Education and Lifelong Memories

We have always been told education is key to not only gaining further knowledge perhaps on a particular subject, but through education and learning experiences we are better prepared on how to handle matters of the world, topics that are of high importance and that should be explored in ongoing conversation among audiences.

Museums work to meet just this, our museum education professionals are going beyond in their many roles in addressing their visitors’ needs, reaching out to new ventures using technology to combat limitations, as well as incorporate meeting vital DEAI initiatives within their programming.

So, let me now redirect your attention to museum education. C’mon now then, lets get to learning.

What is and isn’t Museum Ed?

Museum Ed is I would argue the core or center of what makes a museum, a museum. It’s our audiences who bring out the best out of our organizations. In return, museums honor their communities’ trust by providing all they can for them. Museum education professionals, “sustain relationships with the most important constituents our institutions have: the public” (Porter et al., 2023, p. 16).

I like to think of museum education as available learning being done on multiple topics you might be interested in exploring, as within this area the field is quite flexible. Unlike formal school education, where you learn about certain and often times, limited subjects, museum education goes beyond this, offering a deeper look into not just school topics like history or art, but one might learn more about cultures, music or animals, the environment and vegetation, to name a few.

Museum Education strives in connecting ideas with reality, it ultimately creates a holistic picture of the world. So, whether you prefer learning in a focused mode, or searching for a fun, relaxed experience, the opportunities for engagement are truly endless.

Can you recall a time when you enjoyed an educational activity at the museum?

Do you remember what the activity was? How did you feel interacting?

Museum Education, through its types of programming, “aims at creating participative… authentic learning environments” (Kristinsdottir, 2017, pp. 425-426). Our brilliant and dedicated education professionals bring with them the necessary toolkit in understanding what their diverse roles entail, in order to approach appropriately how to facilitate lifelong experiences for all.

The Many Functions Museum Educators take on:

Museum Educators don’t just do the educating and teaching, their roles are more complex than we ever could imagine. There are many times where these professionals have to stand in for other departments and the collaboration among everyone is heavily involved.

Our educators are training, designing, assessing, working on administrative work, doing publicity and further marketing, raising funds, all while remembering the work is a service provided for the people (Talboys, 2018, pp. 24-28).

With these various responsibilities, their own titles connect with other departments, we see the roles become intertwined with areas of visitor experience, community development, even with social media.

These professionals, “stay up-to-date and upskill themselves… experiment… provide additional information… which otherwise could not be given” (Dumont et al., 2024, pp. 7-8).

Where does Tech go with Education?

Using technology to enhance further learning is key when the goal is also to reach out to a wider audience. Most cultural institutions have come to realize the vital help that technology poses and have now implemented new ways of learning. This not only includes sharing on social media future events, programs, and conversation series, but it also allows the new and once strange, to now shape ideas and views on things.

Technology helps address previous obstacles in which perhaps some audiences could not be in the actual space of the museum. Such limitations are combated through technology and professionals in the field comprehend that working towards this reality for many will improve the well-being for both parties.

Educators understand, “the urgency to develop digital museum education… chance to reflect on their digital practice and exchange information” (Dumont et al., 2024, p. 14).

An example of technology being used to share about a previous holiday-themed, educational and relaxing time is through the socials. This one is from the UTEP Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, from their Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/share/BANckXGBQl

How does DEAI reflect within Education?

The very core aspects that make DEAI are reflected in the work of museum educators, as such initiatives promote further important issues that our audiences of today hold of value in their own lives. People want to feel like they are welcomed, they want to be represented, we all do. These are what I would argue as just basic necessities, our rights even.

Museums continue this work, “offer experiences that resonate… responding to social and political events that demand we pay closer attention to” (Porter et al., 2023, p. 15).

Through education and ongoing participating knowledge, museums also provide each and every one of us with the tools necessary to become our very own advocates, seeking to find the right from so many past wrongs.

My own reflections:

I am going to be honest here, I have learned very much on the importance of museum education and the many roles these hard-working professionals take on to get the job done well however, I myself have never been really exposed to this area of the museum field.

