Become a Volunteer Museum Educator

Volunteer Museum Educators at the Neuberger Museum of Art Volunteer Open House and Information Session
Wednesday, July 10 |  12:00pm—2:00pm

If you love the idea of sharing your passion for art with others, come to an open house and information session to learn about becoming a Volunteer Museum Educator at the NEU!

During the info session, Curator of Education Diana Puglisi will review the online application and interview process and a group of current volunteers will share their experiences volunteering and leading school and adult group tours at the Museum. Get the answers to all your questions about this engaging, art-filled volunteer program!

Applicants of all backgrounds are welcome and those who speak different languages, especially Spanish, are encouraged to apply.

RSVP for the Open House

Volunteer Museum Educators bring the Museum’s collection to life

Help diverse audiences fully experience the Neuberger’s works from their own perspective through close looking and inquiry-based techniques.

 

The Neuberger’s Volunteer Museum Educators (VMEs) work with a variety of audiences—from PreK-12 school groups to adults—leading 60-minute in-person tours of the works on view in our galleries

At the core of the Volunteer Museum Educator program is an energetic, flexible, and art-loving community that has a deep interest in learning new materials. Throughout the training program, VMEs collaborate with their volunteer peers and Museum staff to learn the skills and techniques needed to easily adapt guided tours to the specific interests of our diverse audiences so visitors can better connect with the artworks on view.

A limited number of spots to enter the VME program are available this year. The two-part application process includes completion of an online application and an interview.

• Applicants with teaching experience, understanding of art processes and/or art history, and the ability to speak another language (especially Spanish) are strongly encouraged.
• Strong computer skills are a must.
• Applicants must be available for training sessions held on Tuesdays from 9:30am-3:00pm starting September 2024.
• This program may not be a good fit if you are uncomfortable speaking in front of large groups, are not comfortable touring children, and/or have computer difficulties.

Apply to become a Volunteer Museum Educator in the Fall 2024 cohort

Interested persons should complete the following two actions no later than 5pm on Saturday, August 10.

1. Complete the Volunteer Application

2. E-mail resumes to nma.education@purchase.edu

Education department staff will reach out via e-mail to schedule interviews.

 

Training

Trainings will be held on Tuesdays from 9:30am-3:00pm starting in September 2024.

• A weekly calendar and training agenda will be provided prior to the start of the program.
  
• Fourteen (14) training workshops will be held during the first year.
  Twelve (12) workshops will keep all VMEs up-to-date on current and upcoming exhibitions; two (2) additional workshops will be devoted entirely to presentations for trainees.*
• Trainees will observe certified VMEs as they lead guided tours. 

*Attendance at all volunteer trainee and exhibition training sessions in the first two years is highly encouraged. After certification, VMEs can miss no more than two trainings annually.

 

Requirements for Certification

• Museum Membership
• Two (2) year program commitment.
• Full participation in the annual training workshops (14 per year as a trainee on Tuesdays from 9:30am-3:00pm; 12 per year as a certified volunteer on Tuesdays from 9:30am-1:30pm).*
  
• Successful completion of assignments associated with training materials.
• In second year, successful completion of  tour script writing and Curator of Education observation.
• Available to lead tours on an assigned day, either Wednesdays (10am-4pm), Thursdays (10am-4pm), or some Fridays (12pm-4pm).

*Attendance at all volunteer trainee and exhibition training sessions in the first two years is highly encouraged. After certification, VMEs can miss no more than two trainings annually.