Colchester Public Schools

We create innovative thinkers for a dynamic world! Our mission embodies it all! Colchester, although located on the fringe of the suburbs, is dedicated to supporting our students to think creatively, work collaboratively, and prepare for a diverse world. Home to one of the longest running public high schools in the United States, Bacon Academy, Colchester has a robust history of supporting its students to leverage education to access a more enriched life. 

Over 2,300 students attend Colchester Public Schools, in addition we annually welcome a small group of students from neighboring towns to Bacon Academy. In support of our mission, we offer a variety of programming at each of our four schools that engage our students in innovative learning experiences. Our PreK-2 school boasts a blend of research-based foundational skills instruction that is complemented by an innovations lab and unique project-based, community oriented learning experiences. 

Grades 3-5 school is one of only 8 Higher Order Thinking schools in the State and seeks to blend the arts with academics with the support of a resident artist. Our 6-8 school is a brand new building equipped with all the technology for a dynamic STEM experience. Courses like Innovations and Digital Media & Design lay the groundwork for students’ application of innovative thinking skills. 

Our 9-12 school is a comprehensive high school with diverse academic coursework that is complemented by one of the most robust technical education programs in the State. In one day of learning a Bacon Academy student can attend a before-school Jazz Band, transition to Middle Eastern Studies, then attend a Women’s Literature course, work on a project in Manufacturing II, and finish with AP Statistics.

Colchester believes the most important person impacting a student’s learning experience is the teacher. Colchester employs teachers who exhibit the same Innovative Learner Dispositions we hope to develop within students. In the last four years, Colchester has invested heavily in its teachers, providing for positions of teacher leadership at all grade levels (grades K-5) and in all disciplines (grades 6-12) including related service staff and specials. 

Moreover, teacher leaders are supported by math and literacy coaches at all of the four buildings who routinely work with instructional staff to support individuals and small groups of teachers to improve their practice. Colchester is also in the process of developing a mentorship program that goes beyond the minimum of the CT TEAM program. Led by a team of mentors and administrators, this program supports beginning teachers develop more quickly and effectively into a master teacher. 

Colchester has also made partnerships with the following external agencies to ensure teachers have time to develop pedagogy that is in alignment with the most current philosophies on educating students. Partnerships include the Hill for Literacy, who has supported our elementary reading initiatives, WestEd, who has assisted our high school disciplinary reading initiative, the CT Science Center, who has helped our science teachers integrate instructional strategies aligned with NGSS, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, who have supported our integration of Eureka Math, and Teachers’ College, who have mentored our middle school teachers in both the English and Social Studies departments. Colchester has also partnered with the National Conference for Community and Justice to support our drive for improved diversity, equity, and inclusive practices.

Colchester has a competitive salary and benefits structure coupled with an excellent working environment in each of its four schools. The starting salary for a new teacher with a bachelor’s degree is $51,718, while a teacher with six years of experience and 15 additional credits starts at $96,878. Benefits include optional health, prescription, dental, vision and life insurance coverages.

Colchester Public Schools believes in supporting the next generation of Connecticut teachers by running an early college credit course entitled the PreSchooler. This preparatory course introduces students to the foundational theories of learning, and supports students to apply them by running a community-based preschool program serving the community. 

Students at Bacon Academy that are interested in teaching also have opportunities to serve as tutors and peer advocates as a part of the Peer Advocacy League. These two leadership programs engage students in supporting their peers to adapt to a challenging learning environment and to build strong relationships--critical skills required of educators.

If you’re interested in working for Colchester Public Schools, check out our job postings or email email.