I have not had the great opportunity to explore in this area, I neither had a previous internship nor have had the chance to volunteer within this space as well.

Moving forward, I see myself wanting to and I will find the time, (I am promising myself to do so, because I am genuinely curious and want to learn more myself) to make it happen.

Even though, I do not have a professional relationship (just yet lol) with this area, in my personal experiences, I am always visiting my local museums’ events, whether this be an opening reception of an exhibition or the educational programming, all year round, you will find me there.

Final Conclusions:

To summarize, if you ask me, museum education is probably the most important function within the institution simply because this is the functional area that creates and maintains the connection with the community and sparks the interest in learning through visiting the museum. From my standpoint, museum educators are the “wizards” who instill the desire to learn in young minds and communities overall.

We have always been told education is key to not only gaining further knowledge perhaps on a particular subject, but through education and learning experiences we are better prepared on how to handle matters of the world, topics that are of high importance and that should be explored in ongoing conversation among audiences.

Museums work to meet just this, our museum education professionals are going beyond in their many roles in addressing their visitors’ needs, reaching out to new ventures using technology to combat limitations, as well as incorporate meeting vital DEAI initiatives within their programming.

So, let me now redirect your attention to museum education. C’mon now then, lets get to learning.

What is and isn’t Museum Ed?

Museum Ed is I would argue the core or center of what makes a museum, a museum. It’s our audiences who bring out the best out of our organizations. In return, museums honor their communities’ trust by providing all they can for them. Museum education professionals, “sustain relationships with the most important constituents our institutions have: the public” (Porter et al., 2023, p. 16).

I like to think of museum education as available learning being done on multiple topics you might be interested in exploring, as within this area the field is quite flexible. Unlike formal school education, where you learn about certain and often times, limited subjects, museum education goes beyond this, offering a deeper look into not just school topics like history or art, but one might learn more about cultures, music or animals, the environment and vegetation, to name a few.

Museum Education strives in connecting ideas with reality, it ultimately creates a holistic picture of the world. So, whether you prefer learning in a focused mode, or searching for a fun, relaxed experience, the opportunities for engagement are truly endless.

Can you recall a time when you enjoyed an educational activity at the museum?

Do you remember what the activity was? How did you feel interacting?

Museum Education, through its types of programming, “aims at creating participative… authentic learning environments” (Kristinsdottir, 2017, pp. 425-426). Our brilliant and dedicated education professionals bring with them the necessary toolkit in understanding what their diverse roles entail, in order to approach appropriately how to facilitate lifelong experiences for all.

The Many Functions Museum Educators take on:

Museum Educators don’t just do the educating and teaching, their roles are more complex than we ever could imagine. There are many times where these professionals have to stand in for other departments and the collaboration among everyone is heavily involved.

Our educators are training, designing, assessing, working on administrative work, doing publicity and further marketing, raising funds, all while remembering the work is a service provided for the people (Talboys, 2018, pp. 24-28).

With these various responsibilities, their own titles connect with other departments, we see the roles become intertwined with areas of visitor experience, community development, even with social media.

These professionals, “stay up-to-date and upskill themselves… experiment… provide additional information… which otherwise could not be given” (Dumont et al., 2024, pp. 7-8).

Where does Tech go with Education?

Using technology to enhance further learning is key when the goal is also to reach out to a wider audience. Most cultural institutions have come to realize the vital help that technology poses and have now implemented new ways of learning. This not only includes sharing on social media future events, programs, and conversation series, but it also allows the new and once strange, to now shape ideas and views on things.

Technology helps address previous obstacles in which perhaps some audiences could not be in the actual space of the museum. Such limitations are combated through technology and professionals in the field comprehend that working towards this reality for many will improve the well-being for both parties.

Educators understand, “the urgency to develop digital museum education… chance to reflect on their digital practice and exchange information” (Dumont et al., 2024, p. 14).

An example of technology being used to share about a previous holiday-themed, educational and relaxing time is through the socials. This one is from the UTEP Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, from their Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/share/BANckXGBQl

How does DEAI reflect within Education?

