Newington Public Schools- Board of Education

1. Newington Public Schools- Board of Education University of Connecticut MPA Internship Program Opportunities

2. Background Information- • The Newington Public Schools serve the community of Newington, CT. There are approximately 4,500 students grades PK-12, plus the Transition Academy for Special Ed students 18-21 years old. • Four elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school • The Board of Education is interested in filling three internship positions: • Transportation, Curriculum and Social Networking interns

3. General Skills Desired For All Interns: • Ability to work independently and unsupervised as an integrated staff member (not job shadowing). • Strong organizational skills and prior knowledge using Microsoft Office programs with basic familiarity in Access. • Prior project management skills preferred.

4. Transportation Department Intern • The intern will be working in the transportation office on projects including operations, administration, and policy and research needs within the transportation unit. • Daily tasks may include: • Using TransfinderRouting Software to coordinate transportation change requests. • Interaction and understanding working in a union atmosphere, understanding of labor relations. • Recording department expenditures and monitoring purchase order fund balances. • Interaction with parents, teachers, staff and administrators. • “What If” Analysis. • Annual Project: • A Grievance Database - Cataloging and organizing years of grievance data from the past years up through the present. The department will use this database to reference past labor issues to aide in responding to current grievances.

5. Transportation Department Intern • Additional Specific Skills Desired For This Internship: • Willingness to do hands-on tasks • Communication and problem-solving skills are required to interact with parents, teachers and staff • The ability to work effectively in an intense, fast-paced environment _______________________________________________ The Transportation Internship is ideal for student’s interested in learning how federal, state and local policies affect the operations of municipal government. This internship provides great insight into labor and management relations.

6. Curriculum Department Intern • The intern will be working directly forthe Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction and the Curriculum Supervisors. As an intern, you play a role in analyzing data, working with testing and curriculum software, and helping with the transition to new and more effective teaching methods. • Daily tasks may include: • Scanning tests into the Inform Software. • Teacher Toolbox website maintenance. • Analyzing testing data. • Working with test-building software. • Analyzing the effects of teaching methods within academic areas on student performance; i.e., math workshop models. • Annual Project: • 3rd Grade Math Program Evaluation

7. Curriculum Department Intern • Additional Specific Skills Desired For This Internship: • Ability to learn data analysis software • Knowledge of how to perform basic regression analysis • Ability to do basic website updates ___________________________________________ The Curriculum Internship is a good opportunity for students who wish to pursue a career in education policy and administration or are planning on pursuing a career in survey research specific to education.

8. Communications & Social Networking Intern • The intern will be working directly for the Superintendent of Schools. In addition to the tasks listed below, the intern in this role will be a partner in developing how the position evolves and in creating ideas for future projects. • Post alerts, events, and resources on Facebook and Twitter. • Research and write press releases, and spotlight stories about alumni. • Create surveys, analyze data and present results. • Develop appropriate documentation, procedures, or manuals (for emergency alerts, social media usage, parent guide). • Expand promotional and informational resources/materials (website, videos, brochures, handbooks). • Monitor technology and social media trends. Present recommendations to administrators how to incorporate into district culture. • Annual Project: • Strategic Plan For Communications Office

9. Communications & Social Networking Intern • Specific SkillsDesired For This Internship: • Ability to set goals/priorities in absence of supervision. • Strong organizational, communication and writing skills. • The ability to effectively write/distribute alerts in emergency situations. • Knowledge of social networking applications. • Experience with research, media relations, and/or video editing desired. ___________________________________________________ The Communications Internship is a good opportunity for students interested in communications and technology, and who wish to pursue a career in public education, local government administrationor non-profit organizations.