The Educational Issues Department has paid internship positions available year-round. Full- or part-time positions are available and can be set up on a semester or longer-term basis.

The AFT is the nation's second largest teachers' union, representing more than 1.4 million teachers, paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel across the country. The Educational Issues Department is responsible for keeping abreast of the major issues that affect elementary and secondary schools. Staff are engaged in research and analysis of national, state, and local education policy as well as the more practical issues teachers confront daily. The department publishes a variety of policy briefs and reports on major educational issues. It also coordinates conferences and training workshops, and provides research and technical assistance to AFT affiliates and members.

Internship Duties and Responsibilities

Educational Issues Department interns typically provide support in the production of our publications and are involved in a variety of research projects. They are also responsible for reading major journals and magazines and tracking certain educational issues. Through these and other experiences, interns become familiar with the current state of our education system, the differing ideas about needed reforms, and the political and academic players involved in setting education policy at all levels.

Qualifications

Internships with the Educational Issues Department are paid positions, and we therefore seek dedicated, hard-working students. Candidates should have an interest in education policy, and they should possess good research, writing, computer, and communications skills.

If you are interested in being considered for a position, please forward a cover letter, your resume, and a writing sample to:

Heidi Glidden
555 New Jersey Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20001
fax: 202/393-6371
e-mail: hglidden@aft.org