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Creative Connections
The Creative Connections program at UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts (UCI Arts) provides a paid, academic year-long teaching artist internship to UCI Arts majors, preparing them to develop and implement arts-based curriculum and projects for K-12 students in collaboration with Orange County educators.
Creative Connections has two main goals:
- To provide UCI Arts Teaching Artist Interns practical teaching experience within their discipline that is equitable, diverse, and inclusive
- To support K-12 Orange County students and educators in achieving greater learning through artistic practice and exploration
The program not only maintains sustained access to arts education in Orange County schools, but UCI Arts Interns also grow as engaged citizen artists and arts educators. Projects are created collaboratively between the Creative Connections Teaching Artist Interns and Educators in the fields of art, dance, drama and music.
Participation is free for schools and school districts. Priority is given to educators Title 1 schools under the Every Student Succeeds Act.
Teaching Artist Interns
Teaching Artist Interns are UCI Arts students who are passionate about inspiring the next generation of artists through education.
“ Creative Connections opened my eyes to how to start the process of being a part of changing youth's lives. The hands-on experience of presenting myself in front of students helped build confidence and recognizing we can make a difference. ”
Drama Major
Teaching Artist Interns participate in Creative Connections because they are:
- Looking for practical teaching experience
- Passionate about mentoring and community service
- Eager to work with young artists
Creative Connections provides UCI Arts students with paid professional development and support for a career in teaching artistry. Interns are current UCI students majoring in Art, Dance, Drama and/or Music. They work alongside Orange County Educators to create inclusive and equitable access to the arts for area K-12 students.
Participation in Creative Connections may also count toward the practicum requirement for the Major in Education Sciences and/or the internship requirement for the Minor in Civic and Community Engagement.
In partnership with the Orange County Department of Education, Interns will also be registered in the OC Pathways Apprenticeship Program. Upon completion, Interns will receive a skills conforming certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor and the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
| Position | Description | Application |
| Teaching Artist Intern | Interns work with an Orange County educator to lead K-12 students through arts-based lessons and projects in their arts discipline. Read the Intern job description. | Application due June 2, 2026 at 12:00 PM PDT. |
| Mentor | Mentors are returning interns who guide and support other interns throughout the year, in addition to their regular Intern responsibilities. Read the Mentor job description. | Application due April 27, 2026 at 12:00 PM PDT. |
Timeline
Spring 2026
- Monday, March 30 – Applications open
- Tuesday, March 31 – Information Session
- Monday, April 27 – Mentor applications due
- May 4–8 – Mentor interviews
- Monday, May 11 – Mentor offers sent
- Tuesday, June 2 by 12:00 p.m. (noon) – Intern applications due
Summer 2026
- June 8–12 – Intern interviews
- Tuesday, June 16 – Intern offers sent
Fall 2026
- September through December, Weeks 0–10 – Mandatory Training
- October through December – Intern/Educator match meetings and classroom observations
Winter/Spring 2027
- January through June – Project implementation
- May – End of Year Celebration
How are Interns matched with an Educator?
Interns review Educator applications during Fall training. An initial meeting between the Intern and Educator is then scheduled to ensure that the needs, goals, and approaches of both the intern and educator align. Once a good match is established, the Intern and Educator arrange at least one classroom observation by the end of Fall Quarter. This allows the Intern to see the classroom and meet the students before beginning their work in the Winter.
What kinds of projects are created as part of the internship?
Projects are developed collaboratively between the Intern and their matched Educator to support and build on the work already being done in the classroom. Starting in Winter Quarter and continuing through Spring Quarter, Interns will implement these planned projects. Examples of past projects include: visual art and science integrated drawing lessons, guest choreography sessions, monologue direction, and one-to-one music lessons.
I do not have a vehicle to travel to and from my matched school. Can I still participate in Creative Connections?
Yes! We want all UCI Arts students to be able to take advantage of this unique opportunity and are committed to eliminating barriers to participation. We reimburse all Interns for their transportation costs to and from their school sites, whether you use a personal vehicle, public transportation, or a ride service.
What if I have other questions that were not answered here?
If you have any other questions or concerns, please email us at artsengagement@uci.edu.
