Mentors

This FAQ is for the following summer camps: (Updated 5.1.21)

ITECH-STEM Elementary Schools (Gr. 3-6)
Girls Coding Academy -Middle School (Gr. 6-9)
Girls Coding Academy -High School (Gr. 9-12)

MENTOR FAQ

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WHO CAN BE AN INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT AND MENTOR?

We need undergraduate and graduate students to serve as “Instructional Assistant and Mentors” (IAMs) (Camp Counselors) at the camp. Current classroom Teachers can also be hired as Mentors.

WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS TO BE AN “IAM”?

IAMs ideally should have prior experience working with young kids. We expect IAMs to have intermediate computer skills and interest in STEM fields. Any experience in camp topics (Coding, 3D Printing, Digital Storytelling, STEM Art, Game Design) would be a plus!

DOES MY MAJOR MATTER?

Students majoring in education, computers, and technology will be preferred. However, students majoring in other fields may also apply.

IS THIS A PAID POSITION?

Yes, we are proud to be able to pay our mentors. A competitive pay (at or above student worker rate at UH) for your work will be available. In addition, certificates of appreciation will be available for our mentors upon completion.

WHEN AM I GOING TO HEAR FROM THE CAMP? WHAT ARE MY CHANCES TO BE ACCEPTED AS A MENTOR?

Within two weeks after you fill out the application form, we will invite you to an ONLINE interview. Hiring will be based on your qualifications, interview results, and application materials.

WHAT MATERIALS WILL BE NEEDED TO APPLY?

1. A current resume (including education, prior work/teaching experience, and at least 2 references)

2. A one-page statement on why you would like to be considered for this position

3. Unofficial copy of your transcript showing your current GPA.

CAN YOU WRITE A RECOMMENDATION LETTER UPON COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAM?

UH professors will be able to provide write recommendation letters to all mentors who successfully finish the program. Please inquire with camp director for details.

WHAT ARE THE HOURS FOR IAMS?

Mentors need to be available at least 5 hours a day from 9 am to 2 pm every day, Monday-Saturday during the camp week.

WHAT ARE THE PROGRAM DATES?

The program dates change every year. For this year’s dates, please refer to the application form, section 3, Camp Dates.

****Tentative Dates for SUMMER 2021 Virtual Camps*****

—— (PILOT) June 1-5, 2021 (4-5 days) ITECH-STEM-BioTechnology Camp – High School

— (PILOT) June 7-11, 2021 (4-5 days) ITECH-STEM-BioTechnology Camp – High School

–July 12 – 17, 2021 (6 days) ITECH-STEM – Elementary School

–July 19 – 24, 2021 (6 days) Girls Coding Academy -Middle School

–July 26 – July 30, 2021 (5 days) Girls Coding Academy -High School

WHAT IS MY ROLE AS A MENTOR?

Mentors will be assigned a small group (5-6) of students depending on the camp. You will be responsible for instruction and supervision of the students in your group. Mentors will also be in touch with parents of the students. A high school volunteer/intern may be assigned to you as a helper/assistant depending of the availability for ITECH-STEM (Gr. 3-6) and Girls Coding Academy Middle School (Gr. 6-9).

WHAT WILL I TEACH?

You will be following an easy-to-implement curriculum created by UH professors. Lesson plans will be available. All student work will be hands-on and project-based. Almost all projects will involve use of computers and creating an actual product at the end. UH professors may teach short sections of classes. However, most of the class time will involve mentors helping students individually with the tasks and projects. Camp topics include: ITECH Domains (Coding, 3D Printing, Digital Storytelling and Microbit Programming), Girls Coding Academy Middle School (Coding with Scratch, Microbits, Web/HTML, Intro to Python Programming), Girls Coding Academy High School (Python Programming and Game Design).

WHAT IS SMALL GROUP INSTRUCTION?

Mentors are expected to help each student with their assigned tasks and projects individually during each class period. You will be teaching only a small group of 5 to 6 students. You need to be able to help each student with their projects in your group during a class session.

WILL I BE TEACHING ALONE?

We use a co-mentoring (co-teaching) model for our small groups. There will be two mentors assigned to each group. You may teach together with your co-mentor different parts of the curriculum and assist each other with instructional activities.

ONLINE (VIRTUAL) INSTRUCTION

We will be using an online conference system to hold classes. Each mentor will have his/her online conference account to hold small group classes. We will utilize breakout rooms for individual mentoring whenever possible. Zoom will be our software.

DO I NEED TRAINING TO BE A MENTOR?

Yes, it is mandatory to complete an online training on “Preventing sexual abuse and child molestation” through UH system. Additionally, there will be a training on how to work with young children, camp procedures, and on Camp Topics (Coding, 3D Printing, Digital Storytelling, Microbit, Python, Game Design), and on the camp curriculum prior to camp start date.

AM I GOING TO RECEIVE TRAINING ON THE CURRICULUM?

Yes, you will receive materials and lesson plans ahead of the camp. You are expected to study and be prepared. There will be a 1-2 days of online curriculum training prior to camp start date. Date and time will be announced later.

WHO WILL BE MY SUPERVISOR?

You will report to camp director(s).

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF CAMP VOLUNTEER/INTERN IF HE/SHE IS ASSIGNED TO ME?

You can think volunteers/interns as “teacher aides”. A volunteer’s primary role is to help you with instruction, working and supervising kids in your group. As an IAM you will be the ultimate responsible person as a teacher and leader in your group.

CAN I BE ABSENT ON SOME DAYS?

No. We expect full attendance unless there is an emergency or a valid excuse.

HOW CAN I APPLY?

Please visit http://www.codecougars.org/mentors to apply.