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Job outlook for education department interns in the United States
Education department internship job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected education department internship job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 32,400 new jobs for education department interns are projected over the next decade.
Education department internship salaries have increased 7% for education department interns in the last 5 years.
There are over 9,129 education department interns currently employed in the United States.
There are 85,839 active education department internship job openings in the US.
The average education department internship salary is $33,520.
Are education department internship jobs in demand?
Education department internship job and salary trends over time
Education department internship jobs over time
Education department internship job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9,129 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 9,002 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 9,132 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 8,793 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 8,359 | 0.00% |
Average education department internship salary over time
Education department internship salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $33,520 | $16.12 | +1.9% |
| 2025 | $32,897 | $15.82 | +1.3% |
| 2024 | $32,476 | $15.61 | +1.6% |
| 2023 | $31,957 | $15.36 | +1.6% |
| 2022 | $31,467 | $15.13 | +1.7% |
Education department internship jobs by state
Most common states for education department interns
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 101 | 15% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 166 | 12% |
| 3 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 356 | 10% |
| 4 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 127 | 10% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 62 | 10% |
| 6 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 99 | 9% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 53 | 9% |
| 8 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 985 | 8% |
| 9 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 536 | 8% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 470 | 8% |
| 11 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 453 | 8% |
| 12 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 244 | 8% |
| 13 | Delaware | 961,939 | 80 | 8% |
| 14 | Alaska | 739,795 | 56 | 8% |
| 15 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 609 | 7% |
| 16 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 463 | 7% |
| 17 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 419 | 7% |
| 18 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 145 | 7% |
| 19 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 735 | 6% |
| 20 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 411 | 6% |
Most common cities for education department interns
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Houston | 2 | 0% | $35,599 |
| 2 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $41,175 |
| 3 | Long Beach | 1 | 0% | $44,888 |
Education Department Internship job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of education department internship experts
Sul Ross State University
Athens State University
University of Mississippi
Southern Oregon University
Winona State University
American University
Missouri State University
Grand Valley State University
University of California, Irvine
University of La Verne
Rider University
Gonzaga University
Fontbonne University
Winona State University
Metropolitan State University of Denver
University of North Texas
Felician University
Aquinas College
Carlow University
Jeanne Qvarnstrom Ed.D.
Professor of EducationSul Ross State University
Teacher Education And Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
What will help Education Department Interns increase their earning potential?
Jeanne Qvarnstrom Ed.D.: Looking ahead to the next 3 - 5 years, I believe that collaborative skills are essential for success in the workplace. Furthermore, critical thinking, problem solving, organization, writing proficiency, research, and time management skills are important. Since new information in all fields is expanding every day, research skills are essential for success. Also, time management is especially critical, because students have to create a healthy work-life balance for themselves in order to be successful personally and professionally. We survey our graduates each semester, and we are proud that our students report that the coursework enhanced their research and writing skills.
What general advice would you give to an Education Department Internship?
Jeanne Qvarnstrom Ed.D.: Looking ahead to the next 3 - 5 years, I believe that collaborative skills are essential for success in the workplace. Furthermore, critical thinking, problem solving, organization, writing proficiency, research, and time management skills are important. Since new information in all fields is expanding every day, research skills are essential for success. Also, time management is especially critical, because students have to create a healthy work-life balance for themselves in order to be successful personally and professionally. We survey our graduates each semester, and we are proud that our students report that the coursework enhanced their research and writing skills.
What Education Department Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jeanne Qvarnstrom Ed.D.: In seeking a position, think outside of the box. Consider advertised positions in your specialization and/or the field of education. The four common courses for the degree give students a grounding in research, multiculturalism, historical trends in education and human development. In interviews and cover letters, demonstrate your passion for your field. Try to exhibit a level of confidence yet humbleness in recognizing there is always something to learn. Once on the job, seek a mentor, if your company does not provide one. Relationships are very important for success. Networking in professional and community organizations is also important to build contacts.
Dr. Nicole Henderson
Assistant Professor of Special EducationAthens State University
Education
What general advice would you give to an Education Department Internship?
