K-12 Learning Intern

K-12 Learning Intern

Summer Internship

Overview:

The Education and Guest Services Division at George Washington’s Mount Vernon provides meaningful learning opportunities for Mount Vernon’s one million annual visitors and students in classrooms around the country. Through a diverse portfolio of interpretive experiences, engaging public programs, and online resources, we expand each learner’s understanding of, and relevance of, George Washington and the world in which he lived.

The Department of Learning is designed to ensure that Mount Vernon is focused on creating and providing the best learning experiences available to young people today. Within the Department, the K-12 team plays a major role in reaching students by creating classroom resources, providing student learning experiences, and designing and facilitating immersive teacher professional development programs as part of the George Washington Teacher Institute (GWTI).

The K-12 Learning Intern is a key member of the K-12 team who will work with the Lead Specialist for Teacher Learning to ensure Mount Vernon’s mission supports the millions of K-12 teachers and students in formal classroom settings around the country. The Intern will support a diverse range of logistics, communication, facilitation, and evaluation of K-12 programs, including the George Washington Teacher Institute (GWTI) summer professional development programs for teachers, signature student learning programs, and classroom resource creation.

Compensation:

$15.00/hour

Expected Hours:

Between 24-32 hours/week

Position-Specific Responsibilities:

• Support K-12 Learning staff in delivering signature teacher learning programs including:
  • Residential Programs (x6)
    • Work directly with staff on the administration, communication, and organization of multiple program logistics for participants, speakers, vendors, and volunteers.
    • Co-lead or guide program sessions, groups, and activities.
    • Review and facilitate at least three of the six programs’ themed night-time walking tours of Old Town Alexandria.
  • Fellowship Programs (x2)
    • Research primary sources within Mount Vernon’s collections.
    • Co-create scaffolded classroom resources by grade level.
  • GWTI 250 Outreach Programs
    • Identify potential cultural organizations, museums, or school district program partners.
    • Assistance mapping, organizing, and/or tracking program planning progress.
  • Virtual K-12 classroom program series development
    • Collaborate on the selection of program themes and supporting evidence in the collections
    • Create draft classroom resources to serve as companions to the programs
• Serve as a liaison between visiting teachers, students, institutional partners, and other stakeholders as part of their onsite experiences at Mount Vernon.
• Provide as-needed support on programs, projects, and resources developed and led by K-12 and various teams within the larger Learning Department and Education and Guest Services division to ensure alignment with current educational trends and institutional goals.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in formal and/or informal education, museum studies, museum education, history, public history, or related fields.
• Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to track multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize workload.
• Skilled in written communication, including editing and oral communication demonstrated in an education or training environment.
• Proficiency in using computer software and cloud-based applications including Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, video conferencing platforms, and the ability and self-confidence to troubleshoot technical issues as they arise.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills to foster effective collaboration with various stakeholders.

Special Requirements:
The successful candidate will:

• Thrive in a collaborative, team-based work environment.
• Possess strong public speaking and communication skills to meet programming goals and the varied needs of teachers across programs.
• Have basic knowledge of current trends and effective practices in education, history education, and education policies.
• Be able to work non-traditional hours.
• *Please note – this is an onsite position and is not eligible for hybrid or remote work.

Division-Wide Principles:

The Education and Guest Services team is composed of the Interpretation, Historic Trades, Guest Services, and Learning Departments. This group is comprised of more than 150 full—and part-time staff members who use onsite and offsite programming and physical and digital projects to connect Mount Vernon’s mission to a variety of audiences.

1. Exceed audience learning expectations and ensure a level of access in which everyone is welcome. Be friendly, respectful, engaging, and flexible. Always remember that this visit may be their first and only time with a Mount Vernon experience.
2. Encourage a meaningful appreciation of George Washington and the world in which he lived. Ensure that his legacies connect to the world our audiences live in today.
3. Engage yourself in the mission of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association – take responsibility for your continued development and commit to collaboration. Care for your colleagues and be proud of what we accomplish together for your colleagues and be proud of what we accomplish together.

Benefits:

• 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
• Employee recognition at 5 years of service
• Monthly employee events
• Employee referral program
• Flexible work schedule
• On-site Library
• Discount on Public Event Tickets
• Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
• Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and Food Court Pavilion
• Free parking

Mount Vernon is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Mount Vernon will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.