The School

New Canaan Country School, a Pre-K through Grade 9 co-ed, independent day school, currently serves 555 students from diverse backgrounds living in 21 different surrounding towns/cities in Connecticut and New York. Our mission is to create an active, joyful learning environment where children are challenged to think deeply, question confidently, and act generously so that they may lead lives of impact and purpose. We believe that childhood is in itself an integral part of life to be lived fully and happily. Our talented and devoted faculty engages our students in developmentally appropriate ways, delivering a challenging curriculum that builds intellectual skills and fosters creative and critical thinking.

Founded in 1916, the School has been a preeminent leader in early childhood, elementary and middle school education for more than 100 years.

Our Location

Located on an 85-acre campus, NCCS is a suburban school close to many transportation options. The campus sits an hour south of New Haven and 45 minutes north of New York City by car or commuter train.

The Position

Our Apprentice Teacher program began in 1952 and is one of the oldest and best known among Independent Schools in the country.

Apprentice Teachers work alongside a Lead Teacher to support a mission-focused learning environment for 14-18 students. Apprentice teachers learn through observation, supervised teaching, planning and teaching lessons in all subjects, professional development and frequent feedback from their Lead Teacher and Program Directors. Typically, Apprentice teachers spend two years honing their skills before moving on to lead their own classrooms. This is a full-time position for the 2025-2026 school year.

Apprentice Teacher placements are available in:

• Early Childhood Division: Kindergarten
• Lower School Division: Grades 1-4
• Middle School Division: Grades 5-6

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with Lead Teacher in all aspects of classroom life including:
• Supporting and modeling positive discipline
• Preparing and planning curriculum materials
• Evaluating student work and communication with families
• Gradually increasing responsibility for teaching students in small and whole groups in all subject areas
• Divisional supervisory responsibilities including:
• -- Early Childhood & Lower School: recess supervision, lunch table management, escorting of students to other classrooms, bus coordination
• -- Middle School: assistant or lead coaching
• Attend faculty meetings and Professional Development seminars
• Be available Monday-Friday 7:45-4:15 on school days and for some evening events throughout the year.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Successful experience working with children
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated interest in teaching
• Understanding of technology and its applications in schools
• Preferred, but not required:
• Interest in coaching or assisting with After School activities
• College or university GPA of 3.0 or above preferred
• Experience with Responsive Classroom approach

Desired Qualities

• Self-reflectiveness
• Collaboration with colleagues
• Communication to multiple audiences
• Comfort with and adaptability in fast-paced environments
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Inexhaustible energy
• A sense of humor
• A commitment to equity, inclusion, and fostering of a culture of belonging for our community
• Willingness to be challenged

About New Canaan Country School

New Canaan Country School is a co-ed, independent day school for students in Pre-K (ages 3 & 4) through Grade 9 living in Fairfield and Westchester Counties. Located in New Canaan, CT, and serving 570 students, our mission is to guide students to reach their intellectual, creative, moral, and physical potential. A talented and devoted faculty engages our students in developmentally appropriate ways, delivering a challenging curriculum that builds intellectual skills and fosters creative and critical thinking. We lead by example and challenge students to fulfill their potential, find their path, and follow their passions whether in the classroom, on the playing fields, on the stage, or serving the community.

Connections working at New Canaan Country School