Applications for the 2025 Summer Teaching Apprenticeship Program (STAP) are open from March 17th through April 18th.

Offered by the Division of Teaching Excellence and Innovation (DTEI) and Summer Session, this program offers a unique opportunity for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars to receive teaching training, practice, and mentorship prior to and while teaching a summer course as Instructor of Record for the first time. Additionally, Faculty Mentors will receive a research/travel account allocation for their participation.

Graduate students and postdocs teaching for the first time as Instructor of Record during Summer Session 2025 and faculty interested in mentorship are encouraged to apply.

Program Goals

STAP Scholar Overview

STAP Scholars are expected to:

• Attend the STAP Welcome Session in early Spring and the Closing Session in early Fall.
• Complete an approximately 10-hour asynchronous training through Canvas during Spring Quarter to help them prepare their curriculum. This includes topics such as designing student learning outcomes, creating assessments, and crafting course policies. This culminates with submitting a draft of their syllabus and Canvas course space.
• Meet with their Faculty Mentor at least once before, during, and after Summer Session instruction, though we invite them to meet more frequently, as needed.
• Have their teaching observed by their Faculty Mentor and discuss feedback.
• Collect and formative course feedback from students and write a teaching reflection based on it.
• Participate in learning community meetings led by DTEI staff during the Spring Quarter and Summer Session. This will conclude with a celebration where Scholars who have completed all of the program requirements will receive a certificate of completion.

The program will conclude with a celebration ceremony where Scholars who completed all the program requirements will receive a Certificate in Summer Teaching Excellence.

Note: STAP Scholars do not need to identify a Faculty Mentor prior to applying.

Requirements:

• Must be a first-time graduate student or postdoc Instructor of Record assigned to teach a UCI course during Summer Session (either 5 or 10WK models)

Faculty Mentor Overview

Faculty Mentors will be assigned to support up to three STAP Scholars as they prepare for and lead Summer Session instruction. This includes guidance with course design and development (e.g., selecting curriculum, developing in-class activities, and creating assessments), as well as practical advice and feedback (e.g., facilitating discussions, navigating challenges). 

Faculty Mentors are expected to:

• Attend the STAP Welcome Session in early Spring and the Closing Session in early Fall.
• Meet with each of their STAP Scholars at least once before, during, and after Summer Session instruction, though we invite them to meet more frequently, as needed. These meetings can be individual or group sessions. During these meetings, Scholars may wish to discuss the following topics with their Faculty Mentors: drafting a syllabus, identifying course goals, writing student learning outcomes, pacing and scheduling, selecting course readings and materials, developing assessments, and/or creating in-class activities.
• Hold weekly office hours (in-office or virtually).
• Observe each of their STAP Scholars teach and provide feedback regarding instruction (e.g., pacing, student engagement, in-class activities). DTEI will provide structured observation forms to support this process.
• (Optional) Provide STAP Scholars the opportunity to observe their own teaching if possible.

Faculty Mentors will receive a $2,000 research/travel account allocation and a Certificate in Summer Teaching Excellence for their participation. For more information, visit our Faculty Mentor FAQ page.

Requirements:

• Must be a faculty member or lecturer with a research/travel account to receive the allocation.

“What If I’m Not a First-Time Instructor and Want Support?”

Although STAP has shifted its focus to first-time instructors, we remain dedicated to supporting instructors of all experience levels as they prepare for and lead Summer Session courses. Below are some DTEI resources and opportunities to help you out:

Have Questions?

For questions, please contact DTEI’s Program Coordinator, Thao Nguyen (thaomn1@uci.edu).