Innovative
Teacher Program

FPO

The Innovative Teacher Program (ITP) is designed for a wide range of applicants including practicing teachers, certified teachers, noncertified teachers, recent college graduates, professionals from nonteaching backgrounds, and anyone considering teaching as a profession.

Through ITP, associate teachers learn foundational skills for a career in education — classroom management, curriculum and assessment design, parent and colleague communication, and assessment writing. As full members of the Nueva faculty, associate teachers learn from experts in gifted education while acquiring a toolbox of approaches pioneered by the Nueva community, including social-emotional learning, Design Thinking, and unique curriculum inspiring students to be engaged global citizens.

 

Program Overview

ITP, a two-year program, provides associate teachers with in-classroom and out-of-classroom opportunities for learning. Each associate teacher works closely with a designated mentor teacher who guides their in-classroom program experience. The mentor teacher and ITP director regularly provide feedback and support for the associate teacher’s growth.

ITP offerings beyond the classroom take shape primarily as weekly workshops hosted by Nueva teachers, division heads, deans, and thought leaders. Previous workshop topics have included Adolescent Psychology, Girls and STEM, Lower School Classroom Management, Curriculum Design, and Writing Across the Disciplines. Workshops are complemented by divisional lunches which allow for informal discussion about the associate teachers’ experiences and areas of interest. Associate teachers often take the lead in these conversations, discussing topics such as executive functioning, coaching, and relationship development with students in advisory.

Each associate teacher meets monthly with the ITP director to identify goals and plan classroom observations. These check-ins supplement the ITP experience and prepare each associate teacher for success beyond the program. 

Apply to the Innovative Teacher Program

Applications for the Innovative Teacher Program are accepted throughout the year. For any questions about the program, please contact ITP Director Allen Frost at afrost@nuevaschool.org

Apply Online

 

An upper school associate teacher calls on her students in class.

 

Graduates of the Innovative Teacher Program

Brimming with experience and inspired by innovative ideas and techniques, graduates of ITP are eagerly hired by both public and independent schools throughout the Bay Area and nationwide. While most associates go on to teach in their own classrooms, some continue studies in pursuit of advanced degrees, while a few choose to embark on other careers inspired by their work with our students.