Dr. Nicole Henderson: Forge connections strategically! As you embark on your journey as a budding educator, consider proactively promoting yourself. Engage in job fairs, initiate conversations with school principals, and always ensure you have a polished resume or contact information card at your fingertips. During your student internship, take the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the school's leadership, including the principal and other administrators. Embrace a collaborative spirit, demonstrating a willingness to go above and beyond. Word travels fast among educators in different districts, so make a lasting positive impression on everyone you encounter.
Furthermore, don't feel pressured to immediately accept the first job offer that comes your way. Take the time to assess your options and request a day for reflection before committing. Prioritize understanding the school culture; speak to fellow teachers and parents to gauge whether it aligns with your professional goals and values.
What Education Department Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Nicole Henderson: Navigating the landscape of education often offers limited flexibility in negotiating salaries, as raises are commonly tied to factors like years of experience and attained degrees. Nevertheless, distinctions in salary structures exist across various school districts. Accessible to the public, salary bands for public school educators can be found on the district's website. Ensure you conduct thorough research on this information before committing to a position, empowering yourself with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about your compensation.
Macey Edmondson Ph.D., J.D.
Assistant Professor, Graduate Program Coordinator, Ed.D. Faculty DirectorUniversity of Mississippi
Education
What general advice would you give to an Education Department Internship?
Macey Edmondson Ph.D., J.D.: The ability to communicate clearly and effectively, paired with the knowledge of AI to streamline tasks, will make graduates more appealing in the workplace. Understanding how AI may help in efficiency and automation, accessibility, content creation, and research assistance (along with the ethical considerations of using artificial intelligence in the workplace) will put new graduates ahead of those not exposed to these features. Just as important, with the increase in technology use, which can be good but also prohibits communication directly with others, communicating effectively with various audiences (parents, students, and administrators) is a skill that is highly desired. To add more skills to the workplace toolbox, look for competency-based microcredentials that can easily be added in a short amount of time at low costs.
What Education Department Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Macey Edmondson Ph.D., J.D.: When you begin your career, do not hesitate to negotiate your salary. This can be difficult in the education field but think outside the box and determine whether you can seek one-time costs, such as moving expenses, a continuing education budget, or summer stipends for research or furthering education goals. Also, do your homework. What are others in your field making at similar institutions? Do not be afraid to compare and contrast similar positions to use as leverage in your negotiations.
What will help Education Department Interns increase their earning potential?
Macey Edmondson Ph.D., J.D.: I advise students to think about how the skills they learned in college can transfer to just about any workplace. Graduates typically have advanced research and writing capabilities, critical thinking skills, and the ability to organize and communicate. Graduates are resilient and can respond to complex tasks in the workplace. Be sure to market these skills on your resume and in your interview. Be prepared for your interviews and understand how you would be a good fit in their workplace. What skills will you bring to the table, and does it match the job description? Once you land the job, be mindful of work-life balance. It is great to be excited about a new career in education, but do not get burned out too quickly. Find a mentor quickly and be willing to learn new practices as you begin your career.
What general advice would you give to an Education Department Internship?
Danné Davis: My general advice to a new graduate is to embark upon a career that gives you joy and an income for self-sufficiency. No one becomes a teacher for the high salary. Instead, teaching fills a desire to contribute to the holistic development of young people. In addition, I advise thinking about one's work setting. I chose to begin my career teaching in a medium-size, city school district because I wanted to educate and inspire learners amid urban dynamism.
What Education Department Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Danné Davis: There are many but I'll offer these: Proficient use of assistive, informational, and instructional technology. Most educators have a hard time keeping up with the tools and changes in tech. Too often the tools and resources are banned, blocked or underutilized. Teachers unable to identify and implement 21st-century tools do a disservice to their students. Bombarded with so much misinformation, disinformation, and "fake news," it is essential for educators to possess critical literacy skills and develop the same in students. Critical literacy concerns itself with the analysis, questioning, critiquing, and challenging of texts-regardless of history, context, tradition. The aim is to unpack the myriad social, cultural, and political forces that have established and continue to contribute to enduring skewed and hegemonic interpretations. The Brazilian educator and philosopher, Paolo Freire, is most often credited with coining the turn of phrase, critical literacy. Love. It may sound hokey, with some people relegating it to an emotion not a skill but educators can and must learn how to practice love. bell hooks describes love as an ethical act that is key to eradicating racism, hate, and disregard for humanity. When educators love their students, educators will see the value, worth, and promise of EVERY student regardless of their race, creed, ability, language, religion, identity. In so doing, educators will provide meaningful learning opportunities that position young people to become healthy, happy, knowledgeable, and well-informed human beings. The celebrated work of Rev. Dr. MLK Jr, stems from an ethos of love as well. Financial literacy is another skill needed today and for the future.
