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Museums are valuable resources for
learners and educators because of the collections they conserve. Most
museums can only display a small proportion of their collections, and
hold many more artefacts and specimens in storage or laboratories.
Museums provide us with a place to safely keep objects that are part
of our national heritage. Without museums, these objects, and the
knowledge they contain, would be lost to future generations.
Most of the people working at museums are never seen by the visitor.
The researchers are usually away studying subjects in the field,
working in archives or studying specimens in laboratories. Some museum
careers are in conservation (collections management, conservators,
restorers), research (scientists, curators), and exhibitions
(designers, model makers, taxidermists, graphic artists). Unlike most
of their colleagues, museum educators work directly with visitors.
Museum educators help to provide wider public access to museum
activities and knowledge.
The work of an educator is varied and
includes research for new lessons and programmes, conducting guided
tours and developing new learning materials. They must work closely
with curators and scientists to ensure that their lessons are
factually correct. They also advise curators on new exhibitions and
programmes.
The larger museums have resource centres managed by educators. These
centres enable teachers and learners to access additional information
and resources.
The museum educator may also present programmes in communities,
libraries or at schools as part of an outreach initiative. At some of
our museums, the educators present holiday programmes for children or
organise public lectures.
A museum educator needs to be:
- passionate about learning and finding answers
- outgoing
- resourceful
- creative
- patient
The best academic background is a
qualification in an appropriate scientific, historical or art field,
along with a teaching diploma or degree. A good working knowledge of
the New Curriculum and the principles of outcomes-based education is
essential.
Not many museums are large enough to afford full-time educators (Iziko
has six). Many museum educators therefore start their careers as
volunteers or as student interns when still at university or college.
Contact our outreach officer for further information about museum
careers. |
