Interested in becoming a Reading Public Museum Gallery Teacher?

The Reading Public Museum is now accepting applications for Gallery Teachers. Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about the Gallery Teacher program.

What do Gallery Teachers do?

Gallery Teachers provide guided tours and lessons to Reading Public Museum’s thousands of group visitors. By providing information and facilitating discussions with the audience, Gallery Teachers help the Reading Public Museum to fulfill its mission of being a center of lifelong learning to the community. Upon completion of training, Gallery Teachers can give tours to child and adult visitors in Reading Public Museum’s special exhibitions and through its permanent collection of art, ancient civilizations and natural science.

What are the requirements to become a Gallery Teacher?

Applicants do not have to have a degree in an art, history or science to become a Gallery Teacher. The Museum is looking for enthusiastic people who enjoy learning, public speaking, facilitating discussions with visitors regarding the collection and special exhibitions. The ideal candidate will have some experience teaching groups, either formally, such as classroom teaching, or informally such as trainers for businesses or other professions. Candidates should be self-motivated and be able to research and prepare materials and gallery lessons. Most importantly, Gallery Teacher candidates should be comfortable working with both children and adults.

What kind of training does the Museum provide?

To become a Gallery Teacher, individuals must complete one year of training. Gallery Teachers participate in in-depth training that includes the cultural and stylistic background of art, history, and science. Training focuses on the Museum’s permanent collection, critical thinking and talking about art, and training in interactive teaching techniques for both children and adults. As special exhibitions are planned for the Museum, Gallery Teachers receive training on the subject and content of special exhibitions as well. Training sessions are provided by Museum educators and curators, as well as by guest lecturers in specialized areas. The Museum’s training sessions will begin in September and continue through May. Most sessions will be held on Thursday mornings.

Does training continue after the first year?

Yes. The first year of training is the most intensive in order to prepare Gallery Teachers to give tours in as many subjects and to as many kinds of groups as possible. After the first year, training sessions continue on content related to the permanent collection and on special exhibitions, as well as on educational trends and presentation techniques. Gallery Teachers are also encouraged to participate in Museum programs such as talks, lectures, classes, bus trips and other programs that provide enrichment and enhance their base of knowledge. Whenever possible, the Museum offers these programs at a free or discounted rate to Gallery Teachers.

Are Gallery Teachers paid?

Yes. Gallery Teachers are part-time contracted employees and are paid a flat rate of $15 for tours and $10 for training sessions.

What is the commitment for Gallery Teachers?

Once the training program is completed, participants agree to serve as Gallery Teachers for at least two years, which includes attending training sessions on current exhibitions and being available to tour at least one day per week. Gallery Teachers must become Museum members each year.

What is the application process?

Applications will be accepted until July 16, 2007 for the 2007-2008 training year that will commence in September. Candidates will be selected, interviewed and notified of their acceptance or non-acceptance by August 15. Due to the number of applications received, not all applicants will be accepted into a given training year. Because much of the Museum’s communication is done electronically, prospective Gallery Teachers must have regular access to email.

To apply, download the Gallery Teacher Application Form and mail it to:

Anne Corso, Director of Lifelong Learning
Reading Public Museum
500 Museum Road
Reading, PA 19611
anne.corso@readingpublicmuseum.org