Amy Belcastro Ph.D.
Professor of EducationSouthern Oregon University
Educational Administration And Supervision
What general advice would you give to an Education Department Internship?
Amy Belcastro Ph.D.: One way would be to do the research to understand what is needed and then to specialize in high-demand areas. You can specialize through experience and demonstrate the impact of your work to enhance your marketability and salary potential. Or you can do this by adding professional development opportunities like by attending conferences and pursuing further education in the form of Degrees or Credentials/Badges like the ones we have at Southern Oregon University. Then you will want to effectively negotiate your salary by making it clear that your knowledge and skills are a good return on investment.
What skills stand out on Education Department Internship resumes?
Steven Baule: The key focus for any educational leader must be the ability to improve learner outcomes. This can be measured in a wide range of ways, from graduation rates, test scores, improved attendance rates, etc. A second important consideration for an educational leader is the ability to manage professional development and mentor the educators under their charge. Given today's mixture of remote and traditional learning, experience in engaging online students will be sought after. Experience in leading or working in diverse settings will also be highly desirable.
What soft skills should all Education Department Interns possess?
Steven Baule: Communications skills are essential for all leaders regardless of industry. Educational leaders have to be able to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders ranging from students through parents to staff and community leaders. Skills and experience in managing student behaviors are often one of the most sought-after sets of soft skills, and aspiring educational leaders will nearly always be queried on their experiences on this front during interviews.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Education Department Interns?
Steven Baule: The needed technical skills will vary based upon the organization looking to employ the educator. In more online-focused institutions, expertise with learning management systems and student information systems might be desirable. However, beyond strong instructional skills, educational leaders need to be able to analyze student data gathered from both classrooms and standardized tests in order to develop effective school improvement plans. This ability to measure student success is essential given the current culture of accountability in most areas of the county.
What skills will help Education Department Interns earn the most?
Steven Baule: Bilingual leaders and others with experience in working with diverse cultures will be the most highly sought after as America's student population becomes more diverse. Strong technical skills, strong instructional skills, and documented experience in implementing successful school improvements are always in demand. Experiences with a variety of learning management systems and other administrative systems may also command larger salaries in some situations.
Jennifer Steele
Associate Professor, School of Education, Affiliate Faculty, Department of Public Administration and PolicyAmerican University
School of Education
What skills stand out on Education Department Internship resumes?
Jennifer Steele: Based on the experiences of recent graduates of the M.Ed. Program in Education Policy and Leadership at American University and my previous experiences hiring individuals with master's degrees in education policy, the skills that often stand out are those in data collection and analysis, including survey data, interview data, and administrative data. In terms of data analytics software, graduates tell me that employers in education policy are largely seeking candidates with skills in Stata and Excel. For advanced statistical analysis and programming positions, skills in R or Python can also be an advantage. Data visualization and communication skills are also highly valued. Employers seek candidates who can use data to tell a compelling story through easy-to-understand graphs, well-designed slides, and clear writing accessible to many audiences.
What soft skills should all Education Department Interns possess?
Jennifer Steele: In the field of education policy and leadership, the ability to connect and collaborate with many stakeholders is vitally important. It is also critically important that education leaders and policy analysts advance equity, inclusivity, and anti-racism in schools. The longstanding legacy of racial inequity and exclusion has yielded vastly unequal outcomes in our education systems. It is impossible to right this wrong without understanding that history and how inequitable policies are still laced throughout our systems and must be dismantled.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Education Department Interns?
