Docent/Learning Facilitator at the Maltz Museum

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What is a docent? In Latin, "docre" means to teach. In the 19 th century, "docent" described unsalaried lecturers.

At the Maltz Museum, docents facilitate learning and interpretation of themes within An American Story, The Temple-Tifereth Israel Gallery, and special exhibits. They enable visitors to interpret the exhibits by giving them the tools to make sense of the objects they see. Docents also lead conversation and activities that create a deeper understanding and engagement with the exhibitions’ themes and the museum’s overall mission. They are the main hosts and ambassadors of the museum.

Docents guide formal and informal tours for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

They respect and value the opinions and knowledge of all visitors, and encourage them to make connections to the exhibit based on their experience.

Docents:

• Exhibit superior customer service while interacting with museum guests.
• Facilitate tours that meet educational goals as stated by the Education Department, and are individualized for the unique needs of the visiting groups.
• Are able to facilitate tours for diverse groups.
• Are familiar with museum polices, history, educational philosophy, and exhibit content.
• Participate in self-evaluation and external evaluation of interpretation techniques
• Are punctual, arriving 30 minutes before the tour begins.
• Maintain regular communication with staff.
• Check email regularly and respond to all correspondences (email, phone calls, letters, etc.)
• Accessible via phone at least one hour before their tour, in case of cancellation or time change.
• Assist staff in setting up and breaking down props and equipment for tours.
• Arrive prepared, having reviewed the tour content as well as the group’s specific needs.
• Have the opportunity to assist with other museum initiatives.

Museum staff:

• Will train docents in best interpretation practices and exhibition content
• Provides comprehensive information about the tours docents are scheduled for
• Communicates all requirements and expectations clearly
• Respects docents’ time, audience age, and theme preferences
• Puts all effort into notifying docents of scheduling changes
• Encourages and works to meet the lifelong learning goals of the docents
• Keep docents updated on current and upcoming museum events, exhibits, programs, and plans.
• Organizes and plans an annual appreciation day for all volunteers/ docents
• Provides docents with exclusive content for special exhibits and other museum initiative

• Docents must be able to work as a team, be comfortable public speakers, flexible, open-minded, and willing to interact with new people.
• Docents must also have the ability to analyze and ask critical questions about historical and current events.
• Docents must be willing to experiment with new techniques to foster ideal learning environments.
• Docents are expected to be lifelong-learners that respect and recognize the knowledge of all visitors.
• Docents must prioritize facilitating conversations between visitors and expanding their interest in the museum’s collections.

Diane Weiner, CVA -Manager of Volunteers, Visitors and Retail Services