New Teacher Institute

Start your teaching career with confidence.

Teaching in a boarding school is rewarding, but it comes with challenges that go beyond the classroom. This institute helps first-year faculty build the tools, confidence, and perspective needed to create engaging learning environments and manage life on campus.

You’ll get hands-on practice, real-time feedback from expert mentors, and practical strategies you can use right away. Through case studies, live demonstrations, and collaborative sessions, you’ll sharpen your classroom management, refine your instructional style, and better understand how to support students in every aspect of campus life.

When

July 23–25, 2025

where

Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, CT

who

Faculty and teaching fellows in the first year of their teaching careers

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Build a strong foundation in classroom management, student engagement, and lesson design tailored for boarding school learners.

Learn how to plan rich, responsive lessons that meet diverse student needs and align with essential learning goals.

Practice and refine your teaching through live demonstrations and direct mentor feedback.

Explore how to design assessments and grading systems that promote equity and student growth.

Prepare your personal “plan for entry” to confidently launch your first year.

Build a peer network of new teachers and mentors you can turn to for support and collaboration.

Prepare your “plan for entry” as you anticipate your first moments with your students.

Explore inclusive practices that foster belonging and academic success in your classroom.

2025 FACULTY

JAY BONNER

Ambassador for Constituent Outreach, Senior Teacher, Asheville School NC

Jay Bonner has served at Asheville School for over thirty-five years, first as a teacher, coach, and hall parent, and working in subsequent years as Dorm Head, Assistant Dean of Students, Dean of Faculty, Assistant Head, and Associate Head. He currently serves in an external constituent outreach and engagement role, while still teaching via zoom. He began his teaching career at Brown University and the University of North Carolina Asheville. He continues to write reviews and essays for various publications, along with writing fiction and working on a couple of book length projects.

JENNIFER RUNDLES

Dean of Students, Science Teacher, Lake Forest Academy IL

Jennifer joined the Lake Forest Academy community in July 2022 as the Dean of Students. She brings nearly 20 years of experience from boarding schools across the south. Prior to LFA, Jennifer spent four years as the Associate Upper School Director and Science Instructor at Darlington School in Rome, Ga., which is a PreK-12 boarding day school. Before Darlington School, she worked at Saint Mary’s School in Raleigh, N.C., for 15 years. While there, she held many roles including Science Instructor, Associate Dean of Teaching and Learning, Interim Dean of Students, and Associate Dean of Students. During her time in independent boarding schools, she has worked with TABS and SAIS by serving on committees and serving as a facilitator for their workshops throughout the year. Jennifer enjoys her audiobooks, good live music, cooking (mainly baking), and the History Channel. She lives on campus in Weinbrenner House and serves as a dorm parent in Marshall Field House, in addition to teaching AP Chemistry.

What Do OUr PAST attendees Say?

Come ready to learn because you will! Great experience and great for meeting others with valuable input.

Sawyer Belville

The Webb Schools

This summer institute represented the navy seal training needed to establish your academic success at your school.

Luis Raul Alicea

Kent school

Bring an open mind and a willingness to try new things! TABS New Teacher Institute creates a welcoming and safe environment that allows you to find your teacher style, maximize it, and own it.

Hadiyyah Abdul-Jalaal

Episcopal high school

I feel less apprehensive and more confident about starting my first year of teaching after attending this conference. The thoughtful and engaging faculty worked intently to answer questions and provide meaningful advice.

Keenan Ronayne

Kent school

I found the entire program immensely helpful. It made me think deeply and provided me with some pedagogical concepts to think through. I had the chance to witness different teaching styles and structures to see how I can build my own teaching style and bring in strategies to help diverse learners.

Kyra Wilson

St. Andrew's school (DE)