Training teachers in traditional and outdoor education in Leadville, Colorado

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 bi-weekly seminar that combines formal lessons in educational techniques with philosophies of outdoor education.

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:

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)

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, and graduates of this program 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.