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About Rancho Academy
Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) invites graduate students and industry professionals interested in teaching at the community college level to apply for the Rancho Academy, a faculty internship program designed to cultivate future educators.
This year-long program pairs interns with experienced, tenured faculty in their discipline for mentorship and hands-on training. Interns participate in a structured semester of training led by a faculty facilitator, followed by a semester of co-teaching and shadowing in the classroom.

The Rancho Academy is committed to building a diverse pipeline of future part-time faculty who reflect the backgrounds and experiences of RSCCD's students. Through mentorship, professional development, and applied teaching experience, interns will strengthen their instructional skills and deepen their understanding of equity-minded teaching practices.

This initiative is supported by the RSCCD Board of Trustees as part of an ongoing effort to recruit and develop faculty leaders for the California Community College system.

If you're passionate about teaching and meet the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to apply and take the next step toward a rewarding career in community college education.
Program highlights include:

• Student engagement techniques and classroom management skills
• Observational and guided instructional experience
• Professional development events & workshops
• Course and lesson planning
• Equity-minded and inclusive practices
• College networking and relationship building
• Opportunities to shape and connect with the RSCCD students
• The program may be a blend of remote, hybrid, or in-person, depending on evolving District guidance.

Responsibilities
As a Rancho Academy intern, you are expected to:

• Understand and adhere to the terms of the formal mentoring agreement.
• Meet regularly with your assigned faculty mentor.
• Attend all scheduled classes consistently and punctually.
• Seek support from your mentor as needed, while respecting their time and responsibilities.
• Complete assignments or tasks assigned by your mentor and seek clarification when necessary.
• Assist your mentor with instructional or classroom-related activities, as requested.
• Support students in the classroom as directed by your mentor.
• Share your ideas and insights openly with your mentor.
• Give and receive constructive feedback in a professional and respectful manner.
• Clearly communicate your goals, needs, and expectations to help your mentor support your success.
• Prepare and deliver appropriate learning experiences for students.
• Develop sample syllabi, lesson plans, and course outlines.
• Reach out to the program director or department chair when additional guidance is needed.
• Participate in all required evaluations of the internship program.
• Engage fully in orientations, workshops, and other activities designed for interns.
• Fulfill other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Eligibility Criteria

• A graduate student or recent (MA, MS, Doctorate) graduate;
• Highly motivated in seeking a career in the California Community College system (faculty) and meets the Minimum Qualifications in the academic or vocational subject area as specified by the 2025 Chancellor's Office Minimum Qualifications Handbook;
• Commitment to completing the synchronous and asynchronous 10-month hybrid training program on and active engagement with the assigned mentor;
• Complete all follow-up sessions and submit all deliverables as directed by ODEI.

APPLICATION PROCESS