GWTeach Internship Program

We encourage you to read through our website and learn more about us before you apply. The SSEC is not a physical laboratory and we do not provide any scientific research or museum education internships. 

 

Eligibility for Internships

This program is only open to students of the GWTeach or GWNoyce Programs at George Washington University.

The internship lasts for 10 weeks for the Fall 2017 academic semester.  The student is required to work at SSEC for at least 2 ½ days per week and up to 4 hours per day.

All interns must successfully complete a Federal background check before their internship begins.  We are located in a secured office building which is handicap accessible.
 

Application Deadline

SSEC will start accepting applications for the Fall 2017 semester beginning September 1, 2017. The deadline for all applications is September 25, 2017.   

Your application must include:
1. Cover Letter
2. Resume or CV

Application and Selection Process

You must first contact Dr. Larry Medsker in the GWTeach Program at George Washington University to submit a cover letter and a resume or CV.  He can be reached best by email: LRM@gwu.edu

The GWU Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) will determine how many students will be sent to SSEC for an internship.  Dr. Medsker will review your application and determine if it will be forwarded to SSEC for review.

SSEC staff will review applications sent by Dr. Medsker and interview students by phone or in person.  When students are selected for an internship, candidates will be contacted by SSEC for next step procedures, which includes a Federal background investigation.

When you have been selected, you are required to enter an internship application in the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA).  You will create an account at this site.  After you have created an account, you can begin your application and select your program choice of interest (see program descriptions below).  You can view your application status in SOLAA at any time. 

Do not send any application materials directly to SSEC! 

Program Areas for Interns

  1. Diversity
  2. Global Science Education
  3. Communications for Professional Services Division
  4. Science Writing
  5. Education Technology

GWTeach Program Assignments at SSEC

Professional Services Division

The Professional Services Division of the SSEC works to transform science education by building partnerships with community stakeholders and assisting regions, districts, and schools as they plan for and implement comprehensive inquiry-based science programs. This division designs and implements courses for K-12 science teachers and teacher leaders, and engages educators at all levels from classroom teachers to superintendents, as well as academic institutions, corporations, and foundations.

Diversity - The intern will work with educators, researchers, staff, and partners to support the planning and execution of local SSEC programs including a Teacher Leadership Summit. Work assignments will also inform collaborative initiatives with partners in Houston, TX and Baton Rouge, LA.

The outcomes of the intern’s learning experience include the following:

  • Gain an understanding of the LASER model for transforming formal education through strategic planning and professional development.
  • Research new resources and hot topics in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education and teacher diversity to inform programming.
  • Participate in educational program development and building partnerships.
  • Coordinate with experts to capture their knowledge and make it available to participants using a variety of media and platforms.
  • Practice the foundations of event planning including excellent communication, organization, and customer service skills.

The intern will receive daily instruction, guidance, and feedback for all tasks assigned. The intern will also get an understanding of why tasks are necessary and their importance for achieving positive outcomes. 

 

Global Science Education – The intern will work with educators, researchers, staff, SSEC partners, and experts in the field of global science education to support the development and rollout of the Smithsonian Science Education Center’s international strategic plan.

The outcomes of the intern’s learning experience include the following:

  • Gain an understanding of global science education.
  • Gain an understanding of the LASER model for transforming formal science education through strategic planning and professional development, and the services and curriculum offered by the Smithsonian Science Education Center that support this work.
  • Research new resources to supplement both the intern’s and organization’s understandings of global science education.
  • Generate and revise blog posts based on the SSEC’s thought leadership intersecting policy and best practices in global science education.
  • Learn the basics of educational program development and strategic planning including the revision of organizational systems, building strong communication skills, and best practices in partnerships and collaborations.

 

Communications for Professional Services Division - The intern will work with staff to update web content for accuracy and adapt it to target audiences. Work assignments will inform digital communication strategies moving forward.

The outcomes of the intern’s learning experience include the following:

  • Use a content management system (CMS) for web development to update and disseminate content produced by the Smithsonian Science Education Center, restructuring the presentation of information as appropriate.
  • Use an email management system to communicate with stakeholders including the creation of template communications based on institutional need.
  • Devise an organizational system for managing contacts based on their interests and needs.
  • Write and revise blog posts based on the Smithsonian Science Education Center’s thought leadership at the intersection of policy and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education.

The intern will receive daily instruction, guidance, and feedback for all tasks assigned. The intern will also get an understanding of why tasks are necessary and their importance for achieving positive outcomes. 

