The CAIS New England New Teachers Seminar - 1.0 helps new teachers prepare for their first day, first week and first year. Our staff of instructional coaches will lead teachers on a journey of self discovery, helping them to understand and manage the complex challenges facing all new teachers. What lies ahead? How does one think like a teacher? What does brain research tell us about how we learn? How does one apply that research in a classroom?

We are pleased to offer both 1.0 (for first year teachers or teachers new to independent schools) and 2.0 (for teachers with 2-5 years of experience or teachers new to independent schools), running concurrently. See below for details on 1.0, or click ahead to learn more about 2.0.

NENTS 1.0 helps new teachers -- and/or teachers new to independent schools -- prepare for their first day, first week and first year. The framework of the seminar includes curriculum and lesson planning, assessment, active learning techniques, teaching philosophies, and strategies for building an equitable and inclusive community in a classroom/dorm/team/club, all of which we hope will build confidence in preparing teachers for their first few weeks of school. Additionally, guest speakers will address a variety of topics to enhance their work as teachers. This seminar will provide opportunities for new teachers to discuss current issues and trends in education while enabling them to form partnerships and alliances that will enhance excellence in teaching and learning. 

Both NENTS programs will include a deep dive into the following topics -- tailored to their level of experience -- developed to prepare teachers to teach successfully, whatever the subject matter:

   Relationship Building: How to Build an Equitable and Inclusive Community

• Leave with a set of strategies to build and sustain inclusive communities in their classroom, dormitory, team, etc.
• Develop plans and activities for building community on Day 1
• Learn about socio-emotional learning and strategies for helping students process emotions

  How Learning Happens: What Cognitive Science Can Teach Us about How Learning Happens, What Works and What Doesn’t

• Learn about the biology and function of the brain
• The role of various brain areas in the learning process
• The impact of various pedagogical strategies on learning

  Curriculum Planning and Lesson Development: How to Translate Cognitive Science and Educational Research into Thoughtful, Inclusive, Relevant Curricula and Engaging Lessons

• Learn the basics of backward design curriculum planning
• Understand the components of lesson design
• Design and deliver one virtual and one in-person lesson
• Provide and receive feedback on lessons in a cohort setting
• Introduction to student learning plans for neurodiverse learners

As well as: Reflection, DEIJ in Education, Differentiating Instruction, Assessments, Instructional Design, Classroom Organization, Technology Usage

NENTS faculty are experienced independent school educators from across the country. Participants come from schools across the country.

CAIS is grateful for the partnership of CAIS member school, Miss Porter's School, in Farmington, CT, which is hosting the 2025 NENTS program August 3-8.

Here's what past participants had to say about their experiences in the program:

Registration fee: $1925 residential rate (includes 5-days room & board); $1625 commuter rate (includes 5-days of meals)
*please note that participants are expected to attend the full day of programming, starting around 8AM and ending around 8PM.

Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation before July 1st - full refund minus $200. No refunds for cancellations received after July 1st.

REGISTRATION IS NOW FULL.

Please email Nancy Dickson at [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.