The very core aspects that make DEAI are reflected in the work of museum educators, as such initiatives promote further important issues that our audiences of today hold of value in their own lives. People want to feel like they are welcomed, they want to be represented, we all do. These are what I would argue as just basic necessities, our rights even.

Museums continue this work, “offer experiences that resonate… responding to social and political events that demand we pay closer attention to” (Porter et al., 2023, p. 15).

Through education and ongoing participating knowledge, museums also provide each and every one of us with the tools necessary to become our very own advocates, seeking to find the right from so many past wrongs.

My own reflections:

I am going to be honest here, I have learned very much on the importance of museum education and the many roles these hard-working professionals take on to get the job done well however, I myself have never been really exposed to this area of the museum field.

I have not had the great opportunity to explore in this area, I neither had a previous internship nor have had the chance to volunteer within this space as well.

Moving forward, I see myself wanting to and I will find the time, (I am promising myself to do so, because I am genuinely curious and want to learn more myself) to make it happen.

Even though, I do not have a professional relationship (just yet lol) with this area, in my personal experiences, I am always visiting my local museums’ events, whether this be an opening reception of an exhibition or the educational programming, all year round, you will find me there.

Final Conclusions:

To summarize, if you ask me, museum education is probably the most important function within the institution simply because this is the functional area that creates and maintains the connection with the community and sparks the interest in learning through visiting the museum. From my standpoint, museum educators are the “wizards” who instill the desire to learn in young minds and communities overall.

We have always been told education is key to not only gaining further knowledge perhaps on a particular subject, but through education and learning experiences we are better prepared on how to handle matters of the world, topics that are of high importance and that should be explored in ongoing conversation among audiences.

Museums work to meet just this, our museum education professionals are going beyond in their many roles in addressing their visitors’ needs, reaching out to new ventures using technology to combat limitations, as well as incorporate meeting vital DEAI initiatives within their programming.

So, let me now redirect your attention to museum education. C’mon now then, lets get to learning.

What is and isn’t Museum Ed?

Museum Ed is I would argue the core or center of what makes a museum, a museum. It’s our audiences who bring out the best out of our organizations. In return, museums honor their communities’ trust by providing all they can for them. Museum education professionals, “sustain relationships with the most important constituents our institutions have: the public” (Porter et al., 2023, p. 16).

I like to think of museum education as available learning being done on multiple topics you might be interested in exploring, as within this area the field is quite flexible. Unlike formal school education, where you learn about certain and often times, limited subjects, museum education goes beyond this, offering a deeper look into not just school topics like history or art, but one might learn more about cultures, music or animals, the environment and vegetation, to name a few.

Museum Education strives in connecting ideas with reality, it ultimately creates a holistic picture of the world. So, whether you prefer learning in a focused mode, or searching for a fun, relaxed experience, the opportunities for engagement are truly endless.

Can you recall a time when you enjoyed an educational activity at the museum?

Do you remember what the activity was? How did you feel interacting?

Museum Education, through its types of programming, “aims at creating participative… authentic learning environments” (Kristinsdottir, 2017, pp. 425-426). Our brilliant and dedicated education professionals bring with them the necessary toolkit in understanding what their diverse roles entail, in order to approach appropriately how to facilitate lifelong experiences for all.

The Many Functions Museum Educators take on:

Museum Educators don’t just do the educating and teaching, their roles are more complex than we ever could imagine. There are many times where these professionals have to stand in for other departments and the collaboration among everyone is heavily involved.

Our educators are training, designing, assessing, working on administrative work, doing publicity and further marketing, raising funds, all while remembering the work is a service provided for the people (Talboys, 2018, pp. 24-28).

With these various responsibilities, their own titles connect with other departments, we see the roles become intertwined with areas of visitor experience, community development, even with social media.

These professionals, “stay up-to-date and upskill themselves… experiment… provide additional information… which otherwise could not be given” (Dumont et al., 2024, pp. 7-8).

Where does Tech go with Education?

Using technology to enhance further learning is key when the goal is also to reach out to a wider audience. Most cultural institutions have come to realize the vital help that technology poses and have now implemented new ways of learning. This not only includes sharing on social media future events, programs, and conversation series, but it also allows the new and once strange, to now shape ideas and views on things.

