Courses in Training teachers in traditional and outdoor education

At the High Mountain Institute, we believe deeply in the philosophy of education through experience. Apprentices are college graduates who immerse themselves in a hands-on semester-long apprenticeship with the HMI Semester (our semester school for high school students) in addition to participating in a rigorous seminar that combines formal lessons in educational techniques with philosophies of outdoor education.

Apprentices participate as both students and teachers in the wilderness, academic, and residential components of the HMI Semester. Guidance on career planning is available throughout the semester. This program graduates are well prepared for employment in outdoor or experiential education, boarding and traditional high schools, adventure recreation, and residential programs. Graduates are also in an excellent position to pursue an advanced degree in education. Additionally, the Apprentice Program has a partnership with Western State Colorado University, allowing us to offer graduate credit to apprentices.

Apprentices participate in a one-week wilderness training expedition and help to facilitate the three HMI Semester wilderness expeditions. These expeditions consist of backpacking, canyoneering, backcountry skiing (Spring Semester only), and formal academic and wilderness classes. The wilderness curriculum includes leadership and communication development, basic camping skills, navigation, risk management, and decision-making.

Apprentices work closely with an academic faculty member to hone their teaching style and skills. The specific subject areas which are available for apprenticeships are:

The literature of the Natural World

U.S. History

Natural Science

Spanish

Mathematics

Wilderness (the Wilderness Apprentice assists with the Practices and Principles class and works closely with the Director of Wilderness Programs)

Marketing (the Marketing Apprentice works closely with the Admissions and Advancement team; there is no teaching component to this position)

Additionally, apprentices are enrolled in a weekly Apprentice Seminar: Theory and Practice in Experiential Education. The curriculum includes leadership and communication skills commonly used in a classroom setting, teaching techniques, and risk management theories and practices.

Outside of the classroom, apprentices play an active role in the HMI Semester's residential life by cooking meals with the students, helping with daily chores, participating in weekend outings, facilitating daily activities, and acting as a Cabin Head for a student cabin.