15 Paid Teaching Internships for College Students
- Stephen Turban
- May 10
- 11 min read
If you’re a college student looking for a way to gain experience in a field before graduating, an internship is the best way to do so!
Why should I do an internship while in college?
Internships are a solid option for college students because they provide exposure to a professional setting, sharpen real‑world skills, and help build a network of industry contacts. If you’re a college student aiming toward a teaching path, internship options that are accessible and affordable, especially online roles, bring added flexibility while still being a meaningful experience.
How have we shortlisted the best teaching internships for college students?
On this list, we’ve focused on paid teaching internships for college students because compensation indicates that the experience is professional and valued, which strengthens your resume. We filtered opportunities using criteria like prestige (reputable organizations), the rigor of the professional experience (actual teaching or education‑oriented work, not just shadowing), and opportunities to network (working alongside educators or within educational systems). By ‘teaching internships’ we mean any paid program that lets you teach others or develop skills directly relevant to a teaching career.
If you're looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!
15 Paid Teaching Internships for College Students
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $800–$1,200 (Fall), $1,000–$1,400 (Spring)
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not specified; open to undergraduates and graduate students nationwide
Dates: September 8 – December 12 (Fall), January 20 – May 1 (Spring)
Application Deadline: November 19 (Spring), April 29 (Fall)
Eligibility: Current undergrad or grad student, TFA alum, or renewing fellow; minimum 2.5 college GPA (or 3.0 high school GPA for first-years); U.S. work authorization required
The Ignite Fellowship is a paid, virtual tutoring role that lets college students lead small-group learning sessions during the school day with K–12 students across underserved communities. You’ll commit about 3–5 hours weekly, starting with two weeks of training before transitioning into one-on-one or small-group online instruction. Subjects include elementary literacy, middle school math, and high school post-secondary prep. You’re paired with a site leader from a partner school who supports your tutoring work and helps you adapt to students’ needs. Alongside the hands-on experience, you’ll join a national network of peers and educators focused on improving academic outcomes and student belonging. The program offers structured mentorship, built-in feedback cycles, and the flexibility to align your tutoring schedule with your availability.
Location: Multiple sites across the U.S., including Boston, Atlanta, Houston, New York, San Francisco, and 20+ other cities
Cost/Stipend: $2,000–$5,294 depending on site; most fellows are also eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award up to $1,565.08
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Varies by site; cohorts range from 15 to over 170 fellows per location
Dates: Generally late May to early August (varies by location)
Application Deadline: January 15 (Early), February 26 (Regular)
Eligibility: Open to current undergraduate students; all majors welcome, no prior teaching experience required
Breakthrough Collaborative places college students in a full-time summer teaching role where you’ll lead middle or high school classes at one of 25+ locations across the U.S. You’ll receive over 100 hours of training, then deliver academic or enrichment content to students from underserved backgrounds. Throughout the program, you’ll practice real classroom instruction, get mentored by educators, and participate in workshops that build leadership, classroom management, and instructional strategy. The program intentionally prioritizes your professional growth while emphasizing community engagement. Whether you’re housed in a dorm or commuting, you’ll collaborate with a diverse cohort of fellows and students in an intensive, hands-on teaching environment.
Location: Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: $8,200 total ($5,200 stipend + $3,000 housing allowance)
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Capped at 100 complete applications per year
Dates: June 2 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 15 or when 100 complete applications are received
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled as rising college freshmen through rising seniors
Hosted by the Smithsonian’s Office of the Under Secretary for Education, this internship places college students in the center of museum education strategy and outreach. You’ll collaborate with staff to plan national education initiatives, develop social media and conference content, and support K–12 programming across the Smithsonian’s 21 museums and 9 research centers. The experience includes regular mentorship meetings, professional development, and exposure to internal communications and audience engagement strategies. You’ll attend planning sessions, contribute to the Smithsonian National Education Summit, and even draft pieces for public blogs. It's a hands-on, full-time internship designed to develop your professional voice and understanding of educational content creation within a cultural institution.
