Documentary Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Internship - Appalshop Educational Resource Development Intern

Division: Internship

Department: Career, Vocation, Leadership

Experience: Entry-level

Job code: NA

Supervisor/Reports To: Jarrod Hamilton (Appalshop)/Angela Lockhart (UPIKE)

Internship Window: 7/1/26 - 8/15/26

This internship is designed for upper-level undergraduates or graduate students, ideally with a background in education, curriculum development, or media studies. The intern will develop educational materials, including study guides, discussion prompts, and lesson plans for Appalshop's most popular and widely-used films in academic settings. These resources will be tailored to different educational levels - elementary, middle, high school, and collegiate - to enhance the use of Appalshop's films as learning tools.

Organization Description Appalshop is an arts and culture center located in Whitesburg, KY. Since 1969, they have been producing films, plays, and radio about the Central Appalachian Region. Appalshop houses the world's largest collection of Appalachian materials in their Archive. Appalshop began in 1969 as part of the War on Poverty during Lyden B. Johnson's presidency. The goal was to train low-income youth in media. The expectation was that they would move away and use these skills to find work. Instead, they stayed and made Appalshop what it is today.

Internship Duties, Responsibilities, and Career Competencies:

Curriculum and Study Guide Development:

• Watch and analyze select films commonly used in educational settings. (C&SD, T)
• Develop comprehensive study guides that outline key themes, historical context, and essential questions. (C&SD, C, CT, P, CTR)
• Create adaptable lesson plans with activities, discussion prompts, and assessment ideas suitable for various age groups. (C&SD, CTR, C)
• Draft discussion guides that encourage critical thinking and deeper engagement with the film's content. (C&SD, C, CT, P)

Educational Differentiation:

• Tailor materials to suit elementary, middle, high school, and collegiate levels by adjusting the complexity of language and activities. (C&SD, C, CTR)
• Ensure guides align with educational standards where applicable, making the materials accessible and relevant for educators. (C&SD, C, CTR, L, P)

Resource Compilation and Formatting:

• Format all guides and lesson plans into a standardized, user-friendly template. (P, T)
• Provide digital versions for easy distribution to educators and online users. (CTR, P, T)

Film Selection and Research:

• Collaborate with Appalshop staff to identify priority films for resource development, focusing on titles frequently requested by schools and institutions. (C, CT, L, P, TW)
• Research supplemental resources that could enhance lesson plans, including relevant readings, activities, or community engagement opportunities. (C&SD, CT, L)

Progress and Reporting:

• Develop 1-2 study guides/lesson plans per month based on project timelines.(P)
• Submit regular progress reports and participate in feedback sessions to refine materials. (C, TW, P)

Competencies/Skills: Communication (C), Teamwork (TW), Professionalism (P), Career & Self Development (CSD), Critical Thinking (CT), Community Transformation (CTR), Leadership (L), Technology (T)

Qualifications:

• A current UPIKE student with interest/major/minor in Education, Film & Media Arts, Communications, or relevant field.
• Ideally, background in education, curriculum development, or media studies.
• Strong writing, research, and organizational skills.
• Experience in lesson planning or working with educational frameworks is preferred.
• Ability to analyze media and extract key themes for academic use.
• Interest in Appalachian culture, history, and social issues is a plus

Skills Developed:

• Curriculum Design and Educational Planning - Gain hands-on experience developing classroom materials and educational frameworks.
• Media Analysis and Interpretation - Learn to translate film content into structured educational tools that encourage critical thinking.
• Differentiated Instruction - Enhance the ability to create adaptable materials that meet diverse learning needs across age groups.
• Strong writing, research, and organizational
• Experience in lesson planning or working with educational frameworks is preferred.
• Ability to analyze media and extract key themes for academic use.
• Interest in Appalachian culture, history, and social issues is a plus.

Project Examples:

• Develop a study guide for a documentary on coal mining, with activities suited for elementary students exploring the environment and high school students focusing on labor history.
• Create discussion questions and classroom activities around a film highlighting Appalachian music and its cultural significance.
• Design a college-level seminar guide on a film addressing social justice issues within the region.

Work Schedule:

Format: Hybrid or fully virtual, depending on intern needs. Access to a reliable laptop or desktop with internet access is required. Film editing skills are not necessary. Supervision: Weekly meetings (approx. 1hr) with the Film Program Manager and other staff as needed. Feedback loops and collaborative reviews will ensure materials meet educational and organizational standards.

Physical Demands:

• General Activity: Sitting at computer for most of the work period.
• Use of Hands/Feet: Primarily using hands for typing, operating equipment, or handling materials.
• Weight Lifted: N/A
• Physical Demands: Sitting, viewing film, typing.

Essential Skills and Professional Expectations:

• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Able to meet deadlines.
  
• Comfortable working both independently and in a team environment.
• Must be able to manage stress, stay focused, and maintain professionalism in various situations.

Number of Positions: 1

Pay Rate: Beginning at $8.75/hour

Location: Fully virtual or hybrid at 91 Madison Ave. | Whitesburg, KY

Terms: Upon hire, the intern must register for the Summer II Internship course. To receive course credit, students will complete assignments concurrently with internship work. Students are required to work a total minimum of 80 hours and will eligible for the following credit hours: 80-119 hours of work + course completion = 2 credit hours; 120-159 hours of work + course completion = 3 credit hours; 160-199 hours of work + course completion = 4 credit hours; 200-239 hours of work + course completion = 5 credit hours; 240+ hours of work = 6 credit hours. Summer interns in this position cannot exceed 40 hours of work per week.

Application Notes: Resumes and applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.