Institute for New Teachers

2026 Dates & LocationsRegistration Now Open

The first few years of teaching in an independent school can be challenging. The SAIS Institute for New Teachers provides guidance, support, and the opportunity to practice planning and instructional skills with a small peer group led by an experienced independent school educator. Immediate, constructive feedback on demonstration lessons allows attendees to practice their craft in a supportive setting. This three-day program offers practical, hands-on strategies and information unique to the culture and setting of an independent school. New teachers leave this workshop empowered to create and facilitate inspired learning experiences, partner with parents, and find their place in the school community.

Meals

The following meals are included with registration:

  • Wednesday: breakfast, lunch
  • Thursday: breakfast, lunch

Virtual Year-Long Cohort

Strengthen your teaching experience through continued support and collaboration. Research shows teacher retention increases by 82% when educators experience strong onboarding during their first year. As a graduate of the Institute for New Teachers, you’re invited to join a virtual cohort that meets four times throughout the school year.

These structured sessions provide opportunities to

  • Continue your professional development,
  • Address challenges in real-time,
  • Connect with peers navigating similar experiences, and
  • Receive guidance from experienced educators.

Join us to build on your in-person institute experience and strengthen your foundation for a successful teaching career in independent schools.

Content & Eligibility

  • While content is geared toward teachers with less than 3 years of full-time K-12 experience, anyone is welcome to attend if they or their supervisor feel the content is appropriate.
  • Teachers with experience in a public school setting are also eligible for the 2026 Institute for New Teachers: Public to Private, an online asynchronous onboarding course designed for educators transitioning from public schools. The content provides a structural and cultural roadmap of the independent school sector. Participants will explore the unique experience, governance, collaborative norms, and family partnership models that define the independent school environment through five learning modules. Course time approximately 14-16 clock hours.