Become a SUPA Instructor

 

Project Advance is a collaboration between high schools and Syracuse University. SUPA trains HS teachers as SU adjunct instructors to teach university courses during the school day. Here’s how to become a SUPA instructor:

 

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NOTE: If your high school does not currently offer SU courses through SUPA, click here.

 

STEP 1: Apply for Summer Institute

The SUPA Summer Institute brings teachers from all disciplines together on the Syracuse University campus for one- or two-week workshops.

  • The Summer Institute application for US teachers can be found here.
  • The Summer Institute application for international teachers can be found here.

 

STEP 2: Send Documents

Fax or mail your letter(s) of recommendation and photocopies of your college transcripts to the SUPA office.

To download a Summer Institute Letter of Recommendation form that you can give to someone who will recommend you, click here.

Mail these materials to: Melissa Lowry, Project Advance, 400 Ostrom Ave., Syracuse, NY 13244 or fax them to: 315.443.1626.

Contact Melissa Lowry at 315.443.8745 or malowry@advance.syr.edu with any questions.

 

STEP 3: Faculty Approval

Once the Summer Institute application and all required documentation is received, Syracuse University faculty from the relevant subject area review each application and approve or deny it. You will be notified of your status and given pertinent information regarding the training schedule and any coursework that may be necessary prior to attending the workshop.

  • Generally, a master’s degree and five years of classroom teaching experience are required to become a SUPA instructor.
  • For some subjects, the requirement for a master’s degree in the subject area may be waived if the teacher has substantial teaching experience and coursework related to the particular SU course (waiver of a master’s degree in the subject area is not an option in New Jersey).
  • Occasionally, certification to teach a course will be made contingent upon completion of additional graduate coursework, field experiences, or a program of structured independent study.

SUPA recommends making hotel reservations in Syracuse for Summer Institute prior to your approval, to ensure that the guaranteed rate ($95 per night) is extended to you. Space is limited and is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are not approved to attend the Summer Institute or need to defer/withdraw your application, you may cancel your reservation by giving the hotel 24 hours notice.

 

Step 4: Summer Institute Completion & Appointment

After successfully completing the Summer Institute, you will receive an adjunct instructor appointment to teach the SU course(s). Retaining your appointment requires attendance at annual professional development seminars as well as actively teaching the course at least once every three years.

If unforeseen circumstances arise and your application needs to be withdrawn, contact Melissa Lowry immediately. An approved application will remain on file for the following year’s training, if requested.