Educators
Educators in Orange County are eligible to participate in the Creative Connections program. Priority is given to educators at schools receiving support from Title 1 of the Every Student Succeeds Act.
“ It has been fantastic working with the Creative Connections program; it has provided learning opportunities to our students that just would not have been possible otherwise. ”
Teacher, Irvine Unified School District
Educators may receive an intern in order to:
- Augment the great work you are already doing
- Provide your students with a mentor currently studying the arts at the university level
- Support the future of arts education
Teaching Artist Interns are UCI Arts students majoring in Art, Dance, Drama and/or Music. Our goal is to provide UCI Arts students with valuable professional development and support for their arts education, while creating inclusive and equitable access to the arts for K-12 students.
Participation in the Creative Connections program is free for Orange County schools and school districts, as it is entirely grant funded.
Educators are committed to providing a positive learning and professional development experience for Creative Connections Teaching Artist Interns. The relationship between the Intern and Educator should be symbiotic, with the Intern gaining just as much from the educator and their students as the educator and their students gains from the intern.
Educators must:
- Be employed by an Orange County school or school district
- Possess strong communication and collaborative skills
- Serve as a positive role model and mentor
- Maintain flexibility and understanding that our Interns are students first, interns second
Educator responsibilities include:
- Collaborating with the Intern to develop a project schedule and plan that supports your classroom and curriculum goals in equitable and inclusive ways
- Communicating regularly with the Intern and program staff about successes and challenges
- Welcoming and supervising the Intern in your classroom from January through May or June to implement projects
- Supporting the Intern by providing feedback and access to materials, resources, and facilities
- Communicating with school administration and parents
Application due August 28, 2026 at 8:00 AM PDT.
Timeline
Spring/Summer 2026
- Monday, March 30 – Educator applications open
- Friday, August 28 – Educator applications due
Fall 2026
- September through December – Intern Training
- October through December – Intern/Educator match meetings and classroom observations
Winter/Spring 2027
- January through May or June – Project implementation
How are Interns matched with an Educator?
Interns review Educator applications during Fall training. An initial meeting between the Intern and Educator is then scheduled to ensure that the needs, goals, and approaches of both the intern and educator align. Once a good match is established, the Intern and Educator arrange at least one classroom observation by the end of Fall Quarter. This allows the Intern to see the classroom and meet the students before beginning their work in the Winter.
Please note: We do our best to match Teaching Artist Interns with Educators based on shared interests and needs. Because of this, we unfortunately may not be able to partner every Educators with an Intern.
How is this Teaching Artist Intern position different from a Student Teacher?
The Teaching Artist Intern position has some similarities to a student teacher role, but there are also key differences.
Like student teachers, Interns can develop lesson plans, explore pedagogy, and need support and mentorship from their Educator, who oversees them in the classroom. Unlike student teachers, Interns are specifically arts majors (Art, Dance, Drama, or Music). Some may double major or minor in Education, but this is not required.
Interns participate in this program as a professional development opportunity outside of their regular coursework. Participation is not required to earn a degree or graduate, and this program is not part of a traditional district-sponsored Student Teacher program.
Interns choose to participate for many reasons. Some are exploring or pursuing a career in teaching. Others want to give back to their community through mentorship and service. Either way, it is a unique opportunity that provides hands-on teaching experience in a real classroom.
What kinds of projects are created as part of the internship?
Projects are developed collaboratively between the Intern and their matched Educator to support and build on the work already being done in the classroom. Starting in Winter Quarter and continuing through Spring Quarter, Interns will implement these planned projects. Examples of past projects include: visual art and science integrated drawing lessons, guest choreography sessions, monologue direction, and one-to-one music lessons.
What is the expected time commitment to participate in this program?
Interns are expected to spend between 3–5 hours per week on their project. This time may include independent prep work, meetings with their Educator, classroom time, or other tasks needed to complete the project. We ask Educators to stay in regular communication with their Intern and remain supportive and flexible throughout the year, keeping in mind that their Intern is a student first.
What if I have other questions that were not answered here?
If you have any other questions or concerns, please email us at artsengagement@uci.edu.
