My first day interning at the Center for Education Reform, I was introduced to the manner by which CER increases awareness regarding education policy. I learned of all the day-to-day tasks that every member at CER engages in to formulate the important message that they send out. As a sophomore at The George Washington University double majoring in Philosophy and Mathematics, one may be wondering how I ended up at CER.
I have spent semesters working with students in both public and charter schools in D.C and Philadelphia, and as such found myself drawn to the educational realm. However, as a student studying at a university located in the nation’s capital, public policy seemed to be a main theme across campus, and so I slowly became more interested in the policy and reform aspect of education as opposed to the classroom. After searching for internships that would best represent my passions, I was drawn to CER.
In the office, I aid the other members of CER by assisting with research, and thereby increasing my own knowledge regarding education policy. Working at CER enables me to use the extensive knowledge I learn in the office and relate that back to my past experiences. I have seen first hand how charter schools run, and how they differ from public schools, but now I am able to understand the requirements put in place for charter schools and public schools, the importance of school choice, and other relevant factors tied to education policy.
Interning at CER has proved to be a rewarding experience just from the few days I have been here so far, and I look forward to learning more regarding education policy so that I can then apply my knowledge to creating better opportunities in education.
Maha Hasen, CER Intern