Jennifer Steele: Graduates need the abilities:
-to frame questions that are answerable with data,
-to know where and how to locate the relevant data, and
-to understand how to analyze and explain the data to a broad array of stakeholders, including communities and families and senior leaders and policymakers.
What skills will help Education Department Interns earn the most?
Jennifer Steele: Just as analytic and legal skills command wage premia in the broader labor market, they are often associated with earnings advantages in the education policy and leadership market. Still, locating earnings data from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics for careers in education policy and leadership can be challenging, as these careers are not traditional teaching or school principal jobs but are instead about managing education regulations, curriculum, staffing, budgets, measurement, etc. As such, it can be useful to examine the earnings and job description data on various management careers in the social, government, and non-profit arenas to get an idea of the work involved and the kinds of earnings that graduates can expect, depending on their level of experience and where they live.
What type of skills will young Education Department Interns need?
Dr. Stephanie Hein: Adaptability, creativity, and flexibility will be essential to navigating the hospitality place. New graduates will need to possess strong financial and cost control skills to help their companies survive and thrive post-COVID. On the flip side, they will need to innovate and look for ways to help their organization do business in new ways.
How do you envision technology impacting Education Department Interns in the next 5 years?
Dr. Stephanie Hein: Technology will play a significant role in how the hospitality industry rebounds, as a whole. COVID-19 forced many restaurants to invest in robust online ordering platforms to keep business going. Customers are now used to these online platforms, which make them unlikely to go away. In the resort and lodging segment, we will see more significant technology investment that helps reduce contact between employees and guests. The event space will likely see the most demand for technology as clients look for ways to offer high-quality, engaging programming in both on-site and virtual formats. Just think about all of the pieces of technology that go into an interactive virtual event. Finally, any technology that helps reduce labor and product costs will be welcomed. Initially, this type of technology may be adopted to provide contact-free experiences to guests. However, as the market improves, the same kind of technology can address future labor shortages.
What's a good job out of college for Education Department Interns?
Sherie Williams: Even in this new world of virtual contact, teaching is an important profession that still allows new graduates to impact the future.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Education Department Internship job market given the pandemic?
Sherie Williams: Covid-19 has seen many changes in the world of education. Most striking is the shift to virtual learning and the impact this has on teachers and students. As a result of this shift in delivery, the future of teaching will see a shift from traditional, face-to-face learning to online and/or hybrid learning.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Education Department Internship job market given the pandemic?
Doron Zinger Ph.D.: In teacher preparation we see a number of trends as a result of the COVID pandemic. First, we see a larger than usual number of teachers leaving the profession. This includes teachers who are retiring, sometimes early due to potential exposure to COVID, as well as very challenging working conditions due to COVID. This has created an opportunity and improved job market for prospective teachers who are now completing credential programs.
Additionally, there is lots of talk about the "new normal" and that for some students prefer remote instruction, and that a small but significant proportion of students may not return to an entirely face to face schooling experience. This may create a need for teachers specific for online or remote instruction schools and programs, and we may see growth in these areas.
Finally, we are also seeing a greater reliance on technology and technological tools to engage students, the skills and practices that current teacher candidates are picking up will likely translate to face to face instruction as well. This means that although many of the teachers being prepared today may have limited face to face experiences with students, they will likely have additional preparation and skills in teaching with technology.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Education Department Interns?
Doron Zinger Ph.D.: In teacher preparation STEM credentials tend to be in shorter supply, and teachers who can teach multiple science subjects, or multiple STEM subjects such as math and computer programing will be more marketable than teachers who have a single credential. With a growing emphasis on technological literacy, professional certification from companies like Google or Apple also provide prospective teachers with an advantage of presenting themselves as technologically savvy.
What's a good job out of college for Education Department Interns?
Doron Zinger Ph.D.: When it comes to teaching, and teaching credentials, finding a teaching position is the outcome desired by most graduates. With that said, districts and sometimes schools can vary in terms of working conditions and pay scales. There may be a disparity of as much as $10,000 in starting salaries between districts that are less than 50 miles apart. Benefits can also vary from district to district including medical and professional development resources. Finding a good fit that matches a teacher's vision and values, as well as providing opportunities for growth and collaboration are important considerations. Some schools experience high turnover rates and others have stable staffing. Getting a sense of school culture during interviews and talking to teachers at the site to see if they enjoy their jobs are good ways of getting a sense if you would want to work at a particular school or district.