Technology helps address previous obstacles in which perhaps some audiences could not be in the actual space of the museum. Such limitations are combated through technology and professionals in the field comprehend that working towards this reality for many will improve the well-being for both parties.

Educators understand, “the urgency to develop digital museum education… chance to reflect on their digital practice and exchange information” (Dumont et al., 2024, p. 14).

An example of technology being used to share about a previous holiday-themed, educational and relaxing time is through the socials. This one is from the UTEP Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, from their Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/share/BANckXGBQl

How does DEAI reflect within Education?

The very core aspects that make DEAI are reflected in the work of museum educators, as such initiatives promote further important issues that our audiences of today hold of value in their own lives. People want to feel like they are welcomed, they want to be represented, we all do. These are what I would argue as just basic necessities, our rights even.

Museums continue this work, “offer experiences that resonate… responding to social and political events that demand we pay closer attention to” (Porter et al., 2023, p. 15).

Through education and ongoing participating knowledge, museums also provide each and every one of us with the tools necessary to become our very own advocates, seeking to find the right from so many past wrongs.

My own reflections:

I am going to be honest here, I have learned very much on the importance of museum education and the many roles these hard-working professionals take on to get the job done well however, I myself have never been really exposed to this area of the museum field.

I have not had the great opportunity to explore in this area, I neither had a previous internship nor have had the chance to volunteer within this space as well.

Moving forward, I see myself wanting to and I will find the time, (I am promising myself to do so, because I am genuinely curious and want to learn more myself) to make it happen.

Even though, I do not have a professional relationship (just yet lol) with this area, in my personal experiences, I am always visiting my local museums’ events, whether this be an opening reception of an exhibition or the educational programming, all year round, you will find me there.

Final Conclusions:

To summarize, if you ask me, museum education is probably the most important function within the institution simply because this is the functional area that creates and maintains the connection with the community and sparks the interest in learning through visiting the museum. From my standpoint, museum educators are the “wizards” who instill the desire to learn in young minds and communities overall.

We have always been told education is key to not only gaining further knowledge perhaps on a particular subject, but through education and learning experiences we are better prepared on how to handle matters of the world, topics that are of high importance and that should be explored in ongoing conversation among audiences.

Museums work to meet just this, our museum education professionals are going beyond in their many roles in addressing their visitors’ needs, reaching out to new ventures using technology to combat limitations, as well as incorporate meeting vital DEAI initiatives within their programming.

So, let me now redirect your attention to museum education. C’mon now then, lets get to learning.

What is and isn’t Museum Ed?

Museum Ed is I would argue the core or center of what makes a museum, a museum. It’s our audiences who bring out the best out of our organizations. In return, museums honor their communities’ trust by providing all they can for them. Museum education professionals, “sustain relationships with the most important constituents our institutions have: the public” (Porter et al., 2023, p. 16).

I like to think of museum education as available learning being done on multiple topics you might be interested in exploring, as within this area the field is quite flexible. Unlike formal school education, where you learn about certain and often times, limited subjects, museum education goes beyond this, offering a deeper look into not just school topics like history or art, but one might learn more about cultures, music or animals, the environment and vegetation, to name a few.

Museum Education strives in connecting ideas with reality, it ultimately creates a holistic picture of the world. So, whether you prefer learning in a focused mode, or searching for a fun, relaxed experience, the opportunities for engagement are truly endless.

Can you recall a time when you enjoyed an educational activity at the museum?

Do you remember what the activity was? How did you feel interacting?

Museum Education, through its types of programming, “aims at creating participative… authentic learning environments” (Kristinsdottir, 2017, pp. 425-426). Our brilliant and dedicated education professionals bring with them the necessary toolkit in understanding what their diverse roles entail, in order to approach appropriately how to facilitate lifelong experiences for all.

The Many Functions Museum Educators take on:

Museum Educators don’t just do the educating and teaching, their roles are more complex than we ever could imagine. There are many times where these professionals have to stand in for other departments and the collaboration among everyone is heavily involved.

