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JanTerm

January 6 – 16, 2020

JanTerm is much like a collegiate mini-semester. Students choose four topical two-week seminars that offer a greater opportunity to explore new course topics which may not fit into the traditional academic year, but are perfect for shorter, more intensive study. Courses are developed by faculty, administrators, staff, alumni, parents, and grandparents, all of whom bring tremendous creativity and personal passion into the classroom. Typically, over 75 classes are offered each year.

For an example of the kinds of courses offered, please review the JanTerm 2019 Course Catalog at a Glance or the JanTerm 2019 Class Details listed below.

Program Goals

JanTerm is intentionally different from what students experience during their regular semester classes in Middle School and Upper School. First, we are able to offer a greater breadth of curriculum. With multiple, unusual courses to choose from, students are exposed to a broader range of topics that they would not normally get an opportunity to study in school. Secondly, JanTerm gives teachers and students an opportunity to drill down and study these specialist topics in more depth. It’s no surprise that many students look back at their JanTerm experience as one of the highlights of their Bear Creek education and the time when their passion for a particular activity or area of study was first ignited.

JanTerm 2020 Daily Schedule

Students sign up for four block classes, which meet for 80 minutes per day for eight days from January 6 – January 16, 2020, with Ski & Snowboard Days on Friday, January 10 and 17. See Lunch and Activity Schedule (also 2-Hour Delay) for additional details. (Schedules coming soon.)

Block 1 8:10 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Block 2 9:40 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Block 3 11:10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Lunch/Activity Period 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Block 4 1:35 p.m. – 2:55 p.m.

Registration Information

  • Tuesday November 12, 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.*
    Registration opens only for students in grade 12, grade 11, and grade 8 for whom it is one of the last opportunities to get into dedicated Upper School or Middle School classes. Please use this list (coming soon) to select assigned blocks for required AP classes and Middle School math classes.
  • Wednesday November 13, 5:00 p.m. onward*
    Registration opens for grades 7, 9,  and 10. Please use this list (coming soon) to select assigned blocks for required AP classes and Middle School math classes.

* If you are unable to register yourself at this time, a friend or family member may register for you.

If you have further questions, contact Director of Student Information Systems James Woollard (jwoollard@tbcs.org).

JanTerm 2020 Guest Teacher FAQ

Who may volunteer as a guest teacher?
Most of our JanTerm classes are taught by Middle School and Upper School faculty; however, we also have 10 – 15 openings for guest teachers and coaches, including alumni, parents of alumni, and parents and grandparents of current students. We especially welcome those with prior experience working with teenagers.

How long does JanTerm last?
JanTerm 2020 consists of eight days of classes, running from January 6 – January 16 (no classes on Fridays, January 10 and 17), sandwiched between Christmas Break and the start of spring semester.

What does the daily schedule look like?
Each day will be split into four 80-minute sections, as follows:

Block 1 8:10 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Block 2 9:40 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Block 3 11:10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Lunch/Activity Period 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Block 4 1:35 p.m. – 2:55 p.m.

How many classes may a guest instructor teach?
One 80-minute class per day for eight days is the expectation for visiting teachers (non-Bear Creek faculty). Classes are held during the same block each day. Total teaching time: 10 hours and 40 minutes.

What types of classes are we looking for?
We are looking to diversify what we offer and include classes that students would not normally get a chance to participate in at school. What are your passions and interests and how could they translate to a 8-day JanTerm course? Check out the Catalog at a Glance (above) or the Class Details tab (below) for complete JanTerm 2019 course descriptions. Hands-on/practical classes are especially popular as they are a break from traditional academic classes. Feel free to discuss/brainstorm any ideas with me!

Am I restricted to teaching students in a particular age-group or division?
No, the beauty of JanTerm is that Middle School and Upper School students are on the same schedule. You may offer a MS-only class, an US-only class or a combined MS/US class (although it can be hard to teach a class with a very wide age-range of students).

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer JanTerm teacher or coach, please contact Registrar James Woollard by Monday, September 30 at jwoollard@tbcs.org or 425 898 1720 ext. 537.