American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Internship
JOB SUMMARY The American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Internship is a structured, competency-based internship designed to prepare motivated individuals to become confident, professional instructors in health and safety education. Interns will complete the American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor training course, receive mentorship from experienced instructors and instructor trainers, and progressively develop the skills needed to co-teach and independently teach courses. This is an independent contractor internship. No hours are guaranteed. Training hours, onboarding activities, study time, and course preparation completed outside of paid teaching assignments are unpaid. Interns who successfully progress through the program will teach or co-teach American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED courses and are expected to complete at least ten (10) courses during the internship. As part of the internship, participants will also work toward achievement of Associate Certified Instructor (ACI) status through ProACT Academy's Instructor Certification Pathway and earn the ACI badge upon successful completion of program requirements. PROGRAM STRUCTURE Internship begins in June 2026 with the required 1 day American Red Cross Instructor Course on Fri, Jun 5, 2026, 8:30 AM-6:30 PM CDT. Attendance is manditory.Instructor training tuition and required program training are provided at no cost to selected interns. Interns will generally teach or co-teach 1-2 American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED courses per week, based on organizational needs and instructor readiness. Initial teaching assignments will begin with co-teaching alongside an experienced instructor or instructor trainer. As competency is demonstrated, interns will progress to independent course instruction. To successfully complete the internship, interns must teach or co-teach at least ten (10) courses. The internship must be completed within one (1) year, unless an extension is approved by the Program Director. ESSENTIAL DUTIES Complete the American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor training process and all onboarding requirements. Participate in mentorship, coaching, debriefing, and performance feedback throughout the internship. Co-teach and later independently teach American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED courses in accordance with Red Cross program standards and ProACT Academy expectations. Deliver accurate, evidence-based instruction and maintain adherence to course objectives, performance standards, and learner safety practices. Prepare the classroom, training equipment, and instructional materials before each course and complete post-course cleanup and reset responsibilities. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start of each assigned class. Evaluate learner performance, identify errors, and provide clear, corrective feedback in a supportive and professional manner. Demonstrate professional conduct, reliability, preparedness, and responsiveness in all instructional activities. Complete unpaid independent study and course preparation outside of assigned teaching time as needed to maintain readiness and instructional quality. Participate in the requirements necessary to achieve Associate Certified Instructor (ACI) status through ProACT Academy. ASSOCIATE CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR (ACI) DEVELOPMENT As part of the internship, participants will be developed toward the Associate Certified Instructor (ACI) credential within ProACT Academy's Instructor Certification Pathway. The ACI recognizes an instructor who demonstrates confidence, independence, solid subject matter knowledge, and proficient instructional skill. Successful progression toward ACI includes the following expectations: Maintain Certified Instructor standing in good standing Complete mentorship under a Professional Certified Instructor (PCI) or Master Certified Instructor (MCI) Teach or co-teach at least ten (10) courses Submit at least one (1) quality improvement project Demonstrate accurate delivery of course content and performance standards Identify learner errors and provide objective, corrective feedback Model safe, proficient, and evidence-based skill performance Facilitate realistic, psychologically safe learning experiences Adapt teaching strategies to learner needs and context Engage in self-reflection, peer feedback, and continuous growth Function as a reliable instructional partner in supervised course delivery Uphold ethical, professional, and accountable instructional practice QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Requirements Must be at least 16 years of age Must have reliable transportation to and from the ProACT Academy training center on Madison's west side near West Towne Mall Must hold a basic-level American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED certification, or be willing to obtain it as part of onboarding Must be able to communicate professionally in English, both verbally and in writing Must be willing to learn, accept coaching, and grow through feedback Must be comfortable stepping into unfamiliar situations and developing confidence through supervised practice Must be willing to complete unpaid studying, review, and course preparation outside of scheduled teaching assignments Preferred Qualifications Prior experience in teaching, tutoring, coaching, mentoring, facilitation, or group leadership Prior experience in healthcare, caregiving, emergency medical services, public safety, education, or community-based work Demonstrated personal interest in health, safety, emergency preparedness, or community education Meaningful personal, volunteer, educational, or work experiences that reflect a genuine connection to this work and mission Ability to remain professional, calm, and engaged while learning in dynamic or uncomfortable situations KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ATTRIBUTES Successful candidates will typically demonstrate: Strong interpersonal and communication skills Professionalism, reliability, and accountability Openness to coaching and performance feedback Good judgment and situational awareness Willingness to learn through practice and reflection Comfort working with diverse learners and the public A genuine desire to help others gain lifesaving knowledge and skills Commitment to high standards of safety, instructional quality, and ethical conduct COMPENSATION AND STATUS This is an independent contractor internship position. No hours are guaranteed. The initial instructor course, mentorship, and internship training are provided at no cost to selected interns; however, training hours are unpaid. Interns are paid only for assigned course instruction. Paid teaching assignments are compensated based on the scheduled length of the course plus one (1) additional hour for setup, takedown, and cleaning responsibilities. Required studying, practice, and preparation completed outside assigned teaching time are unpaid. WORK LOCATION AND SCHEDULE Initial training and early teaching assignments will be conducted in person in Madison, Wisconsin. The primary training center is located on Madison's west side near West Towne Mall. Teaching schedules will vary based on course availability, candidate progression, and organizational need. Interns should anticipate teaching or co-teaching approximately 1-2 courses per week during active participation in the program. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This internship is intended for individuals who are not only capable, but genuinely invested in the mission of health, safety, and preparedness education. ProACT Academy is seeking candidates who are curious, coachable, self-aware, and willing to put in the work necessary to become strong instructors. The program is designed to develop instructors who can teach confidently, think critically, and contribute meaningfully to learner safety and community preparedness. CONTACT INFORMATION For questions regarding the internship program, contact: Jared Lemminger, Program Director jlemminger@proactacademy.com