Betina Hsieh Ph.D.
Professor and Director, Teacher EducationUniversity of La Verne
LaFetra College of Education
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Education Department Internship job market given the pandemic?
Betina Hsieh Ph.D.: I think we'll need more qualified, competent and thoughtful educators. The need for more teachers who can teach using technology and/or in hybrid forms, as well as, hopefully an emphasis on social emotional learning, cultural responsiveness and a need for innovative supports for neurodiverse students and students with disabilities. Whether schools continue to meet virtually, hybrid, or return to in-person, the need for engaging technology skills in K-12 teaching has really come to the forefront. This time has also brought for the inequities for students in low income homes and students with disabilities so we'll need to have teachers who can respond to and support those students.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Education Department Interns?
Betina Hsieh Ph.D.: Teacher credentials, particularly special education credentials are going to be really important, as well as certificates that focus on educational technology, trauma informed teaching and neurodiversity
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Education Department Internship job market given the pandemic?
Lauren Nicolosi: I think we're seeing a lot of remote opportunities, or those that are flexible in format. Because some roles don't translate to remote work as well, though, we're definitely seeing that some students are having to be creative in finding opportunities outside of what they initially planned for.
What technical skills for an Education Department Internship stand out to employers?
Lauren Nicolosi: This very much depends on the field. I work with students mainly in liberal arts and sciences where there is much diversity in the types of industries and opportunities my students are interested in. I recommend career research and preparation so that there are no surprises and so that students have opportunities to take classes to build their related technical skills, to utilize platforms like LinkedIn Learning in order to broaden their value, and to generally have a plan of action to fill in any gaps in skills.
What's a good job out of college for Education Department Interns?
Lauren Nicolosi: Broadly, a good next step during or after college is to secure an opportunity that will add value. Students can assess what they will gain in skills and experience and determine whether it helps them towards their ultimate goal(s). I think being open minded is best because this can frequently look like something different than planned. It might mean volunteering or interning after college and having a part time job to help with financial obligations. It's important to keep in mind that the first step is a stepping stone to something larger, not where one has to stay. Being positive and open minded will yield the best results during this time and show resiliency in your applications and interviews while applying for the next opportunity.
Ulil Amri Ph.D.
Teaching FellowGonzaga University
Department of Environmental Studies
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Education Department Interns?
Ulil Amri Ph.D.: In the short run, there is a significant impact. Since the economy is highly impacted by the pandemic, many schools/universities have tightened their budget and have reduced job openings. But I am optimistic that, in the long run, everything is going back to (new) normal with a hope that government plans/actions will develop a great balancing act between public health and the economy. Since Biden administration prioritizes environmental issues like climate change and environmental justice, I am optimistic that there will be more jobs available in the near future for environmental studies graduates.
What type of skills will young Education Department Interns need?
Ulil Amri Ph.D.: In my opinion, one of the core skills is ability to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion in classroom. We need to make sure that our classroom is a safe space for all identities and abilities. This skill prepares us to work in a diverse environment. In addition to that, teaching in the pandemic era has taught us to equip ourselves with hard and soft skills. We need to equip ourselves with skills to design and deliver high-quality online instruction (fully remote or hybrid) using cutting edge technologies; We also need to develop skills in empathy. We are now dealing with students who have faced various difficulties in life during the pandemic (some of them have lost family members, their parents have lost jobs, and they have experienced isolation and anxieties). Based on my experience, teaching with empathy has positive effects on combating such anxieties and on improving the quality of classroom relationships and achievement.
What experience really stands out on Education Department Internship resumes?
Ulil Amri Ph.D.: I will say our past work experiences and accomplishments. These can be skills, knowledge, professional development, or any activity relevant to the job that we are targeting. We should make sure that these experiences and accomplishments add value to our prospective employer.