Our educators are training, designing, assessing, working on administrative work, doing publicity and further marketing, raising funds, all while remembering the work is a service provided for the people (Talboys, 2018, pp. 24-28).

With these various responsibilities, their own titles connect with other departments, we see the roles become intertwined with areas of visitor experience, community development, even with social media.

These professionals, “stay up-to-date and upskill themselves… experiment… provide additional information… which otherwise could not be given” (Dumont et al., 2024, pp. 7-8).

Where does Tech go with Education?

Using technology to enhance further learning is key when the goal is also to reach out to a wider audience. Most cultural institutions have come to realize the vital help that technology poses and have now implemented new ways of learning. This not only includes sharing on social media future events, programs, and conversation series, but it also allows the new and once strange, to now shape ideas and views on things.

Technology helps address previous obstacles in which perhaps some audiences could not be in the actual space of the museum. Such limitations are combated through technology and professionals in the field comprehend that working towards this reality for many will improve the well-being for both parties.

Educators understand, “the urgency to develop digital museum education… chance to reflect on their digital practice and exchange information” (Dumont et al., 2024, p. 14).

An example of technology being used to share about a previous holiday-themed, educational and relaxing time is through the socials. This one is from the UTEP Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, from their Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/share/BANckXGBQl

How does DEAI reflect within Education?

The very core aspects that make DEAI are reflected in the work of museum educators, as such initiatives promote further important issues that our audiences of today hold of value in their own lives. People want to feel like they are welcomed, they want to be represented, we all do. These are what I would argue as just basic necessities, our rights even.

Museums continue this work, “offer experiences that resonate… responding to social and political events that demand we pay closer attention to” (Porter et al., 2023, p. 15).

Through education and ongoing participating knowledge, museums also provide each and every one of us with the tools necessary to become our very own advocates, seeking to find the right from so many past wrongs.

My own reflections:

I am going to be honest here, I have learned very much on the importance of museum education and the many roles these hard-working professionals take on to get the job done well however, I myself have never been really exposed to this area of the museum field.

I have not had the great opportunity to explore in this area, I neither had a previous internship nor have had the chance to volunteer within this space as well.

Moving forward, I see myself wanting to and I will find the time, (I am promising myself to do so, because I am genuinely curious and want to learn more myself) to make it happen.

Even though, I do not have a professional relationship (just yet lol) with this area, in my personal experiences, I am always visiting my local museums’ events, whether this be an opening reception of an exhibition or the educational programming, all year round, you will find me there.

Final Conclusions:

To summarize, if you ask me, museum education is probably the most important function within the institution simply because this is the functional area that creates and maintains the connection with the community and sparks the interest in learning through visiting the museum. From my standpoint, museum educators are the “wizards” who instill the desire to learn in young minds and communities overall.

We have always been told education is key to not only gaining further knowledge perhaps on a particular subject, but through education and learning experiences we are better prepared on how to handle matters of the world, topics that are of high importance and that should be explored in ongoing conversation among audiences.

Museums work to meet just this, our museum education professionals are going beyond in their many roles in addressing their visitors’ needs, reaching out to new ventures using technology to combat limitations, as well as incorporate meeting vital DEAI initiatives within their programming.

So, let me now redirect your attention to museum education. C’mon now then, lets get to learning.

What is and isn’t Museum Ed?

Museum Ed is I would argue the core or center of what makes a museum, a museum. It’s our audiences who bring out the best out of our organizations. In return, museums honor their communities’ trust by providing all they can for them. Museum education professionals, “sustain relationships with the most important constituents our institutions have: the public” (Porter et al., 2023, p. 16).

I like to think of museum education as available learning being done on multiple topics you might be interested in exploring, as within this area the field is quite flexible. Unlike formal school education, where you learn about certain and often times, limited subjects, museum education goes beyond this, offering a deeper look into not just school topics like history or art, but one might learn more about cultures, music or animals, the environment and vegetation, to name a few.

Museum Education strives in connecting ideas with reality, it ultimately creates a holistic picture of the world. So, whether you prefer learning in a focused mode, or searching for a fun, relaxed experience, the opportunities for engagement are truly endless.

