Education Policy Intern, (Fall 2026)

If you would enjoy working in a dynamic environment and are looking for an opportunity to become part of a stellar team of professionals, we invite you to apply online today.

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NEA is accepting applications for individuals interested in participating in the NEA Internship Program in the Education Policy & Practice Department for the Fall 2026 session, which will begin September 14, 2026 and end on or before December 9, 2026.  The internships may range from six weeks to a full semester.  Interns will receive a stipend of twenty dollars ($20) per hour and may intern up to a maximum of twenty (20) hours a week. The internship is located at the NEA headquarters building in Washington, DC.

The NEA Internship Program provides interns with training, learning opportunities, educational activities and exposure to a variety of rich and substantive programmatic experiences that support quality public education. These experiences may include conducting research; data analysis; writing, editing, using Internet applications and social media; participating in and assisting with partnership events, meetings and policy forums; visits to Capitol Hill; and other appropriate program-related activities.

General Internships:  Position Summary

The NEA partners with institutions of higher education, intern programs and other organizations to identify interns - generally juniors, seniors, recent college graduates (up to 18 months) or graduate students - who are interested in public education policy and education issues. Students pursuing degrees in Education, Political Science, Government, Human Resources, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Business, Finance,  Economics, Management, Communications, Computer Science, Journalism, Mass Media,  Graphic Design, Digital Communications and other disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Position Emphasis: This position supports NEA’s strategic objective to focus the energy and resources of its 3 million members toward the promotion of public education by participating in internship opportunities and assignments in the NEA Education Policy & Implementation Center, as part of our Education Policy & Practice Department. The focus of the internship will be on education policy and implementation, with a particular focus around issues of equity in policy development and implementation. Priority issues may include honesty in education, assessment, climate and environmental justice, and artificial intelligence.

Proposed Intern Activities: NEA interns will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with NEA staff and participate in a variety of meaningful learning experiences, projects and opportunities during the internship.  In addition to participating in assigned Center/department activities, based on their skills and interests, interns will also have opportunities to participate in relevant NEA sponsored and/or approved group activities that may occur at NEA or in the Washington Metropolitan area.  The group activities may include participation in interviews with the NEA President and Executive Director, and organizational leadership and staff, observing NEA events such as Representative Assembly events, Board meetings or cross Center/department events, and participating in policy forums, organizing or lobbying activities or organized partner or Intern events in the Washington DC Metropolitan area, such as Washington, DC Intern Week.

Expected skills and opportunities for development that the intern may obtain from this educational experience. Skills will include use of Microsoft Office products, SmartSheet use and implementation, policy tracking, legislative tracking, growing knowledge of policy issues, and other potential policy or implementation opportunities.

Interns will also learn about the NEA, its role in public education, issues affecting NEA members at the national, state and local level and advocacy strategies to support members and the students they serve.  In addition to obtaining experience in their area of interest, interns may develop skills in collaboration, communication, writing, research, analysis, preparing reports, interviewing, and use of organizing tools and strategies.

TO APPLY:

Please submit the following documents:

1) Resume

2) Cover letter – indicating preferred department or area(s) of interest

3) Letter of recommendation

4) Writing sample

Individuals selected for an interview will be contacted by EPIC/EPP and additional samples may be required at the time of the interview.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following is provided:  The position involves skill in using a computer and/or laptop; oral and written communication skills; skills in proofreading and editing; use of clear and articulate speech; interpersonal relations skills; reasoning and problem solving skills; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; ability to sit for long periods, stoop, bend, reach and carry light materials (up to 10 lbs.); and ability to travel by various methods of transportation, e.g., airplane, car.

NEA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER AND ENCOURAGES WOMEN, MINORITIES AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TO APPLY.

NEA Participates in E-Verify. Read more here E-Verify Participation & Right to Work.

NEA complies with the DC Wage Transparency Act of 2023.