Description
Blackbird Academy of Arts is a not-for-profit organization formed to provide quality arts education “to anyone with a true desire to cultivate their artistic abilities.” Beyond providing instruction, Blackbird Academy also sponsors performances, art shows, readings, and more.
For writing students, Blackbird Academy offers internships to those wishing to be involved in the teaching of writing. Classes in writing include:
- Introduction to Creative Writing: Elementary age classes divided into grades 1-2 and 3-5. Will allow students to learn about and write in a variety of genres, from fiction to poetry, non-fiction and more.
- Creative Writing: Classes designed for grades 6-8 and 9-12. Students will read, write, and discuss in a variety of genres. Each class will also workshop the writings of their fellow classmates.
- Adult Writing Peer Groups: Classes for adults where students will write in a variety of genres and engage in open workshops with peers.
Interns may assist writing teachers, design teaching modules, supervise small groups, participate in workshops, prepare teaching materials, and organize reading performances.
Work Schedule
The work schedule for this internship is flexible and determined by the schedule of Blackbird’s creative writing classes. For more information, visit the website of Blackbird Academy.
Selection & Qualifications
The internship is competitive, with selection based on an application portfolio highlighting solid writing skills, creative talent, and a desire to teach others.
To be eligible for an internship, students must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and a 3.25 in their degree program.
At a minimum, applicants should have completed at least nine hours of writing courses at the 3000-level.
Application Process and Deadlines
To apply, submit an application package that includes:
- A cover letter describing why you are interested in and qualified for this internship in the teaching of creative writing.
- Two writing or editing samples
- The names, phone numbers, and email addresses of two references who know your writing and workshopping skills well.
Applicants are required to submit their application materials to Dr. Kyle Mattson, Internship Coordinator, for review by a selection committee. Top candidates will be invited by the editors to interview for the position.
Internship Credit
Students may earn up to three hours of elective credit for the successful completion of this internship.
To be eligible for internship credit, students must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and a 3.25 in their degree program. In addition, applicants must have completed at least nine hours of writing courses at the 3000-level.
Enrollment in WRTG 4385 requires approval by Dr. Kyle Mattson, Internship Coordinator.
What Students Say About This Internship . . .
“I truly believe being an intern at Blackbird Academy of Arts expanded my view of my goals as a writer. I don’t merely want to get a job writing when I graduate. I want to design work that will be noticed, I want to do something that will leave a mark, I want to write and help better the lives of others . . . I don’t believe my mindset would have changed if I hadn’t interned at Blackbird.
—Tara Walls