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NEA is accepting applications for individuals interested in participating in the NEA Internship Program for the Fall 2026 session, which will begin on or after September 14, 2026, and end on or before December 14, 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. This internship is based at NEA Headquarters 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.

Collective Bargaining & Member Advocacy Intern:  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, Labor Relations, 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 Collective Bargaining & Member Advocacy department of the Center for Advocacy and Political Action.

Collective Bargaining & Member Advocacy Intern Activities:

• Follow up on stories about settled collective bargaining agreements and memorandums of understanding

• Online research to support strong collective bargaining agreements and the union’s advocacy priorities

• Communicate with Affiliates to obtain information for research work

• Draft qualitative and quantitative reports and summaries

• Conduct research in support of the department’s work on bargaining for the common good

• Support the data collection and data entry process for the annual teacher salary benchmark report

• Engage and learn more about social and racial justice issues in the field of education

Additionally, 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, participating in policy forums, organizing or lobbying activities, and organized partner or Intern events in the Washington DC Metropolitan area, such as Washington DC Intern Week.

Expected Skills and Opportunities for Development

• Learn about collective bargaining and advocacy at the local level

• Advocacy writing

• Research worker issues such as educator pay, working conditions, benefits, etc.

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.

Please upload and submit the following documents with your application in Workday :

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 the Center or department 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.