Dr. Kelley Barger
Chair, Department of Education/Special Education, Professor in Education, Director of Reading ProgramsFontbonne University
Department of Education/Special Education
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Education Department Interns?
Dr. Kelley Barger: There will be enduring impact on our students and our classrooms from the Coronavirus pandemic as they will face classrooms that look very different when they graduate and begin their teaching journey. Our Fontbonne University graduates have faced many quick shifts in instruction and expectations for social interaction in the classroom. In Education courses, we are teaching our students to face these quick changes in their future classrooms so we must model new tools and classrooms environments. As faculty, we had to shift and learn at a fast pace to move our classrooms online for remote learning. Our students had to adjust to remote classrooms and online dissemination of material. I have learned in the last 8 months how flexible our students are with change. Many of the online tools have been available to us for many years but the pandemic created a compressed learning curve for those who can learn and thrive and those who will fall behind. When our current graduates enter the field, they will be prepared to use these online tools to supplement their classrooms whether on ground or online.
What type of skills will young Education Department Interns need?
Dr. Kelley Barger: The teachers of tomorrow will need a greater neural plasticity as they will need to think not just ahead but behind, in front, and all around. They will need to speed their ability to learn to catch up to new tools and new perspectives in our pandemic environment and post pandemic. I believe many of our online tools will enhance classroom in the future and will stay in our world long after we can once again interact within 6 feet of each other. Teachers going forward need strong motivations to search out resources, seek grant funding, and an ability to teach through any modality.
Dr. Raymond Martinez
ProfessorWinona State University
Department of Physical Education and Sport Science
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Education Department Interns?
Dr. Raymond Martinez: There exists both a challenge and an opportunity for teacher education graduates with Covid-19. Graduates of today must be ready to teach virtually immediately upon acquiring their first teaching position. Although this situation may not be what started them on the path to teaching, this generation of graduates has had more exposure to technological hardware and software and are poised to meet the challenge in the short term if Covid-19 persists. Additionally, graduates have the opportunity to fill the void left by retiring teachers. Many veteran teachers have decided to retire instead of delivering courses virtually, as it is the face to face interactions that drew them to teaching and what they want to continue. But Covid-19 has dramatically changed the educational landscape and taken away the joy of seeing students each day that allowed more meaningful connections with them but has become more difficult over Zoom or other platforms. Current graduates also want the same opportunities to teach face to face, but will work hard using skills that they have acquired over a lifetime of technology usage or educational training for educational delivery for today's students.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Education Department Interns?
Dr. Raymond Martinez: Certifications or courses may include: Trauma Informed Teaching resilienteducator.com, Social Emotional Learning casel.org , American Red Cross Psychological First Aidwww.redcross.org
Additionally, using the best technology practices that allow for students to interact with one another as a part of their educational experience and with the resources that students can access and that parents and care givers can assist them with.
Graduates who use more Cooperative Learning theories and teaching strategies to engage students and allow them to work together and learn the materials in a safe group environment will meet the needs of many students who are longing for interaction and a positive group dynamic.
(this is not an exhaustive list, but a start to an awareness for impact faster in a teacher starting out a new career).
What soft skills should all Education Department Interns possess?
Dr. Raymond Martinez: Graduates of today will need the ability to connect with students who have been isolated in the virtual world they have been living in. The certifications mentioned in point #2 open up the ability to become more aware of the needs of the students beyond curricular content. Student-centered practices that focus more on students' ability to solve problems and develop solutions through challenge, self-expression and active engagement, are skills that are more powerful for learning than direct instruction and teacher centered practices.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Education Department Internship job market given the pandemic?
Elizabeth Hinde Ph.D.: In education one of the biggest trends will include teaching technologies that are reliable and flexible to be able to be used both in PreK-college classrooms as well as remotely. There is no going back to purely non-technological teaching. Remote learning, in various forms is now a part of the education ecosystem. For instance, hyflex classrooms will become more prevalent so the technologies need to be more accessible and refitting classrooms with the technologies will be needed.
In addition, the social-emotional needs of children and mental health issues are already becoming front and center in schools. So, trends will include the need for more social workers and school psychologists in schools, as well as different kinds of training for teachers that help them recognize and address trauma and mental health concerns in classrooms.
