What is an Apprentice Teacher?
Introduced in 1967, the Apprentice Teacher Program has become an important part of foreign language instruction at Dartmouth. Beginning language courses consist of master classes and drill sessions. The Apprentice Teacher (A.T. or Drill Instructor) “drills” students on the points they have learned in their master classes. The A.T. works closely throughout the term with the faculty member who teaches the master class. S/he is responsible for leading students in pattern drills and exercises, in order to practice and reinforce the grammatical points that have been taught in the master class.
Who can be an A.T.?
A.T.s in the Department of French and Italian are Dartmouth undergraduates currently enrolled in courses, but they are not necessarily language majors. They are students with established linguistic skills who apply for the program, participate in the Apprentice Teacher Workshop and are selected by a faculty jury. The position of A.T. is the only job a student may have in a term as it is so intensive.
How do you become an A.T.?
Applicants for an A.T. position are not expected to be fluent in French or Italian, but should have linguistic competence of at least the level of French/Italian 10 and a good accent. Enthusiasm, commitment and interest in language are important requirements.
Each term the number of A.T.s selected varies according to enrollment figures and the number of French 1 and 2 and Italian 1 and 2 language sections offered by the department.
What are some of the job expectations of an A.T. besides conducting drills at either 7:45 a.m. or 5:20 p.m.?
Once each week A.T.s meet with their master teacher, an integral part of the job.
A.T.s attend required meetings or training sessions during the term.
A.T. performance is evaluated several times a term by faculty members who visit drills as
well as a written evaluation at the end of the term by the master teacher.
A.T.s do not provide grammar explanations.
What are the benefits of being an A.T.?
The A.T. position is a paid job.
A.T.s increase their linguistic competence (pronunciation and grammar).
An A.T. develops useful teaching and interpersonal skills.
An A.T. works closely with a Dartmouth Professor, with a group of language
students and with other A.T.s.
On-Campus A.T.s may apply for an A.T. position on a Dartmouth LSA program. There are several openings each year.
When are the Apprentice Teacher Workshops?
Workshops take place in the beginning of the Fall, Winter and Spring terms. The workshop schedules are posted on the French and Italian blitz bulletin.
The Department encourages students to participate in the Apprentice Teacher Workshop in order to learn the drill method and try out to be an apprentice teacher for Fall term. The schedule is:
Wednesday, September 23rd
6:00-7:00pm Orientation
105 Dartmouth
Wednesday, September 23rd
7:00-9:00pm Practice
Thursday, September 24th
6:00-9:00pm Practice
Friday, September 25th
4:00-6:00pm Practice
Friday, September 25th
6:15pm JURY
The participation of veteran apprentice teachers contributes significantly to the training of new candidates. Participation in the full workshop is required to audition for a position as an apprentice teacher.
