Teaching Apprentice Program

List of 11 frequently asked questions.

• Why is a residency program a great option for a Master’s in Education program?

  A wide body of research supports the value of teacher education programs that include full time internships such as we offer at Berwick. While coursework is certainly important, there is nothing that can compare to the opportunity to learn from an experienced mentor every day. The apprenticeship at Berwick offers students extensive time in classrooms, and spaces to put into practice what they are learning and discussing in their courses. Teaching apprentices at Berwick are immersed full-time in our community and are viewed by colleagues and students as integral to our academic, athletics, and arts programs.

• Will I have my teaching license/certification upon completion?

  While this is not a state-approved licensure program, the State of Maine has many alternative pathways to certification. In fact, the majority of public school teachers in Maine achieved licensure through an alternative pathway. I’ll be happy to chat with you more about how to apply for licensure directly to the state.

• Does this program include licensure (teacher certification)?

  At this time, the program at Berwick is non-licensure. Most apprentices in our program hope to work in an independent school environment, where state licensure is not a requirement.

• Where do Teaching Apprentices typically find employment after completing the program?

  Nearly all of our graduates find employment at independent schools. A few have chosen to pursue work in charter schools or educational non-profits.

• When does this program begin and end?

  The first summer of coursework begins June 1st, and the program typically ends by mid-July the following summer, but this varies depending on which courses are taken in the second summer and the dates for those.

• How often will I need to travel to Cambridge for classes at Lesley?

  For the first summer, one of the four courses is on campus at Berwick, and the other three are at Lesley, either on campus or online (depending on the course). Once the school year apprenticeship at Berwick begins, courses are either at Berwick taught by Berwick faculty, online at Lesley, or at Lesley with a “weekend intensive” model. Apprentices do not commute to Cambridge regularly for courses during the school year.

• What will my on-campus apprenticeship look like?

  The apprenticeship begins in late August with an orientation to Berwick with all new faculty, and ends in early June when the school year ends. Apprentices have two “placements” per year, one from August to late December, and another in early February through the end of the school year. In each semester, apprentices work with a faculty mentor and are deeply involved in teaching classes alongside mentor teachers. Mentors support the growth of apprentices, and regular observation and feedback is given by mentors as well as the program director. For the month of January, apprentices engage in workshops to prepare for the job search, off campus school visits, and observations of other classes/teachers at Berwick.

• What are the costs of the program?

  Costs vary slightly depending on whether courses are taken on campus at Lesley or online. Total tuition can range between $13,000 and $19,000. There are sizable scholarship opportunities available through Lesley's "Maine Scholars" program.

• Is financial aid available for this program?

  Yes. All students in graduate programs at Lesley, including students in collaborative programs, are eligible for financial aid from Lesley. There are also sizable scholarship opportunities available through Lesley's "Maine Scholars" program. Berwick Academy does not offer aid or scholarships for this program at this time.

• What are some ways to defray costs of the program?

  At this time, there is potential for on-campus housing for the 2025-2026 Teaching Apprentices. Space is limited, so this would be offered on a first come, first served basis. Options would be to live rent-free in exchange for minimal support with dorm duty at our small dorm, or to pay a minimal rent to cover basic expenses of the house. Apprentices also often serve as coaches for our athletic program, and there are stipends given for this work that vary depending on the sport and time commitment it requires.

• Who do I send my application materials to? What is the process like?

  If you are interested in the program or would like more information, contact the Program Director, Ali Vandenburgh, at avandenburgh@berwickacademy.org. For more details about the application process, including application requirements and deadlines, click on the "application process" download on the Teaching Apprentice Program website.