Location: Kalamazoo Public Schools, Kalamazoo, MI
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; stipend amount varies by role (e.g., apprentice, intern, paraprofessional)
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Ongoing during the school year and summer; summer school opportunities available
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Current students or recent graduates enrolled in or planning to pursue an education degree; includes dual-enrolled high school students and post-secondary participants
Teach Kalamazoo offers a multi-pathway, paid teacher preparation experience designed to build the next generation of educators directly from the local community. Whether you’re in high school, dual-enrolled in college courses, or already pursuing a teaching degree, you can work in KPS classrooms as an intern, apprentice, paraprofessional, or summer school staff member. Participants receive mentorship from certified teachers while gaining classroom experience and developing core teaching competencies. The program also integrates support from Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College, allowing for a smooth transition from secondary to higher education teacher training. It's a comprehensive Grow Your Own model designed for long-term engagement and real-world immersion in K–12 education.
Location: Student teaching in approved rural school districts across Colorado
Cost/Stipend: Up to $4,000
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Limited by available funding; selection via lottery if oversubscribed
Dates: Fall and Spring semesters (student teaching term)
Application Deadline: March 31 (Fall), October 31 (Spring)
Eligibility: Must be enrolled in a teacher preparation program (not alternative licensure) at a Colorado institution, have completed all coursework except student teaching, hold a 2.75+ GPA, and commit to teaching for two years in a rural Colorado district
This stipend supports education majors completing student teaching assignments in Colorado’s rural or small rural districts. Designed to increase the number of qualified educators in under-resourced communities, the program offers up to $4,000 to cover expenses during the unpaid teaching semester. You must agree to teach for two years post-licensure in a rural district located at least 50 miles from a metropolitan area. During the placement, you're also expected to stay in contact with the Colorado Center for Rural Education, complete surveys, and submit confirmation of your successful student teaching experience. The award is ideal for those committed to long-term teaching in rural communities.
Location: New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $340 training stipend + $13.25/hour during program
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Mid-June through early August (6 weeks total)
Application Deadline: Varies; typically opens early spring, closes when filled
Eligibility: College juniors, seniors, or graduate students; minimum 3.0 GPA; education or related major preferred
This paid fellowship gives college students over 200 hours of practical teaching experience in high-need NYC communities during a five-week summer program. As a Teaching Fellow, you’ll plan and teach daily lessons in reading, writing, and math, manage a classroom, and mentor younger near-peer leaders while receiving coaching from a certified NYC teacher. You’ll lead enrichment activities, facilitate academic growth, and build relationships with students and families. The program begins with a 45+ hour training phase and includes professional development sessions throughout the summer. It’s a hands-on opportunity tailored for aspiring educators looking to build classroom confidence.
Location: Remote/Online
Cost/Stipend: $16–$20 per 40-minute session; $8.50–$10.50 per 20-minute session; $100 bonus for new tutors
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Rolling, flexible scheduling year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Current or former students at top universities in English-speaking countries; must be eligible to work as an independent contractor in the US or UK
Ringle offers flexible, remote English tutoring opportunities to help international students and professionals improve their conversational and academic English skills. As a tutor, you’ll lead 20– or 40–minute one-on-one video sessions focusing on fluency, clarity, and cultural nuances. The program is designed for those with strong academic or professional communication backgrounds, not necessarily formal ESL credentials. You’ll work with advanced English learners, mostly adults, on tasks like interview prep, presentations, and business writing. New tutors start at $16 per 40-minute session and can earn up to $21/hour with level progression and incentives.
Location: Remote/Online
Cost/Stipend: $17.50/hour during certification, $20/hour after certification
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Fall through Spring; rolling start dates throughout the academic year
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: U.S. citizens with a U.S. mailing address and bank account (except residents of CA, IL, IA, MT, NH, ND, SD, and DC); must commit to full training and consistent weekly tutoring
Ignite Reading hires and trains part-time online tutors to deliver daily 15-minute one-on-one reading instruction to elementary students using a structured literacy approach. You'll begin with a five-week paid certification course that includes peer practice, live training, and supervised tutoring. Once certified, you’ll tutor at least four students daily, helping them build decoding and fluency skills. Tutors work the same hours each week, Monday through Friday, choosing shifts between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET. The position is ideal if you’re looking for consistent, meaningful tutoring work with long-term student relationships and strong support from literacy professionals.
Location: Remote/Online
Cost/Stipend: $15–$16/hour
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 16-week internship beginning in January
Application Deadline: Not specified; applications currently open for January start
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students majoring in instructional design, adult learning, instructional technology, education, or related fields
This 16-week remote internship places college students on the Instructional Design and Development (IDD) team at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where you’ll gain hands-on experience designing and supporting online courses. Interns collaborate with instructional designers, media producers, and curriculum developers to create engaging course content aligned with adult learning principles and accessibility standards. You’ll work on real course production projects and get exposure to all aspects of the design lifecycle, from needs assessment to content delivery. The internship includes personalized mentorship, flexible hours during the work week, and projects tailored to your career goals in instructional design.
