Education Internships in Washington, DC

Legal Intern Position Description
Public Education Network (PEN) is a national organization of local education funds (LEFs) and individuals working to improve public schools and build citizen support for quality public education in low-income communities across the nation. PEN believes an active, vocal constituency is the key to ensuring that every child, in every community, benefits from a quality public education. PEN and its members are building public demand and mobilizing resources for quality public education on behalf of 11.5 million children in more than 1600 school districts in 33 states and the District of Columbia.

PEN is currently seeking a legal intern with a strong research and writing skills, and an interest in school finance litigation, public interest law, or public education policy. Responsibilities will include research, writing, and analysis, and will focus on the following assignments:
 

1.	As part of PEN’s Give Kids Good School campaign (www.GiveKidsGoodSchools.org), research federal and state implementation of an eight-point policy agenda regarding what is needed to ensure a high performing school;
2.	Research state implementation of the federal No Child Left Behind law and its impact on communities; and federal efforts to amend the law. This will be used to support: public hearings PEN is holding across the country; Action Briefs PEN develops on aspects of the law; and Web Site information about current reauthorization efforts.
2.	Research and write summaries of landmark US Supreme Court, federal, and state cases affecting public education;

The internship is unpaid, and runs 40 hours a week for 10 weeks between mid-May and mid-August, although this is negotiable. The internship provides an opportunity to learn about public education reform, litigation, and advocacy; to work with a smart and dedicated Washington-based team of professionals; to meet colleagues in other public interest Washington-based organizations; and to work with community-based organizations in high poverty school districts across the country.

To apply, please send a resume, cover letter and writing sample to Jeanette McCall at the Public Education Network at jmccall@publiceducation.org or fax to (202) 628-1893. For more information, visit our website at www.publiceducation.org.