Program Description: The Assistantship Program gives qualified herbal students an opportunity to deepen skills as a home and community herbalist, utilizing previously gained herbal knowledge in a supervised setting. Applicants may choose to assist in any of Wisdom of the Herbs School program. Several assistants may train in the same program.

Prerequisite: Applicants must have successfully completed the eight month Wisdom of the Herbs program and obtain permission of the instructors.

Responsibilities: Assistants aid the teachers in the classroom and in the field on the practical level. They are responsible for in-class logistics of student registration and payments. They are responsible for set up and clean up, for overseeing the preparation of wild foods and lunch, and for coordinating the clean up crew. They are asked to arrive ½ hour before the beginning of class to set up and stay after class until clean up is completed.

One of the most important roles of the Assistant is assisting the instructors in holding the energetic form of the experience of each magical day. The experience of the Assistant as a graduate of the eight month Wisdom of the Herbs program is grounding for the new students. Assistants serve as role models, in the kitchen, in the classroom, and particularly on herb walks and nature adventures, where spontaneity is of the essence. It is essential that Assistants stay tuned to the expectations of the instructors, and, by role model and awareness, assist the participants in following the energetic lead of the instructors. Thus it is important for Assistants to be aware of their primary role as Assistant first, and student secondarily.

Opportunities: Assistants will be given the opportunity to lead the participants in how to make an herbal remedy. Assistants are given the opportunity to consult with the Instructors about their on-going outside herbal work, research, experiences and studies. It is up to the Assistant to initiate contact with the Instructor for consultation. Teachers will suggest resources and exercises to further the Assistant’s studies. Those assisting in the Wisdom of the Herbs eight-month programs are responsible for a comprehensive independent project at the November Herbal Fair.

Supervision: Assistants will conference with the teachers before the program begins, before each class, and at the end of the program. Conferencing will include overview of the schedule, lectures and topics to be covered, preparations for talks or demonstrations that the assistant may be leading and feedback on their work.

Tuition: Tuition for Assistants is half the regular tuition. A non-refundable deposit, half the deposit for the program, is required to hold your place. Early registration discounts apply. Payment plans are available – please inquire. See also “Grants” below.

Application Process: Applicants are asked to submit an essay describing why they would like to assist. When the applicant has been accepted for the position, the registration form and non-refundable deposit must be submitted to hold your place. Please use the registration form for the program you will be assisting.

Grants: Vermont residents may apply for a Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, (VSAC) grant. Grants are awarded to qualifying applicants on a first come, first serve basis. Call VSAC for an application: 1-800-882-4166 or write P.O. Box 2000, Champlain Mill, Winooski, VT 05404-2601. Students who receive a VSAC grant are asked to submit the non-refundable deposit to us with your registration form. If the entire tuition is paid by VSAC, we will refund you the deposit. Please apply early!