Specialized Skills Worker

Agency

Dept of Public Instruction

Division

State Superintendent

Job Classification Title

NS-Education and Training (NS)

Position Number

65039585

Grade

TS

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) is charged with implementing the state's public school laws for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade public schools at the direction of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and State Board of Education.

Description of Work

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction – 2026 Summer Internship

Internship is part-time and available for Summer 2026 from May 11, 2026, and August 7, 2026

Interns are asked to commit a minimum of 20 and up to 30 hours per week.

The Department of Public Instruction is excited to offer a 2026 internship program designed to invite both undergraduate and graduate-level students pursuing degrees in public policy, public administration, education, communication, business management and related fields into the heart of a state government agency. All internships are paid internships. Interns can expect one-on-one guidance from agency staff, opportunities to meet with agency leaders, and the ability to contribute to the work of advocating for and supporting educators and students across North Carolina.

Internship applicants should specify their personal and professional goals in their application documents in order to best pair successful candidates with relevant projects and teams within the Department. Opportunities exist for internships in various fields and with a number of different work units, including opportunities in research, communication, data analytics, archives, and program management.

Job Responsibilities:

The Office of Research and Promising Practices (ORPP) is seeking an intern to provide support to the ORPP in one or more of the following areas:
Literature Review and Synthesis:
a. Conduct systematic review of literature promising practices among high- performing schools, teachers, and students on associated with select educational outcomes.
b. Summarize and synthesize research findings, identifying key themes, methodologies, and implications for policy and practice.
c. Develop annotated bibliographies and contribute to literature review sections of project reports.

Qualitative Data Collection:
a. Assist in the development of interview and focus group protocols for data collection with educators, students, and school leaders.
b. Conduct interviews and focus groups (virtually or in-person, as appropriate) to gather insights into effective practices in selected schools.
c. Observe instructional practices and school environments to document high-impact teaching strategies and leadership approaches.
d. Collect and analyze school-level documents such as lesson plans, strategic plans, and professional development materials.

Data Analysis and Reporting:
a. Assist in coding qualitative data using thematic analysis techniques.
b. Identify emerging patterns and themes related to instructional strategies, leadership models, and student support systems.
c. Support the preparation of reports, policy briefs, and presentations summarizing key findings for stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, and researchers.

Stakeholder Engagement and Dissemination:
a. Assist in coordinating meetings, focus groups, and professional learning communities with educators and stakeholders.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range:

• Undergraduate students at $18.00 per hour.
• Graduate students at $20.00 per hour.
• Length of specific internship opportunities may vary from 5-12 weeks.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Tamara Lynn Cherry

Recruiter Email:

TAMARA.CHERRY@DPI.NC.GOV