Yale and Slavery Teachers Institute Summer Internship Opportunity
The Yale and Slavery Teachers Institute is seeking six dedicated undergraduate student interns to support the 2026 summer program. This year’s Institute will focus on Indigenous ways of knowing, exploring how land-based histories and stories can be woven into pedagogical practices across the curriculum. This opportunity is ideal for students with a passion for education, Indigenous studies, and community-building, and offers meaningful hands-on experience with the Yale and Slavery Project and its educational mission.
Applications Due Friday, February 27th, 2026
Eligibility
Open to current undergraduate students (Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors).
Prioirity to Yale students.
Roles & Responsibilities
We are hiring for two distinct types of support roles:
Planning & Teacher Support (5 Interns): Focus on resource collection, facilitating reading sessions, and providing year-long pedagogical support to participating teachers.
Logistics & Operations (1 Intern): Focus on the "behind-the-scenes" essentials, including registration, meal coordination, and serving as a designated note-taker.
Teacher Support Groups & Tasks
Interns act as the bridge between the Institute’s scholarship and the participating educators. Key duties include:
Host Reflective Launch Sessions
- Prior to our summer institute, we will be hosting four launch sessions where teachers will have the chance to learn from and discuss key themes with leading scholars. Interns will be responsible for leading a 45-minute reflection time for each launch session. Strategies for reflection will be provided during brief intern checks in before sessions.
Serve as Pedagogical Thought Partner
- Throughout the institute, interns will lead sessions throughout the institute to help with reflection and brainstorming.
- Interns will assist with collecting and organizing reading lists and materials.
Collaborative Support
- Interns will work as a team to support day-to-day needs, including serving as session 'floaters' to assist with unforeseen logistical or pedagogical needs.
Community Building
- Interns will also help with building community by hosting reflection sessions for teachers to decompress.
Application Process
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Application Due Date: February 27th, 2026
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Follow up Interviews will be hosted on a case-by-case basis.
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Application Notification Date: March 6th, 2026
Requirements
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Background Information
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Reflection Questions
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Resume/CV
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Letter of Recommendation
All students will be required to submit an application for the internship of which they will answer the following questions:
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What interests you about Indigenous Pedagogy? Why would you like to take part in the interview.
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How does this internship align with your academic interests or future career goals? In what ways do you hope this experience will broaden your perspective or skill set?
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A significant portion of this role involves facilitating dialogue between educators. Please share an experience where you were asked to lead or facilitate a group. What was your approach to ensuring all voices were heard? If you have not yet had a formal facilitation role, how would you approach leading a 45-minute reflection session for teachers?
If you have any questions about the internship program, please contact Daisha Brabham at daisha.brabham@yale.edu.
Key Dates
Spring Semester
March 2026 | Meet & Greet Session with Teacher Groups & Reception
April & May Launch Sessions
Dates: April 2, April 9, April 30, May 7 | 5:00-6:30 pm
*Pre-launch sessions will be determined by best times suiting the group.
Summer Semester
July 8th | 12:00 – 2:00 pm | Pre-Institute Check in
Summer Institute Dates: Sunday, July 12th - Friday, July 24th, 2026
Friday, July 24th | Closing Night Dinner
- Primary commitment is Spring/Summer 2026. This includes brief check-ins before launch sessions and two intern community-building meetings.
- While not required, preference is given to students who can provide a year-long commitment to support teacher check-ins through the following academic year.
Compensation & Work Hours
- Pay: $20 per hour.
- Estimated hourly commitment:
- 10-15 hours total during the Spring Semester
- 80 hours total during the summer institute
- Travel & Accommodations: Fully covered for all institute-related travel.
- Housing will be provided for all interns during the institute. Most meals will be covered with the exception of meals outside of institute times.
