The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) represents more than 1.4 million public and private professional employees, primarily teachers in pre-K through 12th-grades U.S. public schools. The International Affairs Department (IAD) in Washington D.C. supports and advances the AFT’s global agenda including educating for democracy, promoting and protecting the rights of teachers and children, supporting the professional development of educators and building the capacity of teacher unions in developing democracies as leaders in civil society.

Internship Duties and Responsibilities

Interns in the International Affairs Department receive hands-on experience with a wide-range activities in which we are engaged such as protecting the rights of teachers and students, educating for democracy, fighting child labor and sweatshops, supporting teachers affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa, promoting worker rights and democracy in the global economy and related issues. Specifically, the intern will:

• Conduct research and write briefing papers on child labor, foreign assistance for education, the impact of AIDS on education, and education for democracy.
• Draft human rights protest letters on violation of the rights of teachers and students.
• Attend and report on foreign policy forums and Congressional hearings on issues on the AFT international affairs agenda.
• Prepare briefing materials, assist with international travel arrangements and drafting trip reports for AFT delegations traveling abroad.
• Assist in developing civic education and teaching materials.
• Prepare departmental displays for conventions and conferences.
• Coordinate programs for international visitors.
• Assist in arranging international real-time video conferencing, maintaining the International Affairs Website, creating trainer contact data base and distributing information about AFT international activities.
• Participate in staff meetings and mobilizations.

Qualifications

Candidates should be interested in international development, education, human and labor rights. Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral, are important. The intern must also be able to conceptualize project activities, write work plans, conduct independent research, work without supervision and multi-task Candidate must be available to work 20-35 hours a week. A one-year commitment is preferred; other terms are negotiable. 

To apply, please forward a cover letter, writing sample and resume to:

American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO
International Affairs Department
555 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Fax: 202-879-4502
Email: iad@aft.org