Sharing Ideas

We believe museum educators are working hard to meet the changing needs of today’s museum visitors. This book and website were created to support ongoing professional development within our learning community. Please see resources from authors below and check back as we plan to post additional practitioner resources.

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Available: February 15, 2022 Order here and use code RLFANDF30 for 30% off through February of 2023

About the Book

Today’s museum educators are tackling urgent social issues, addressing historic inequalities of museum collections, innovating for accessibility, leveraging technology for new in-person and virtual learning experiences, and cultivating partnerships with schools, businesses, elders, scientists, and other social services to build relationships and be of service to their communities. Despite the physical distance the pandemic placed between museums and their visitors, museum educators have remained essential -- sustaining connections with the public through virtual or modified programming, content development, and conversations that they are uniquely qualified to execute. Educators require updated resources to guide their efforts in navigating these new challenges and building upon the opportunities presented by current events and changing audiences. 

This book shares lessons from innovators in the field to support ongoing professional development efforts with essays about current issues. Additionally, it provides new models and tools to guide individual or group reflection on how today’s museum educators can adapt and thrive in a dynamic and ever-changing cultural sector. The additional resources include discussion prompts and adaptable templates to allow readers to customize the content based on current events, institutional discipline, size, budget, and staffing scenario of their organization.

The book’s essays are divided into three sections: 

  • Changing expectations of visitors - inclusion, participation, and technology

  • Training and preparation for responsive, resourceful educators

  • Models for the future