The Education Department is responsible for programs that give visitors of all ages the opportunity to make direct connections with the Museum’s collection and exhibitions. The Department is organized into five sections: Gallery Learning; Planning and Evaluation; Interpretation; School Programs and Teacher Resources; and Studio and Community Arts.
The Department offers internships to college and graduate students who enjoy working with people and are interested in learning more about the many facets of Museum Education. Experience with art is not necessary but sometimes proves helpful. An internship acquaints students with the Museum’s collections and programs and provides the opportunity to explore a variety of career possibilities.
The MFA enjoys multiple partnership relationships with schools in and around Boston. One such partnership, with Boston Public Schools, uses Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) as its core methodology (more information can be found at vtshome.org). Using VTS, teachers facilitate discussions about art and are supported by the Museum of Fine Arts. Through discussions, students build oral language, evidence-based reasoning, and critical thinking skills. As a part of this intern experience, interns will gain experience in the Visual Thinking Strategies methodology.
Responsibilities:
• Assist Coordinator of School Partnerships with evaluation of school partnerships, including identifying examples of critical thinking development through analysis of student writing samples, patterns in growth, and tools for professional development.
• Assist in the development of VTS lessons for use in the galleries and for use with Educators Online
• Assist in the development of training opportunities for teachers
Requirements:
• Attention to detail
• Experience/interest in education/educational methodologies is desirable
• Previous experience with social science research methods is desirable but not required
• Retired practitioners welcome to apply (i.e., literacy coaches, teachers)
• Ability to commit to 7-14 hours per week through mid August
• Ability to attend orientation on either Tues, May 28 (9am-12pm) or Tues, June 11 (9am-12pm)