Can you recall a time when you enjoyed an educational activity at the museum?

Do you remember what the activity was? How did you feel interacting?

Museum Education, through its types of programming, “aims at creating participative… authentic learning environments” (Kristinsdottir, 2017, pp. 425-426). Our brilliant and dedicated education professionals bring with them the necessary toolkit in understanding what their diverse roles entail, in order to approach appropriately how to facilitate lifelong experiences for all.

The Many Functions Museum Educators take on:

Museum Educators don’t just do the educating and teaching, their roles are more complex than we ever could imagine. There are many times where these professionals have to stand in for other departments and the collaboration among everyone is heavily involved.

Our educators are training, designing, assessing, working on administrative work, doing publicity and further marketing, raising funds, all while remembering the work is a service provided for the people (Talboys, 2018, pp. 24-28).

With these various responsibilities, their own titles connect with other departments, we see the roles become intertwined with areas of visitor experience, community development, even with social media.

These professionals, “stay up-to-date and upskill themselves… experiment… provide additional information… which otherwise could not be given” (Dumont et al., 2024, pp. 7-8).

Where does Tech go with Education?

Using technology to enhance further learning is key when the goal is also to reach out to a wider audience. Most cultural institutions have come to realize the vital help that technology poses and have now implemented new ways of learning. This not only includes sharing on social media future events, programs, and conversation series, but it also allows the new and once strange, to now shape ideas and views on things.

Technology helps address previous obstacles in which perhaps some audiences could not be in the actual space of the museum. Such limitations are combated through technology and professionals in the field comprehend that working towards this reality for many will improve the well-being for both parties.

Educators understand, “the urgency to develop digital museum education… chance to reflect on their digital practice and exchange information” (Dumont et al., 2024, p. 14).

An example of technology being used to share about a previous holiday-themed, educational and relaxing time is through the socials. This one is from the UTEP Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, from their Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/share/BANckXGBQl

How does DEAI reflect within Education?

The very core aspects that make DEAI are reflected in the work of museum educators, as such initiatives promote further important issues that our audiences of today hold of value in their own lives. People want to feel like they are welcomed, they want to be represented, we all do. These are what I would argue as just basic necessities, our rights even.

Museums continue this work, “offer experiences that resonate… responding to social and political events that demand we pay closer attention to” (Porter et al., 2023, p. 15).

Through education and ongoing participating knowledge, museums also provide each and every one of us with the tools necessary to become our very own advocates, seeking to find the right from so many past wrongs.

My own reflections:

I am going to be honest here, I have learned very much on the importance of museum education and the many roles these hard-working professionals take on to get the job done well however, I myself have never been really exposed to this area of the museum field.

I have not had the great opportunity to explore in this area, I neither had a previous internship nor have had the chance to volunteer within this space as well.

Moving forward, I see myself wanting to and I will find the time, (I am promising myself to do so, because I am genuinely curious and want to learn more myself) to make it happen.

Even though, I do not have a professional relationship (just yet lol) with this area, in my personal experiences, I am always visiting my local museums’ events, whether this be an opening reception of an exhibition or the educational programming, all year round, you will find me there.

Final Conclusions:

To summarize, if you ask me, museum education is probably the most important function within the institution simply because this is the functional area that creates and maintains the connection with the community and sparks the interest in learning through visiting the museum. From my standpoint, museum educators are the “wizards” who instill the desire to learn in young minds and communities overall.

We have always been told education is key to not only gaining further knowledge perhaps on a particular subject, but through education and learning experiences we are better prepared on how to handle matters of the world, topics that are of high importance and that should be explored in ongoing conversation among audiences.

Museums work to meet just this, our museum education professionals are going beyond in their many roles in addressing their visitors’ needs, reaching out to new ventures using technology to combat limitations, as well as incorporate meeting vital DEAI initiatives within their programming.

So, let me now redirect your attention to museum education. C’mon now then, lets get to learning.

What is and isn’t Museum Ed?

