SummerTech has designed its teacher training program to be inclusive, challenging, and enormously beneficial to our staff and campers. Our teachers come from within our own community after a process of training and experience that makes a difference for the rest of their lives. We invite every SummerTech camper to take on this unique opportunity that has proven results for over two decades.
1:1 Teacher to Student Ratio
You read that right. At SummerTech, each camper learns individually and directly from their instructor. There are no educational packets to follow along with – just pure teaching from teacher to student. Each SummerTech instructor is given a maximum of three students that they manage 1-on-1 during each class period.
CITs (Counselor in Training)
As an educational camp whose motto is “Have fun, learn something”, each SummerTech staff member is part counselor and part teacher. Before teaching training starts, we begin with counselor training.
The CIT program is a one-week experience that is available to any camper who has at least completed 9th grade. During your CIT week you will be on a “team” with your fellow CITs to perform a set of tasks, autonomously, to both support and further the SummerTech experience for everyone. Some of your CIT experiences include:
- Continuing your studies by taking a full course
- Creating lines of communication between all CITs
- Supporting and assisting on SummerTech electives
- Creating and operating SummerTech events
- Supporting SummerTech staff and instructors
- Prioritizing teamwork – “If one CIT fails we all fail”
To become a CIT you must meet the following requirements:
- Completed 9th grade
- Commitment to at least two weeks (at least one as camper, one as CIT)
- You can not do more than one CIT week
FAQ
Q: Do CITs teach?
A: No. We want our CITs to continue learning and will receive full instruction. This experience is about being a leader at camp – not an instructor.
Q: Is there a cost to being a CIT?
A: Yes, a CIT is still technically a camper and receives all of the camper benefits plus extra, exclusive opportunities amongst fellow CITs. The cost is the same as the camper tuition.
Q: Do I need to sleep over when I’m a CIT?
A: Absolutely not. You can definitely commute.
Q: Do I have to stay until 9pm each night?
A: Absolutely not. But the more time you are with us, the more you can do!
Q: How do I become a CIT?
A: SummerTech 2022 CIT Application
Internship
The goal of the SummerTec internship is to gain the knowledge and confidence to become a SummerTech instructor.
Your SummerTech internship begins during the school year after your CIT summer or as early as 10th grade. You do NOT need to be a CIT to become an intern but it’s highly recommended. Here is how the SummerTech internship looks:
Observation
To begin your internship, you will likely be assigned to observe group Coditum classes. Whether in person or online, you will work alongside one of our seasoned instructors (your mentor) to experience the challenges of working with three students at the same time. Your mentor will give you opportunities to explain concepts to students and offer you feedback along the way. When your mentor feels you are ready to take on a few students, you will move into the Peer Teaching program.
Peer Teaching
Please check out our page on our amazing Peer Teaching program! As a Peer Teacher, you will be assigned to two or three students from one of our partners to help you develop your confidence, teaching style, and give you as much experience as possible. You will communicate directly with your students, create a teaching schedule, and be supported by your mentor and SummerTech/Coditum all the way through.
Junior/Senior Teacher
Congratulations! This is the point where you are a full member of the SummerTech staff! The distinction between Junior and Senior teacher is simple. A Junior teacher has not yet completed their first year of college.
FAQ
Q: I never went to SummerTech but I’m a college student and want to work here. Is that possible?
A: Yes! We love to bring in a few new faces and great talent. Please complete our staff application form and we will get in touch with you.
