Teachers, did you know that there are a number of different programs that offer internships for teachers?
These internships can be very helpful in your career, especially if you have just graduated from college and need some work experience.
One of the best ways to find these opportunities is by searching online through sites like: [site name]. This site allows you to search for internships by state and even by subject area.
Another way to look for opportunities is through local schools or universities in your area. They often have connections with local businesses who are willing to sponsor students who are looking for internships. In addition, many schools offer their own internship programs as well.
If you are looking for a more hands-on experience, there are also many organizations that offer paid positions where you can volunteer or work part-time while getting on-the-job training. While these positions do not pay much money, they can be extremely helpful when it comes time to apply for jobs after graduation!
Internship For Teachers
For those pursuing a degree in education, gaining experience through an internship is an important part of your training. Internships for teachers can vary from working alongside classroom instructors to leading educational programs through advocacy organizations. In this article, we explain the types of internships available to prospective teachers and other educational professionals in training with tips about how to choose an internship and frequently asked questions regarding these experiences.
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What is a teacher internship?
A teacher internship is an opportunity for prospective teachers to participate in education-related tasks while enrolled at a college or university. Teacher internships are a way for future educators to gain experience working with elementary or secondary students in a classroom, learn about instructional policy and administration and get mentored by professionals in the education industry.
Internship opportunities for teachers vary based on the type of educational experience each student wants to pursue. Education majors who hope to affect change and shape policy decisions may have the chance to work alongside government and non-profit leaders. Students who plan to become classroom teachers can find many opportunities interning in the classroom with teachers already working in the field.
Related: Popular Careers in Education You Can Pursue
Internships for teachers
Teacher internships are an important part of educational training where students can gain experience in classroom instruction, administration and forming education policies. Some college programs require internship hours as part of their education major programs and will help place students in public and private institutions within the area.
Here are the most common types of internships available for prospective teachers:
Public school
Many educational programs partner with local school districts to offer classroom internships at local schools. Through public school internships, college students get a chance to work in elementary, middle school and even high school positions in multiple departments. During these internships, college students assist in preparing course materials, instructing small groups of students and shadowing teachers as they complete administrative duties. Interning in a public school classroom gives future educators a chance to see the daily work of a certified teacher. Prospective teachers who interact with students in this way often find which grade level they feel is the best fit for their personality and educational style.
Related: How To Become a Special Education Teacher
Private school
Interning in a private school also offers education students a chance to experience working with teachers in a classroom and observing administrative tasks. Opportunities for private school internships may be more specialized and require a different application process.
Governmental agency
The United States Department of Education offers year-long internships with policymakers. These internships give students the opportunity to witness key meetings and presentations related to educational policy. Students may also work to collect and analyze data on certain subsets of educational groups to help plan for future initiatives. Throughout their internships with the government, students often have the chance to interact with professionals in the education industry. For those interested in educational leadership or policy, this type of internship may be a great choice to build your experience.
Non-profit agency
Educational non-profit organizations often focus their educational internships on activism and leadership training. Some accept students of any program background while others are specifically reserved for students in an education program. Working in this type of internship could involve classroom teaching in urban or rural areas in need of educational support, youth facilities and other instructional opportunities throughout the world. Since these organizations rely on a small staff and multiple volunteers, you may have the chance to take on more management and organizational responsibilities in a non-profit internship.
College campus
For educators pursuing a career in post-secondary instruction or administration, college and university internships offer the opportunity to begin training in collegiate departments. Aside from working alongside professors and graduate students, areas like admissions and career development also give students the chance to take on clerical tasks and shadow professionals to learn the job duties associated with each department at a post-secondary institution.
Teaching abroad
Educational institutions from around the world also offer students the ability to intern in global locations. Some programs look for teachers in training to provide English language instruction while others function more like traditional classroom internships with students providing assistance to teachers and administrators. These programs may also focus on impacting low-income areas by providing educational support. If you choose to complete an internship abroad, it may be helpful to serve in a country where you can speak the native language unless you are specifically hired to teach English.
Related: How To Become a Teacher
Summer internships
Another way to participate in an educational internship is through a summer program. These internships often focus on tutoring opportunities for students in a camp or enrichment setting. Many of these programs function in partnership with local or national organizations. They provide prospective teachers the chance to mentor students, offer high school and college preparatory workshops and build leadership skills in teens.
Related: 10 Ways To Get the Most From Your Internship
Internships for education FAQs
Here are some common questions related to finding an internship as an education major:
Will I get paid?
Educational internships vary in the amount of compensation offered. Internships that are part of college coursework are typically paid for by student credit hour fees and counted toward part of your educational credits. However, non-profit and other organizations like global teaching programs offer paid internships and sometimes cover expenses like travel or room and board.
How long does an internship typically last?
Many internships last a semester to correspond with college course credit. Internships that involve travel or working with governmental or non-profit agencies may last a year depending on the organization or duties included in the internship.
What prerequisites do I need to take part in an internship?
Although every internship is different, many require you to complete a certain number of credit hours toward your education degree before applying for a position. Some internships also have GPA requirements that you may have to meet and retain throughout the length of the internship. It’s a good idea to check with an advisor at your college or university when you enter into a degree program to make sure your classes prepare you for an internship before you graduate.
Can I get a job in the same place that I interned?
While internships only last for a specified amount of time, they can help you establish professional relationships that may lead to a job after you graduate. When you begin to apply for jobs, you can also ask the faculty from your internship to act as references for potential employers. A recommendation from a certified teacher who witnessed your work in the classroom or a community leader from a governmental or non-profit organization can set you apart as a qualified candidate.
Tips for choosing a teaching internship
Finding the right internship as an education student can be an essential step in building experience to begin your career. Read below for some ideas to help you get the internship that best fits your goals:
- Determine your educational career path: Certain internships are more focused on administration and educational policy while others are more specific to classroom teaching. Once you decide how you want to develop a career in education, you’ll have a better idea about which type of internship will help you gain the expertise you’ll need.
- Check your degree requirements: If your degree program requires certain internship hours, make sure you’re prepared for this by coordinating with academic advisors. Find out which internships are available to you and if your college or university has any partnerships with local schools or educational organizations.
- Add summer or study abroad programs: You can gain additional teaching or leadership experience by looking for programs to compliment a teaching internship in a local school. Teaching in a foreign country can also bring you valuable insight into global education practices.
- Find a mentor: Networking with professionals already working in the education industry can be a great way to find out about internship opportunities. Teachers, administrators and educational policymakers can offer insight to help you choose your career path within education.
