Applications for ISTA UniServ Internship Now Open!
09/17/2024
Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open. The application deadline is Friday, Oct. 11. Learn more about the program below.
What is the ISTA UniServ Internship Program?
ISTA offers an UniServ intern program for candidates interested in pursuing future ISTA professional field staff positions.
The internship is a rigorous program specifically designed to prepare you for field staff work. Interns are expected to not only complete the outlined curriculum but be an active participant. The expectation is that an intern will attend trainings, meetings, etc. with locals/district councils that are OUTSIDE of their own local.
"I am so grateful for the opportunities provided to me by the ISTA UniServ internship program and both the professional and personal growth I’ve experienced as a result. By being an ISTA Intern, I not only developed the skills and knowledge needed to move from the classroom into a professional staff role, but I also developed a higher level of self-confidence and internal sense of purpose that helps me dedicate myself even further to the import work of amplifying Indiana teachers’ voices and empowering them to make impactful change in their public schools and communities."
-Kristi Billings
"The ISTA UniServ intern program strengthened my leadership skills and gave me a deeper understanding of legal matters that as a local president I was not tasked with on a regular basis. The program, as designed, allowed me the opportunity to meet and work with members and staff across the state and challenged me to think like a UniServ Director or Organizer. My transition from classroom and local leader to UniServ Organizer was seamless. The UniServ internship program elevated my skillset, and I am a better union leader, organizer and staff member because of it."
-Jenny Whitaker
Internship FAQs
Can I remain on the ISTA Board of Directors or in a local leadership position while completing the internship?
If a candidate is selected for the internship, they are required to step down from any ISTA BOD seat or state committee positions they might hold. Remaining in a local leadership position is strongly discouraged due to the time commitment of this program.
How long is the internship?
The internship typically lasts one year. Successful candidates may be asked to participate in a second year of internship to further advance their skills and knowledge to even better prepare them for field staff work.
Who should I talk to if interested in participating in the UniServ internship program?
You should talk to your ISTA UniServ Director and ask if you’d be a good fit for the program.