Horizons at New Canaan Country School is seeking exceptional Swim Teacher candidates for our summer program. The Swim Teacher is responsible for the planning and execution of their summer curriculum for their students and for creating an environment that supports the Horizons mission. Please read the information below, before you continue with this application.

About Horizons

Started in 1964 as a small summer program, Horizons at New Canaan Country School has grown to be a full year K - post HS academic and enrichment program serving close to 400 students from Stamford and Norwalk. The program aims to help close the opportunity gap experienced by under-resourced students by providing opportunities for academic and overall personal development so that they are able to pursue their dreams and fulfill their ultimate potential.

About the Horizons Summer Program

The 6-week summer program hosted at New Canaan Country School is for our K-9 students. Students have a daily schedule that includes academics, enrichments (including sports, art, and music), and daily afternoon swimming. Class size is 10-12 students and the teacher, aided by a Teaching Assistant, has the opportunity to design a curriculum that fits the needs of the students emphasizing project-based learning and creative ways of teaching content. We have a veteran and diverse faculty who share a commitment to our students and their families.

When will the Horizons Summer Program start and end?

 We are planning to hold in-person orientations on June 18, 2025, and June 20, 2025, for all staff. The summer program will begin on June 23, 2025, and end on August 1, 2025. 

How much is the compensation for this position?

New teachers earn a starting stipend of $6,500 for the summer.

Responsibilities include:

• Creating a curriculum for K-5 students that emphasizes water safety and basic swim strokes and skills.
• Execute the curriculum during the 6-week summer program. Students attend the program from 8:15am to 3:00pm. Swim instruction occurs weekdays in the morning.
• Supervise recreational swim every weekday afternoon
• Develop specialized instruction plans for students on an as needed basis.
• Work in partnership with co-lead instructor and assigned Swim Assistants.
• Partner with colleagues so that the student experience is consistent between classes and connected to the summer theme.
• Receive and/or maintain swim instructor and lifeguard certification (Lifeguard certification/re-certification training is provided in early June).

What would the ideal candidate demonstrate?

• Commitment to the Horizons mission and deep belief in the potential of each child.
• Ability to build strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues in a short period of time.
• Commitment to safety.
• Ability to coach students who may be fearful of the water.
• Skilled collaborator.
• Ability to coach assistants to work effectively with students.
• Must be 21 or older.
• Swimming ability, current lifeguard certification or willingness to be certified or re-certified, swim instruction certification or willingness to be certified or re-certified.