Description

Position: Early Learning Intern

Reports to: Senior Manager of Family and Early Learning Programs

Level: Intern

Classification: Non-Exempt, Part-Time

Benefits: not benefits eligible

Schedule: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm with one hour for lunch on two mutually agreed upon days

Internship Period: proposed start date week of January 22, 2024 - May 24, 2024

Salary: $18/hour, 14 hours per week

Scope of Position:

The Early Learning Intern will gain hands-on experience using a variety of teaching skills through facilitating art experiences for early learners. The intern will play a critical teaching role in Arturo’s Preschool, a free program for preschool, homeschool, and daycare groups serving children ages 3-6. Alongside the Family and Early Learning Programs team, the intern will co-teach lessons in galleries with an emphasis on discussion-based learning that is rooted in play. Under the guidance of DMA education staff, the intern will also have the opportunity to plan and teach their own lesson designed for preschoolers. After teaching pre-written lessons, the intern will have a foundation to produce age-appropriate content that speaks to their own personal interests and skillset.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Co-facilitate tours for preschoolers and other early learners from elementary school, homeschool, daycare, and community groups
• Deliver early learning programming that is open-ended and centered on play
• Maintain records regarding program attendance
• Communicate with organizing staff to ensure smooth logistics and delivery of early learning programming
• Attend occasional check-in meetings with supervisor and other members of the Family and Early Learning Programs team
• Under the guidance of their supervisor, create and implement a lesson plan for Arturo’s Preschool

Internship Goals:

• Learn developmentally appropriate strategies and techniques for teaching early learners about art appreciation and artmaking
• Build skills in gallery teaching and public speaking
• Learn how to create, organize, and lead educational programming in a museum setting
• Ascertain professional goals and interests through the support of mentorship
• Develop professional communication and interpersonal skills through collaboration with Museum colleagues

Requirements

Education, Experience, and Certification:

• Current student or recent graduate of an early learning education program recommended
• Art history background and/or coursework beneficial
• Experience and interest working with early learners and families
• Some experience working with children and/or families in a group, museum, or school setting

Key Qualifications:

• Comfortable presenting to and interacting with children and families
• An interest in thinking outside the box to teach a wide variety of topics to a diverse audience
• Ability to create inclusive, relationship-focused, and safe learning experiences
• Ability to speak during program duration without accommodation
• Physical requirements include kneeling, bending, standing, and lifting up to 25 lbs

Our Core Values

• Act with Integrity: We are honest and ethical.
• Build Inclusivity: We create spaces where everyone can feel like they belong.
• Communicate Respectfully: We listen intentionally and advocate for diverse perspectives.
• Embrace and Drive Change: We are innovative, creative, and solutions driven.
• Foster Connections: We collaborate around shared goals.
• Maintain Balance: We encourage ourselves and each other to reflect and recharge.
• Remain Curious: We pursue personal and professional learning.

Mission

The Dallas Museum of Art is a space of wonder and discovery where art comes alive. The DMA will:

• Place art and our diverse communities at the center around which all activities radiate.
• Pursue excellence in collecting and programming, present works of art across cultures and time, and be a driving force in contemporary art.
• Strengthen our position as a prominent, innovative institution, expanding the meaning and possibilities of learning and creativity.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Dallas Museum of Art fosters equity, celebrates diversity, and supports inclusion. We acknowledge that diverse backgrounds and voices of visitors, volunteers, trustees, staff, and communities represented in the collection make us stronger and better equipped to make positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally.

Equity

Society’s historical legacies and systemic barriers have created disparities in the communities we serve. Knowing this, we strive to expand and enhance arts opportunities for all.

Diversity

Many factors—including but not limited to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetics, economic backgrounds, and experiences—make individuals and groups unique. Our goal is to ensure visitors, volunteers, trustees, staff, and collections reflect this diversity.

Inclusion

We commit to listening to and learning from diverse voices and perspectives. We create a vibrant and accessible social space that encourages dialogue and the exchange of ideas through arts and culture.

EOE

The Dallas Museum of Art is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The DMA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.