Life is going to be different after the Pandemic and schools will be too. It will be a while before the emotional and mental toll that the Pandemic has caused will be alleviated, and the technologies are here to stay and will - or should - only get better.
What technical skills for an Education Department Internship stand out to employers?
Elizabeth Hinde Ph.D.: For educators, in addition to all the other skills that are needed, using technologies that allow for both in-person and remote teaching will be necessary. Being able to make connections with learners both remotely and in person so that they can learn effectively will stand out. Interpersonal skills takes on a whole new dimension since they have to be effective on a screen as well as in person. They also need to be able to problem solve tech issues without having to call IT often.
What's a good job out of college for Education Department Interns?
Elizabeth Hinde Ph.D.: In education, a good job right out of college is teaching. Teaching is the boots-on-the-ground work that lays the foundation for all the other jobs in PreK-collegiate employment. Even just a few years of actual teaching of the next generation provides an abundance of skills, knowledge, and dispositions that will help in a multitude of other professions. Learning how to relate to people from a myriad of diverse backgrounds is vital in most professions, and nothing provides the kind of training and experience for the future like teaching does.
What soft skills should all Education Department Interns possess?
Daniel Krutka Ph.D.: We want our students to be critical thinkers, empathetic listeners, and morally conscious decision-makers. Educators are conscious of their own sociocultural worldview are better able to understand who schools are designed for and advocate for students may feel unwelcome or unrepresented. We focus on antiracist pedagogies and approaches that help our graduates make more just schools.
Dr. William Mascitello Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorFelician University
Master of Arts in Religious Education (MARE) Program
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Education Department Internship job market given the pandemic?
Dr. William Mascitello Ph.D.: Unfortunately, downward. The field of RE in the United States is not generally lucrative. Additionally, many parishes and institutions have scaled back due to lack of financial means. That is not to say that there are no opportunities. Most of our students are currently employed in ministry and seek academic credentials. There is hope that we will rebound and the job market will improve.
What skills stand out on Education Department Internship resumes?
Dr. William Mascitello Ph.D.: Academic credentials are important for those seeking a professional for a RE position. Connection with the Church and experience in RE are also important.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Education Department Interns to find work opportunities?
Dr. William Mascitello Ph.D.: In the United States, larger archdioceses with higher concentrations of Catholics tend to offer more opportunities, but this is not always the case. There is a shift from traditionally good areas for RE ministry work. New Jersey is in the midst of a population decline, as is New York.
Briana Asmus Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, ESL/Bilingual Program DirectorAquinas College
School of Education
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Education Department Internship job market given the pandemic?
Briana Asmus Ph.D.: The same trends as all K-12 educators. A mass exodus of teachers leaving/retiring and teacher shortages in many areas. Despite this, bilingual teachers are in demand due to student populations including more bilingual students over time.
What skills stand out on Education Department Internship resumes?
Briana Asmus Ph.D.: Experience in different types of bilingual settings with students in various age and linguistic abilities, experience with screening and assessment (like WIDA, for example), and experience with different models of bilingual education. In addition, the ability to facilitate cross-cultural communication is so important.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Education Department Interns to find work opportunities?
Briana Asmus Ph.D.: Any place that has a high population density of bilingual students or English language learners tend to have more of a need for bilingual teachers.
What skills stand out on Education Department Internship resumes?
Patricia L. McMahon Ph.D.: The pandemic disrupted the routines and procedures of school and emphasized the need for school leaders who can innovate at the level of practice and problem-solve with a systems approach. In their capacity as systems thinkers, school leaders need to interact successfully with a variety of stakeholders at the school, state, and federal levels to build external networks and partnerships. As instructional leaders, they work with teachers to provide meaningful opportunities to design learning experiences that foster independent learning. They need to demonstrate strong communication skills to create a culture of learning and equity, and they must value and model interpersonal skills that advance a shared commitment to the dignity of all learners. As digital leaders, they must effectively use technologies and navigate an evolving digital landscape. As managers, they must be comfortable with data analysis for strategic decision-making.