. “The TTC plays an integral role at Shady Hill, a school where teachers teach children as well as nurture aspiring teachers. The foundational experience an apprentice gains here is pivotal to shaping the teachers and leaders they become.”
Grade IV gradehead Chris Theodorou TTC ‘90 debriefs the day with his apprentice Jennifer Harrison TTC ‘16.
Janice Wong, TTC ’13 Shannon Kilduff TTC ’04 mentored Janice Wong. Apprentices like Janice understand the importance of getting to know children and how they best learn. In their Grade I class, Janice connected easily with students. She designed engaging lessons that reflected children’s interests, and she provided one-on-one support. Shannon remembers, “Each day, we would review the day’s highs and lows, discuss questions, and plan for the next day, focusing on best practice.” The TTC also thinks deeply about cultural lenses that apprentices bring to the classroom. Alicia Hsu, who also mentored Janice at the Lawrence School in Brookline, said, “The opportunity to mentor an Asian-American apprentice was a rich, rewarding experience. The work we did together went beyond pedagogy and methodology. We delved into the ways in which identity, race, and culture are reflected in who we are as teachers, and how we teach and build relationships with Asian, Asian-American, and non-Asian students.” Desiree Ivey, Director of the TTC, expressed it succinctly. “The TTC plays an integral role at Shady Hill, a school where teachers teach children as well as nurture aspiring teachers. The foundational experience an apprentice gains here is pivotal to shaping the teachers and leaders they become.”
