Paid Summer Internship with TN Dept. of Education in Nashville
TN Department of Education, Office of General Counsel
Classification (Payroll Title): Summer Intern
APPLY BY MARCH 13, 2026
Position Number: Intern
Reports to: Office of General Counsel
Compensation: $7500
Location Notes: Tennessee Department of Education, 710 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243. Internship will be hybrid.
Department of Education Vision: We will set all students on a path to success.
Priorities: All Tennessee students will have access to a high-quality education, no matter where they live.
Student Readiness: Tennessee public schools will be equipped to serve the academic and non-academic needs of all students.
Educators: Tennessee will set a new path for the education profession and be the top state to become and remain a teacher and leader.
Position Summary: The internship position is a member of the office of general counsel (OGC) and helps provide support and legal advice to the Commissioner of Education, Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) personnel, and the State Special Schools. Theposition provides proactive and strategic legal support to ensure TDOE’s activities conform to all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations, including but not limited to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Duties include but are not limited to conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, and providing input on internal OGC matters.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
• At least one (1) year of education in a Juris Doctorate program.
Essential Functions
1. Special Education: Consult with IDEA complaints investigators on opening letters for special education administrative complaints. Review final determination letters under the supervision of an attorney for special education administrative complaints. Assist in redacting special education due process final orders. Providesupport to attorneys as they assist districts, parents, and advocates regarding special education law.
2. Contracts, Procurements, and Grants: Assist in the draft, review, and negotiation of contracts, Memorandums of Understanding, amendments, Statements of Work, and grant documents supporting the TDOE’s workstreams; ensure alignment with applicable state and federal procurement rules and policies.
3. Legislative Support: The intern will assist TDOE and the OGC in conducting legislative analysis of education related bills introduced by the General Assembly
4. Policy, Rulemaking, and Guidance: Interpret statutes and rules; Assist in the review of internal/external guidance documents, state board of education rules and policies, and internal business procedures for assigned program areas to ensureclarity and legal soundness.
5. General Legal Support: The intern will provide legal support and consultation to the OGC and other relevant departments within the TDOE. This includes assisting with legal research and drafting legal documents.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
• Law and Government – Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
• Effective Communication – Actively listens to understand feedback and instructions; asks questions when needed; and timely conveys information.
• Complex Problem Solving – Ability to identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Writing & Presentation – Produces concise, persuasive written work products and delivers effective trainings and presentations.
Work Environment
The duties will primarily be carried out indoors, in environmentally controlled conditions. The employee will be required to perform general physical abilities and handle and move objects.
Physical Demands
Physical demands include walking, standing, bending, lifting, climbing stairs, and moving during working hours.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. Expected work hours are 37.5 hours per week. This internship is designed to be a hybrid position with most days being in-person to take place for 10-12 weeks during the summer.
• Tennessee Department of Education, 710 James Robertson Parkway Nashville, TN 37243
Travel: 0-5% Travel Required
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
To Apply
Please send resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to TDOE.GeneralCounsel@tn.gov by March 13, 2026 (You may also apply via Symplicity Post 9722.)
Pursuant to the State of Tennessee’s Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State’s policy to provide an environment free of discrimination andharassment of an individual because of that person’s race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws. Tennessee Department of Education also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need an accommodationduring the application process, please contact the Tennessee Department of Education, Attn: Human Resources Division, 710 James Robertson Pkwy., Nashville, TN 37243
