Become a Volunteer Museum Educator

Volunteer Museum Educators at the Neuberger Museum of ArtVolunteer Museum Educators bring the Museum’s collection to life

VMEs 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 VME program is an energetic, flexible, and art-loving community that has a deep interest in learning new materials. 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.

The 2024-2025 application process is now closed.

 

How to Volunteer

Volunteer Museum Educator recruitment begins in the summer with a two-part application process that 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.

 

Training

• 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 are 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; 12 per year as a certified volunteer).*
  
• 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.