Faculty Internship Program

• Successful applicants for the B.L.O.O.M. Program must never have had paid teaching experience at the community college level. Although applicants must not have served as the instructor of record, other teaching experience at any level is acceptable, as are positions in tutoring and supplemental instruction in the community colleges.  
• Applicants who are currently in a Master's or Doctoral program must have completed the equivalent of at least one full-time year of graduate course work in their graduate program.
• Applicants in vocational/technical areas only may possess a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years of full-time occupational experience in a vocational/technical area. They must never have had paid teaching experience at the community college level. 
• Applicants in vocational/technical areas only may possess an Associate’s degree with a minimum of six years of full-time occupational experience in a vocational/technical area. They must never have had paid teaching experience (as the instructor of record) at the community college level. 
• All successful applicants must demonstrate a commitment to equity and diversity. All applicants must have demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty, and staff. Applicants must be able to demonstrate how these factors relate to the need for equity minded practices within an educational environment.

For a more detailed overview of the intern eligibility requirements, please review Intern Eligibility. 

The B.L.O.O.M. Program runs every Spring semester (late January to late May). Though this schedule may vary slightly, typically, the job announcement posts in September, rolling interviews occur through November, and successful applicants are notified by early December.

To be considered, applicants must submit

• Completed online District application, including embedded supplemental questions,
• Professional resume or CV, and
• Unofficial copies of college transcripts from the highest level completed, as well as those from the program in which the applicant is currently enrolled (if applicable). 

Successful applicants will be invited for rolling interviews, and a select few will receive offers to join the Program. 

The demand for opportunities to participate in B.L.O.O.M. is high; we often have many more qualified candidates than available positions. In some cases, applicants do not receive interviews because they do not meet the eligibility requirements for the position. Mentor availability within the discipline, incompatible schedules, and limited funding may also factor into decisions about interviews and hiring.

Responsibilities For a general listing of B.L.O.O.M. intern responsibilities, please see the “Responsibilities” section of the B.L.O.O.M. Intern Information webpage.  

Opportunities B.L.O.O.M. interns have comprehensive access to observing their mentor’s course and to collaborating with their mentors regarding best practices and longevity in the profession in general. Additionally, interns engage with their cohort in a supportive learning community, participate in countless training and professional development opportunities, and connect with stakeholders throughout the district to get an in-depth view of community college students and the faculty experience.

The disciplines offered change each cycle based on a variety of factors including but not limited to our current mentors, scheduling, and departmental and/or campus need. The job announcement will clearly indicate which disciplines are available during a particular semester. 

Interns will be placed at a South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) site: Irvine Valley College or Saddleback College. The specific location will be determined by intern/mentor compatibility and scheduling needs.

Faculty interested in serving as mentors also apply to the Program, and they are selected through a process that includes a variety of requirements. Every mentor is a full-time tenured faculty member at one of the SOCCCD colleges, and they all have stellar reputations with both their colleagues and their students. Interns and mentors are matched by discipline, by schedule, and - when possible - by complementary nature.   

Yes. Interns who complete the Program requirements receive a $500 stipend at the culmination of the Program: the end of the Spring semester. 

B.L.O.O.M. interns are not guaranteed employment beyond the scope of their internships. However, the Program is filled with opportunities, including application and interview strategy workshops, targeted debriefings and trainings, and comprehensive support from the mentors and Program coordinators. These invaluable benefits are designed to make successful and eligible interns as marketable for part-time community college teaching positions as possible. Having access to campus and district events, department meetings, and social engagements may work to the advantage of a current intern/prospective instructor as the internship draws to a close. Interns are encouraged to make the most out of all provided opportunities for long-term benefit.

Prospective B.L.O.O.M. mentors must possess all of these qualifications:

• Mentors must be full-time, tenured faculty at a SOCCCD college by the start of the semester during which they will serve as a mentor. 
• Mentors must be positive role models for their teaching interns. Thus, faculty with outstanding teaching reputations – among students, colleagues, and supervisors – will be given priority in the selection process.
• All B.L.O.O.M. mentors must demonstrate a commitment to equity and diversity. Mentors must have demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty, and staff. Also, mentors must be able to demonstrate how these factors relate to the need for equity minded practices within an educational environment.

For more detailed information, please review the Mentor Eligibility section of the Mentor Information page.

Interested parties must complete the Mentor Interest Form by the posted deadline, which is typically in mid-September. A select number of candidates will be invited to serve as mentors. Selection will be based on these factors:

• Connections to disciplines of special interest;
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and diversity. Mentors must have demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty, and staff. Also, mentors must be able to demonstrate how these factors relate to the need for equity minded practices within an educational environment; and a  
• Positive reputation among students, colleagues, and supervisors.    

For an overview of B.L.O.O.M. mentor responsibilities, please see the " Responsibilities" section on the B.L.O.O.M. Program Mentor Information webpage.