Internships at a Glance
Literacy Network hires paid interns ($15/hour) for the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters across two different tutoring programs. Interns lead their tutoring classes each semester by providing individualized lesson plans, coordination, and support to their adult students and volunteer tutors.
Interns have the opportunity to learn, practice, and improve their skills in:
- lesson planning
- teaching
- interpersonal communication
- volunteer management
Interested in applying? Look below for our application and descriptions of each internship position! You can apply for one or both internships using the same application.
Fall 2026 Semester Applications Now Closed
Spring 2027 Semester Applications Will Open in October
ESL Internship
ESL Internship Overview:
Literacy Network ESL Interns have an important role in our ESL tutoring program, Community Literacy. Each intern manages a class of student/tutor pairs who meet for 2 hours weekly to work towards the students' goals.
As an intern, you will:
- Create weekly lesson plans
- Oversee a weekly session throughout an entire semester
- Support up to 8 tutor/student pairs
Students enrolled in the tutoring program are adult immigrants and refugees dedicated to improving English and literacy skills. Interns write lesson plans to help students improve reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English, and to help them reach their individualized goals.
Training, lesson planning materials, mentoring, and ongoing support are provided to all interns. This position is a great opportunity to improve or practice lesson planning, project management, and teaching skills while supporting your community.
Pay: $15/hour
Supervisor: Director of ESL Tutoring
Fall Semester Dates: September 14 - December 12, 2026
Required Onboarding Training: Tuesday, September 1 (3 hours) and Wednesday, September 2 (3 hours) in-person at Literacy Network. Specific times TBD.
Internship Responsibilities:
- Attend paid trainings before and during the semester
- Commit to 8-10 hours weekly for an entire semester
- 2 hours/week at your session
- Remaining hours to prepare for your session
- Prepare individualized lesson plans for tutor/student pairs
- Manage your weekly session (arranging room, tracking attendance, scheduling, documentation, and providing support as needed)
- Tutor students as needed when your session is short of tutors
- Make weekly reminder phone calls to students in your session
- Help facilitate end-of-semester reporting
Qualifications:
- One year of community college or university education, or relevant life or work experience
- Fluency in spoken and written English
- Reliable technology and access to internet, Zoom, and email
- Reliable transportation to in-person classes at Literacy Network or community site
Preferred candidates will have experience with (or an interest in learning more about):
- Lesson planning
- Adult education
- Working with people of various cultures
- ESL lesson planning/instruction
- Learning a second language
Internship Class Times:
- Mondays, 6pm-8pm at Literacy Network (701 Dane Street)
- Mondays, 6pm-8pm Virtual
- Tuesdays, 10am- 12pm at Literacy Network
- Tuesdays, 6pm-8pm Virtual
- Wednesdays, 9am-11am Virtual
- Wednesdays, 6pm-8pm Virtual
- Wednesdays, 6pm-8pm at Vera Court Neighborhood Center (614 Vera Court)
- Thursdays, 10am-12pm at Lussier Community Education Center (55 S Gammon Rd.)
- Saturdays, 9-11am at Literacy Network
- Saturdays, 9-11am Virtual
UW-Madison and Madison College students with work-study eligibility are encouraged to apply and to use their work-study award. Work study is not required for the position.
Please email Leanne Chan at [email protected] for any questions about the internship.
Essential Literacy Internship
Essential Literacy Internship Overview:
The Essential Literacy Intern supports a group of student/tutor pairs who meet for 2 hours weekly to work towards the students' goals.
As an intern, you will:
- Create weekly lesson plans for new Essential Literacy tutors under supervision of the Essential Literacy Program Manager
- Facilitate a weekly session throughout an entire semester
Essential Literacy Interns write lesson plans to help students improve basic reading, writing, computer, and math skills and to help them reach their individualized goals.
Training, lesson planning materials, mentoring, and ongoing support are provided. This position is a great opportunity to improve or practice lesson-planning, volunteer management, and teaching skills, all while making a meaningful impact in your community!
Pay: $15/hour
Supervisor: Essential Literacy Program Manager
Fall Semester Dates: September 14 - December 12, 2026
Required Onboarding Training (both days):
- Tuesday, September 1 at 6-8 pm virtual on Zoom
- Wednesday, September 2 at 5-8 pm in-person at Literacy Network (701 Dane St)
Internship Responsibilities:
- Commit to 8-10 hours weekly for an entire semester
- 2 hours/week at your session
- Prepare for your session
- Collaborate with the Essential Literacy Program Manager
- Prepare individualized lesson plans for designated tutor/student pairs with the support of the Program Manager
- Maintain consistent communication with Program Manager regarding student/tutor pairs and lessons
- Manage your weekly session (arrange room, track attendance, scheduling, documentation, and providing support as needed)
- Tutor students as needed when your session is short of tutors
- Make weekly reminder phone calls to students in your session
- Check in regularly with students and tutors throughout the semester
- Complete a mid-semester lesson check and meeting facilitated by Program Manager
- Complete end-of-semester reporting
Qualifications:
- One year of community college or university education, or relevant life or work experience
- Fluency in spoken and written English
- Reliable technology and access to internet, Zoom, and email
- Reliable transportation to in-person classes at Literacy Network or community site
Preferred candidates will have experience with (or a strong interest in):
- Lesson planning
- Adult education
- Working with people of various cultures and backgrounds
- Social work or related fields, with a sensitivity for supporting students with interrelated needs
(e.g., academic, social, and mental health)
Internship Class Times:
Interns are only assigned one session time
- Mondays at 6-8 pm at new eastside library at Reindahl Park (1814 Parkside Dr)
- Tuesdays at 6-8 pm at Literacy Network (701 Dane St)
- Wednesdays at 10 am-12 pm at Literacy Network (701 Dane St)
- Wednesdays at 6-8 pm at new eastside library at Reindahl Park (1814 Parkside Dr)
- Thursdays at 10 am-12 pm at Literacy Network (701 Dane St)
UW-Madison and Madison College students with work-study eligibility are encouraged to apply and to use their work-study award. Work study is not required for the position.