Intern (Masters and PhD Students), National Center for Systemic Improvement

Join AIR as a part-time Researcher Intern to support a project for the National Center for Systemic Improvement (NCSI). The NCSI supports state education agencies (SEAs) to best use their general supervision and professional development systems to establish and meet high expectations for every student with a disability by providing universal, targeted, and intensive technical assistance. 

This internship is designed for graduate students interested in special education leadership, state education agency work, systems-level improvement, and evidence-based practices that improve outcomes for children and youth with disabilities. This staff person will contribute to ongoing projects, participate in structured professional learning and mentorship, and complete a culminating project aligned to NCSI priorities. 

This part-time internship is expected to begin in October 2026 and conclude in May 2027.  Interns must be available to work part-time during standard business hours on weekdays to support collaboration with project staff, participate in meetings, and engage in professional learning activities. This position is not intended for work performed exclusively during evenings or outside normal business hours.

Candidates hired for the position may work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of our U.S. office locations. This does not include U.S. territories.

About AIR:

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

Responsibilities:

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Support projects related to the education of students with disabilities, with emphasis on state education agencies and special education systems-level work.
• Assist with reviewing, synthesizing, and organizing research, policy, guidance, and other resources relevant to special education leadership and improvement efforts.
• Contribute to the development of tools, materials, presentations, briefs, and other products for internal and external audiences.
• Participate in team meetings, professional learning opportunities, and mentorship activities with leaders in special education and related fields.
• Help analyze problems of practice and identify evidence-based strategies that support improved services, systems, and outcomes for children and youth with disabilities.
• Collaborate with project staff to complete assigned tasks, monitor timelines, and communicate progress on internship activities.
• Complete a culminating project aligned with the priorities of NCSI. 
• Perform other related duties in support of learning goals and organizational needs.

Qualifications:

Successful candidates will demonstrate the following requirements through their educational professional, personal, and volunteer experiences:

• Must currently enrolled in a masters or doctoral program in special education, educational leadership, public policy, disability studies, education policy, or a closely related field focused on the education and development of students with disabilities.
• Demonstrated interest in leadership, policy, systems improvement, or state-level work related to special education.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize information clearly for different audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid or remote professional environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Experience with literature reviews, policy analysis, data-informed decision-making, or program support.
• Commitment to improving outcomes for students with disabilities, their families, and the systems that serve them.

Hourly pay is $30.00 for doctoral students and $25.00 for master's students. Rates are fixed and not negotiable.

Disclosures:  Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law, including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braid, locks, and twists), creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition (e.g., cancer), sex, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, civil union status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, genetic information, or military or veteran status. AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks. AIR maintains a drug-free work environment. 

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE:  If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at [email protected]  or call 202.403.5000.

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer:  AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example [email protected] is correct and [email protected] is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out to [email protected]. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams atftc.gov/scams.

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AIR’s Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers the anticipated annual salary as listed. Salary offers are made based on internal equity within the institution and external equity with competitive markets. Please note this is the annual salary range for candidates that are based in the United States.

Anticipated Hourly Rate Range

$25—$30 USD