Museum Ed is I would argue the core or center of what makes a museum, a museum. It’s our audiences who bring out the best out of our organizations. In return, museums honor their communities’ trust by providing all they can for them. Museum education professionals, “sustain relationships with the most important constituents our institutions have: the public” (Porter et al., 2023, p. 16).

I like to think of museum education as available learning being done on multiple topics you might be interested in exploring, as within this area the field is quite flexible. Unlike formal school education, where you learn about certain and often times, limited subjects, museum education goes beyond this, offering a deeper look into not just school topics like history or art, but one might learn more about cultures, music or animals, the environment and vegetation, to name a few.

Museum Education strives in connecting ideas with reality, it ultimately creates a holistic picture of the world. So, whether you prefer learning in a focused mode, or searching for a fun, relaxed experience, the opportunities for engagement are truly endless.

Can you recall a time when you enjoyed an educational activity at the museum?

Do you remember what the activity was? How did you feel interacting?

Museum Education, through its types of programming, “aims at creating participative… authentic learning environments” (Kristinsdottir, 2017, pp. 425-426). Our brilliant and dedicated education professionals bring with them the necessary toolkit in understanding what their diverse roles entail, in order to approach appropriately how to facilitate lifelong experiences for all.

The Many Functions Museum Educators take on:

Museum Educators don’t just do the educating and teaching, their roles are more complex than we ever could imagine. There are many times where these professionals have to stand in for other departments and the collaboration among everyone is heavily involved.

Our educators are training, designing, assessing, working on administrative work, doing publicity and further marketing, raising funds, all while remembering the work is a service provided for the people (Talboys, 2018, pp. 24-28).

With these various responsibilities, their own titles connect with other departments, we see the roles become intertwined with areas of visitor experience, community development, even with social media.

These professionals, “stay up-to-date and upskill themselves… experiment… provide additional information… which otherwise could not be given” (Dumont et al., 2024, pp. 7-8).

Where does Tech go with Education?

Using technology to enhance further learning is key when the goal is also to reach out to a wider audience. Most cultural institutions have come to realize the vital help that technology poses and have now implemented new ways of learning. This not only includes sharing on social media future events, programs, and conversation series, but it also allows the new and once strange, to now shape ideas and views on things.

Technology helps address previous obstacles in which perhaps some audiences could not be in the actual space of the museum. Such limitations are combated through technology and professionals in the field comprehend that working towards this reality for many will improve the well-being for both parties.

Educators understand, “the urgency to develop digital museum education… chance to reflect on their digital practice and exchange information” (Dumont et al., 2024, p. 14).

An example of technology being used to share about a previous holiday-themed, educational and relaxing time is through the socials. This one is from the UTEP Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, from their Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/share/BANckXGBQl

How does DEAI reflect within Education?

The very core aspects that make DEAI are reflected in the work of museum educators, as such initiatives promote further important issues that our audiences of today hold of value in their own lives. People want to feel like they are welcomed, they want to be represented, we all do. These are what I would argue as just basic necessities, our rights even.

Museums continue this work, “offer experiences that resonate… responding to social and political events that demand we pay closer attention to” (Porter et al., 2023, p. 15).

Through education and ongoing participating knowledge, museums also provide each and every one of us with the tools necessary to become our very own advocates, seeking to find the right from so many past wrongs.

My own reflections:

I am going to be honest here, I have learned very much on the importance of museum education and the many roles these hard-working professionals take on to get the job done well however, I myself have never been really exposed to this area of the museum field.

I have not had the great opportunity to explore in this area, I neither had a previous internship nor have had the chance to volunteer within this space as well.

Moving forward, I see myself wanting to and I will find the time, (I am promising myself to do so, because I am genuinely curious and want to learn more myself) to make it happen.

Even though, I do not have a professional relationship (just yet lol) with this area, in my personal experiences, I am always visiting my local museums’ events, whether this be an opening reception of an exhibition or the educational programming, all year round, you will find me there.

Final Conclusions:

To summarize, if you ask me, museum education is probably the most important function within the institution simply because this is the functional area that creates and maintains the connection with the community and sparks the interest in learning through visiting the museum. From my standpoint, museum educators are the “wizards” who instill the desire to learn in young minds and communities overall.