State launches Delaware Future Ed Leaders summer program

The Delaware Department of Education is accepting applications for a six-week summer program for promising future leaders who have a passion for education and want to gain hands-on exposure to policy work.

The program has been developed specifically for current students, recent graduates and junior teachers as they explore career paths in education and seek exposure to careers in state government. Individuals from all programs of study are welcome to apply. Although teaching experience is not required, preference will be given to outstanding teachers currently working in Delaware public schools.

“This is an opportunity to help those with the passion and promise to lead education policy in our state gain the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience they need to develop into great leaders,” Secretary of Education Mark Murphy said. “At the same time, the department will benefit from their ideas and classroom-level perspectives or work experiences as we shape stronger state policy together.”

The program begins Monday, July 1, and ends Friday, Aug. 9. This is an unpaid internship.

Participants will learn individual pieces of work critical to Delaware’s policy agenda. They also will participate in weekly sessions with Delaware leaders in state government, district and school leadership, the business community and nonprofit organizations intended to develop them as leaders and push their thinking on education issues of national importance. The six weeks will culminate in a presentation of their work and policy recommendations to department staff and leadership.

The application deadline is 5 p.m., Friday, May 31. More information, including details on how to apply, can be found at www.doe.k12.de.us/FutureEd.pdf.