On-Call Museum Educator - Schools and Family (Part-time)

Country Music Foundation•Nashville, TN

14d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum has openings for on-call Museum Educators in the Education Department. Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum documents and interprets the history of country music—a musical genre and culture central to the identity of the city, the state, and the nation. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Museum proudly combines subject expertise, ambitious research, and preservation of an unparalleled collection with expressions of creativity in music, art, and history. The Museum collects objects and archival materials that illustrate the evolving history and traditions of country music and provides diverse learning opportunities through educational programs, publications, and exhibitions. The core exhibit follows the story of country music from its folk beginnings through its evolution as a commercial art form. Rotating exhibits examine a broad range of topics, from country classics to contemporary and emerging artists in American Currents: State of the Music . The Museum owns Hatch Show Print, a letterpress print shop opened in 1879, and it operates Historic RCA Studio B, where Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, and many others recorded. Charged with the mission of educating varied audiences about country music, the Education Department develops programs and resources that illuminate the stories, themes, and music explored in the Museum’s galleries. Traditionally serving 100,000 people per year through 1,000+ programs, the Education Department supports students of all ages, from school groups and families who engage in hands-on learning activities to general Museum guests who experience performance presentations during their visit. A creative and curious team, Education staff is composed of traditional and nontraditional educators, including classroom teachers, visual artists, historians, museum educators, and professional musicians. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum educators share a passion for country music, popular culture, and lifelong learning, and they regularly collaborate to develop and implement dynamic educational offerings commensurate with one of the most-visited history museums in America. Are you an educator looking for a flexible job? If so, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s on-call educator team may be a great fit for you! Museum educators inspire young visitors during a visit to one of the most visited history museums in the United States. This position actively supports education activities and program learning objectives by facilitating meaningful and memorable hands-on experiences. Shift opportunities range from guiding students through the exhibitions; leading programs for students or family groups; engaging with guests inside the Taylor Swift Education Center; or supporting an off-site pop-up activity in a community space. In every assignment, educators play an essential role in delivering high-quality learning experiences. A passion for children, a creative and curious mindset, flexible, can-do attitude, and caring demeanor are essential in this role. In addition to supporting and leading programs, Museum educators offer a welcoming presence for family visitors to the Taylor Swift Education Center (T.S.E.C.). Located inside the Museum and at the beginning of the self-guided experience, the T.S.E.C. offers an ideal space for orienting families and sharing information on program opportunities and gallery activities to ensure a fun and successful visit.

Requirements

Experience teaching or working with children in a school or similar educational setting
Understanding of or interest in K-12 curriculum standards, object-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and Social and Emotional Learning
Comfort facilitating arts-based programming (both visual arts and music)
Experience and passion for working with school-aged children
Excellent customer service skills and comfort solving problems and navigating challenging situations with grace and professionalism
Comfort and confidence with public speaking
Excellent written, visual, and oral communication skills
Strong organization and time-management skills
Superior creativity and critical thinking skills
Patience, sense of humor, and flexibility
Ability to work as part of a team and independently
Flexible and understanding disposition
Curiosity and a sense of humor
Eagerness to meet, talk to, collaborate with, and help new people
Driver’s license and vehicle with willingness to travel throughout Davidson County and Middle Tennessee, transporting equipment to and from programs
Openness to lifting 25 lbs. or less
Completion of a background check
Submit a resume that includes your work history with children
Submit three professional references familiar with your work history with children

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education, family studies, arts administration, fine arts, museum studies, history, or related field
Passion for music, particularly country music, as well as a general interest in popular culture and Nashville and Tennessee history
Interest in or experience working at a museum
Demonstrated commitment to equity and belonging including racial equity training
Active musician or visual artist
Proficiency in Spanish or other language

Responsibilities

Facilitate K-12 school group visits to the Museum, including guiding students throughout the exhibitions and building; leading programs; and offering general support from the beginning of a field trip to the end.
Gain expertise on Museum content and school program lesson plans in order to lead gallery demonstrations, provide engaging guided tours, and assist in programs.
Assist education staff with youth and family programs and off-site programs in community spaces, which typically take place on weekends. Programs include art making, music workshops, dance lessons, and song and story time for emergent readers.
Assist with program preparations, including setting up activity spaces and prepping supplies. Assist with program clean up.
Maintain and organize education materials, supply inventories, and teaching equipment, as requested.
Understand and be responsive to the needs of teachers, students, and youth and family audiences throughout the program experience.
Support maintenance of and supplies for interactive gallery activity spaces throughout the Museum.
Track and report program participation.
Make suggestions to improve programs and achieve desired outcomes, including lesson plan modifications and new supply considerations.
Participate in team trainings and support the education department as requested.
Welcome visitors as they enter the Taylor Swift Education Center, with increased attention given to family groups and teen visitors.
Provide a Museum overview and offer gallery activities.
Encourage participation in Museum offerings by providing information on programs and self-guided opportunities.
Assist with program facilitation, including program preparations, co-teaching and assisting participants throughout the activity.
Maintain and organize educational materials throughout the Taylor Swift Education Center and Museum galleries.
Oversee distribution and organization of scavenger hunt prizes.
Oversee distribution and organization of Young Explore Bags for families with young children.
Understand and be responsive to the needs of family visitors.
Track and report participation.