Experience in science, science education, or teaching is an advantage.  Interest in science is essential.  Internet and Microsoft Office skills required, as well as a willingness to perform a wide range of tasks.  

Curriculum & Communications Division

The Curriculum & Communications Division produces and maintains high-quality, educational materials that include Science and Technology Concepts™ (STC™) science curriculum units in the life, earth, and physical sciences for grades K-12 and a series of science reading resources, STC Literacy Series™, that complement our STC Program™.  We also develop, update, and maintain the SSEC website and new digital initiatives. 

Science Writing - Intern will write original content at the intersection of policy and science education for our target audiences.

The outcomes of the intern’s learning experience include the following:

  • Write and revise blog posts based on trends in audience engagement, Google Trends, and science education
  • Learn how to do effective photo and video research for written publications
  • Learn how to interview subjects for articles for web
  • Learn how to work across the Smithsonian Institution to collaborate on articles
  • Learn how to connect with partner organizations to write articles that fit the mutual needs of both parties
  • Learn how to establish an editorial process for an educational organization
  • Research best practices for science communication
  • Learn to use a content management system (CMS) for web development to distribute content produced by the SSEC.

 

Education Technology - Intern will conduct original research at the intersection of policy and science education and develop digital content for our target audiences.

The outcomes of the intern’s learning experience include the following:

  • Learn and apply photography skills to multimedia elements for web and print
  • Learn and apply all aspects of videography including setup, filming, editing, and lighting to create video content for educational/promotional use
  • Learn how to use the appropriate programs from the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Dreamweaver, InDesign, Illustrator, Audition, FLASH) and other tools to illustrate/create art for digital use
  • Research and help apply educational technology trends to current digital efforts
  • Generate and revise blog posts based on trends in educational technology
  • Learn to use a content management system (CMS) for web development to distribute content produced by the SSEC.
  • Learn how to conduct usability testing for SSEC interactives and develop design recommendations based upon results of usability testing

Experience working in an IT environment, writing, editing, proofreading, conducting photo research, computer-assisted drafting, blogging/ journalism and/or working with spreadsheets and databases is helpful, but not required.

 

 

If you have questions, please contact:

Smithsonian Science Education Center

Angela Pritchett, Internship Coordinator

202-633-2284 or PritchettA@si.edu

 

GWTeach/GWNoyce Programs

Dr. Larry Medsker, Co-Director/Director

LRM@gwu.edu

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the deadline for applications? 

Monday, September 25, 2017.

How many internship positions are available? 

No more than 3 internships will be awarded.    

Is there a stipend? 

A stipend or credit hours will be provided by George Washington University.  Please speak with Dr. Larry Medsker for more details.

Where will the internship be located? 

The Smithsonian Science Education Center is located near the L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station on the green/yellow and orange/blue/silver lines in Washington, DC.

Our office is at the following address:
901 D St., SW, Suite 704B
Washington DC, 20024

What are the work hours? 

The internship lasts for 10 weeks for the Fall 2017 academic semester.  The student is required to work at SSEC for at least 2 ½ days per week and up to 4 hours per day.  We encourage full participation, but we will work with you to accommodate reasonable time commitments to fit your class schedule.

What should I include in my cover letter? 

The cover letter is a required component of this application process.  In your letter, explain why you want to be an intern at SSEC, expand on your previous experience, and explain how this opportunity would fit into your long term educational or career goals.

Additional items will be accepted if you are applying for the Science Writing or Education Technology program.  In addition to your cover letter, send a writing sample on a scientific subject, artwork, or a link to your website.

I am international student, can I still apply? 

What do you receive from your school that states you have permission to take an internship? If you have an international advisor at your school, have they been notified by you that you are applying for internships? Does your school have requirements that you must follow before applying for any jobs or internships?

This information is really important and it will direct our steps in making sure that we can proceed with your application correctly.  Most schools provide students with a CPT - Curricular Practical Training, if you receive an internship. You would be considered eligible to work in the U.S. provided the internship is related to your major/minor. You would then get a letter from your academic advisor and send it to the International Center at your school. They will then process it for you and issue a CPT card to you which will be attached to your I-20 (F-1 Visa). You will only need to show your school's International Center the appointment letter from the SSEC stating you have received an internship. Speak with your international advisor and ask what you need to do before you apply.

How can I learn more about all Smithsonian internship opportunities? 

For more information about all Smithsonian internships, go to the Office of Fellowships and Internships home page.