• TEP participants can expect to gain experience with these important aspects of innovative education:
  
  
• Use of democratic processes for decision-making, which include all participants of a program;
  
  
• Conflict resolution through dialogue, regardless of age;
  
  
• Inclusion of the world beyond the school, especially the local community as an educational resource;
  
  
• Exploration of non-coercive and non-manipulative approaches which encourage self-direction and love of learning;
  
  
• Exposure to a wide variety of alternative programs at the NCACS National Conference;
  
  
• Working with multiple age groupings;
  
  
• Holistic learning using all aspects of life in the learning process.
  
  

Interns will also finish TEP with a portfolio of reading, writing, and project documentation.

Interns who complete the program will be eligible for available positions with alternative schools and programs, both in this country and abroad, through their connections with the National Coalition of Alternative Community Schools.


How the program works

New students begin their training by attending a one-week, intensive seminar before the NCACS' annual National Conference, which held each spring at different locations around the US. The Teacher Education Program's director, assisted by mentors and guest faculty, leads this seminar. At the conference, students meet with the mentors from participating schools and begin the process of mutual selection between interns and host schools.

During the internship year, participants share written reflections on their reading and experiences. The also spend some time observing and participating in other programs.

Within the first half of the practice year, trainees, together with the director and their mentor, design a culminating project to be carried out at the host school. This takes a form that can be shared at the next NCACS National Conference. A final paper or presentation synthesizing the trainee's academic and practical experience is required.

At the next NCACS National Conference, interns again participate in the one-week intensive seminar preceding the conference. They assist in the education of new trainees, share their reports and projects, collectively assess their experience, and celebrate completion of their internships.

This time frame can be altered to respond to individual needs.

TEP Enrollment

TEP applicants must submit a resume, a statement about their personal experiences and beliefs related to learning/teaching, and letters of reference. All applicants will be interviewed in person.

Fees:

Application Fee
US$ 25

Tuition
3,000

Total
3,025

Applicants are responsible for their own housing. Some financial aid is available.

The NCACS is a nonprofit, educational corporation. Participation in any of its programs is open to individuals regardless of race, gender, or national or religious origins.