Humane Education and Teaching Intern
Animal Friends, Inc. - Pittsburgh, PA
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Position Summary : The Education & Teaching Intern will support our humane education team in delivering fun, engaging, and educational summer camp experiences for youths in grades Pre-K through High School. This internship is ideal for students interested in education, child development, nonprofit work, or animal welfare. Interns will gain practical experience in lesson facilitation, classroom management, and program operations while contributing to impactful community programs.Our programs are grounded in humane education and explored through five interconnected lenses:The Human Perspective Campers explore identity, inclusion, social-emotional learning, and their relationships with animals, engaging with concepts such as consent, speciesism, and empathy to ask, "Who am I?" The Beyond-Human Perspective Campers learn about animal agency, behavior, instincts, physiology, and social life to better understand, "Who are you?" The Caregiver's Perspective Through developmentally appropriate lessons, campers explore the Five Freedoms, enrichment, nutrition, and hygiene to answer, "What do you need?" The Animal Professional's Perspective Campers gain exposure to animal-related careers and services, including veterinary care, shelter operations, humane investigations, spay/neuter services, TNVR, advocacy, and adoption work, asking, "Is an animal career for me?" The Citizenship Perspective Campers connect to broader issues such as animal welfare, One Health, inclusivity, volunteering, and community engagement to reflect on, "How are we all connected?" Essential Functions :Assist with daily camp activities, including educational lessons, crafts, animal-themed projects, and enrichment activitiesHelp facilitate safe, positive interactions between campers and animals under staff supervisionSupport camp instructors with classroom management and group transitionsPrepare materials, set up learning stations, and help maintain organized program spacesGreet campers and families; assist with check-in and check-out proceduresSupport staff in monitoring camp safety guidelines and ensuring humane education messages are reinforcedProvide general program support such as taking photos, restocking supplies, and assisting with minor administrative tasksServe as a positive role model and ambassador for the organization's humane values What You'll Learn Hands-on experience in youth education and program facilitationHumane education practices and core animal welfare conceptsSkills in child engagement, communication, and behavior supportBehind-the-scenes experience in nonprofit program operationsExposure to animal care protocols and safe animal-handling basics (as appropriate and supervised)RequirementsQualifications and Experience: Interest in teaching, education, youth programs, or animal welfareComfort working with children in a lively, fast-paced environmentReliability, punctuality, and the ability to work collaboratively with staff and volunteersStrong communication skills and a positive, enthusiastic attitudeAbility to follow instructions and maintain a safe learning environmentWillingness to work around animals (no direct handling required without training)Must pass background checks as required for youth programmingMinimum age requirement: 18+Driver's license and personal vehicle preferred for offsite programming. Required Clearances & Certifications Candidates must be actively enrolled in an accredited Education program and working toward teacher certificationValid Pennsylvania State Police, Child Abuse, and FBI clearancesCPR/First Aid certification (strongly preferred)Mandated Reporter training (strongly preferred)Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform the primary functions. Schedule & Commitment Flexible part-time schedule based on camp needsTypically, 15-25 hours per week between June 8-August 7-no camps scheduled June 30-July 5Internship duration is 9 weeks, with options for additional involvement during school-year programs if desired Benefits Meaningful experience working in education and the nonprofit sectorSkill-building and resume developmentSupervision and mentorship from experienced humane educatorsOpportunity to make a positive impact on youth and animal welfareLetters of recommendation available upon successful completion
Created: 2026-04-02