Location: South Bronx United, Bronx, NY
Cost/Stipend: $18/hour
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not specified
Dates: September 29 – January 19 (Fall), February 23 – June 5 (Spring)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to individuals with experience in youth coaching, soccer, and a commitment to positive youth development; bilingual candidates are prioritized
This part-time internship integrates soccer coaching with leadership and mentorship training for middle school girls in the South Bronx. Interns assist with the Girls Leadership League, delivering after-school programming that blends technical soccer instruction and social-emotional skill-building. You’ll lead 90-minute sessions twice a week, help organize equality-themed community events, and communicate with local schools to support implementation. Beyond the field, interns gain exposure to curriculum development, grant management, and program sustainability planning. It’s a hands-on role suitable for those passionate about equity, youth development, and sport as a tool for social change.
Location: Various after-school sites in Asheville, NC (including Christine W. Avery Learning Center, West Buncombe Elementary, and others)
Cost/Stipend: $16/hour
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Throughout the 2025–2026 academic year
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Ages 15–23; no prior experience required
In this part-time tutoring internship, you’ll work one-on-one with elementary students to strengthen their reading skills using a structured, multi-sensory approach. Interns are trained extensively before beginning and receive continuous support throughout the academic year. You'll tutor at community-based after-school sites and use progress assessments to track each student’s growth. This internship offers a direct way to contribute to early literacy efforts while gaining hands-on teaching experience in diverse classroom environments.
Location: Madison, WI (virtual and in-person options)
Cost/Stipend: $15/hour
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Spring (Jan–May), Summer, and Fall semesters
Application Deadline: Summer applications open in March
Eligibility: At least 1 year of college or relevant experience
These semester-long paid internships put you in charge of managing weekly ESL tutoring sessions for adult immigrants and refugees. You’ll create personalized lesson plans, support volunteer tutors, and help adults build real-life English literacy skills. It’s hands-on and high-responsibility, ideal for those serious about education, adult learning, or nonprofit work. You'll get solid training and work independently, all while sharpening your teaching, planning, and communication skills.
Location: New Haven, CT
Cost/Stipend: $15.69/hour
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Part-time during the school year and summer
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Ages 16–24, must complete 15 volunteer hours before applying
This internship offers hands-on experience in education by engaging young adults in tutoring K–8 students in reading. After completing 15 initial volunteer hours to understand tutoring basics, interns transition into paid roles supporting classroom instruction, leading one-on-one literacy sessions, and assisting site staff. Interns also serve as liaisons to their high schools, promoting the program and recruiting peers to volunteer, fostering a sense of community engagement. Additional responsibilities include capturing media and testimonials for marketing and outreach purposes, contributing to the program’s visibility and impact. This is a good fit if you are interested in gaining real-world experience in education and nonprofit work.
Location: New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Paid employment + stipend + free tuition and materials
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not specified
Dates: August – December (18 months)
Application Deadline: Rolling or TBD
Eligibility: 18+, high school diploma or equivalent, eligible to work in the U.S.
This 18-month apprenticeship gives aspiring early childhood educators real classroom experience while fully funding their path to earning a nationally recognized Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate. You will work a minimum of 28 hours per week at an NYC childcare center, complete CDA coursework at the CUNY School of Professional Studies, and receive up to 60 hours of paid training beforehand. The program covers tuition, books, exam fees, CPR training, and other costs—plus a stipend for professional development time. Apprentices also receive career advice and mentoring, all while earning a salary through their host employer.
Location: New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not stated
Dates: June–August (summer); September–August (year-long)
Application Deadline: March 2025
Eligibility: Rising college sophomores through seniors or equivalent; based in NYC or nearby
This competitive, paid internship immerses students in the arts and culture world through placements across Lincoln Center’s departments, with a dedicated track in Education, Community Engagement, DEI, or Accessibility. Interns gain real-world experience contributing to programming and projects that impact learners of all ages. Beyond the job, interns attend workshops, networking events, and capstone innovation challenges that connect them with industry leaders and creative thinkers. You’ll also engage in Activate, Lincoln Center’s flagship education conference, and develop solutions to sector challenges through collaborative projects. This internship is ideal for students passionate about using the arts to advance equity, learning, and community impact.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to undergraduates and gap year students!
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program where you work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup. Apply now!
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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