Sample Education Internship Sites

Education majors going into teaching will complete student teaching experiences coordinated by the College of Education and Community Innovation. However, internships provide another way for you to get hands-on, supervised experience in the world of work. You are able to apply the concepts you are learning in the classroom to a work environment.

• IKUS Life Enrichment Services
• EDUStaff, LLC – Substitute teaching
• The McCahill Group
• National Heritage Academies
• Everyday Wonders Educare
• Learning Care Group
• Camp Fire

Student Teaching

 General Information on Internship

Join A Student Organization

Get involved with a student organization related to your major. Student orgs are a great way to get connected and explore career options!

• Council for Exceptional Children (CECS)
• Teachers of Tomorrow – Phi Delta Kappa
• Student Chapter of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)

Student Organizations

Relevant Courses and Certificates for Building Skills

Developing the relevant skills that employers seek is an essential component of a student's education. GVSU students should consider strategic elective courses and certificates to pair with their major in order to gain additional skills.

• Public History Undergraduate Badge
• Foundational American Sign Language Undergraduate Badge
• Advanced American Sign Language Undergraduate Badge
• Intercultural Competence Undergraduate Badge

Great Electives to Consider

Community Service Opportunities

Seek volunteer opportunities related to the field you're exploring as a way of testing out future careers.

The Civic Engagement Center keeps a list of current volunteer opportunities updated on their website. There are ongoing opportunities on a continuous basis, as well as on-campus and off-campus opportunities posted as they become available.
 

Civic Engagement Center

Education Study Abroad Options

Through study abroad you’ll also set yourself apart from other job-seekers and graduate-school applicants in an increasingly competitive market.

Imagine gaining firsthand experience in the educational systems of Finland or Japan, renowned for their innovative approaches to teaching. Picture yourself collaborating with future educators from around the world in a classroom setting in Spain or Australia, exchanging ideas and perspectives on global education. Imagine exploring the rich cultural history of teaching methods and educational policies in countries with unique approaches to learning. Studying abroad can offer education majors the opportunity to broaden their horizons, gain new insights into teaching practices, and deepen their understanding of diverse educational environments.

Education Study Abroad

Explore Internships Abroad

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Pursuing academic, creative, and research experiences and projects outside the classroom is an excellent way to learn new skills and build a body of work in your field.

The Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement (CUSE) provides opportunities for undergraduate research and scholarship.

Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship

Getting Started

Fellowship Opportunities

Fellowships are high-impact, potentially life-changing opportunities for students and alumni, opening doors to careers in public service, advanced academic study, foreign service, international teaching, and other career and service pathways into meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Frederik Meijer Office of Fellowships

Finding a Fellowship

Where Alumni Have Landed

• English/Spanish Teacher – Grand Rapids Public Schools
• Substitute Teacher – EDU Staff, LLC
• Special Education Teacher – Kenowa Hills Public Schools
• Customer Success Manager – TenMarks Education, an Amazon Company
• Technology Integration Specialist – Grandville Public Schools
• Adjunct Professor  – Grand Rapids Community College
• Dean of Human Services – Baker College
• Dean of Adult Education – Grace Bible College
• Grants Consultant – National Heritage Academies 
• Physical Education Teacher  – Aurora Public Schools (Colorado)
• Teacher Consultant – Fraser Public Schools
• Secondary Special Education Supervisor – Troy School District
• Director of Special Education – Sparta Area Schools
• KTC CORE West Program Instructor (Career Orientation Readiness Education) – Kent ISD
• GED Instructor* – Sparta Area Schools –
• Alternative Academy Virtual Teacher – Montabella Community Schools
• Director of Adult Education –  Sparta Area Schools
• Secondary English Teacher and Trainer –  Peace Corps
• Principal –  Byron Center Public Schools

You’ve mastered the world of undergraduate education, congratulations! Now you’re ready to take your passion for teaching to the next level and deepen your understanding of how to inspire and empower future generations. Check out graduate school options for education majors.

Master of Education (M.Ed.): This is the perfect choice if you're looking to deepen your knowledge of teaching practices and education theory. M.Ed. programs often offer specializations in areas like curriculum design, educational leadership, or special education, and can prepare you for roles in teaching, administration, or policy.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): This degree is tailored for those who want to become classroom teachers, with a strong focus on pedagogy, classroom management, and educational psychology. MAT programs often offer a pathway to teaching certification.

Educational Leadership/Administration: If you're interested in moving into administrative roles, such as becoming a school principal, superintendent, or educational consultant, these programs focus on leadership skills, educational policy, and management within school systems.