What is a Student Educator?
Museum educators play a vital role in a visitor’s experience. Student educators have the choice to serve as “Ask Me” docents—someone who “floats” around the exhibitions and is available to answer questions and provide additional information to help fill gaps in visitor’s knowledge and/or as tour guides. Student educators are not expected to be experts in the Holocaust or Oregon history, but are expected to engage visitors during their visit and pass along questions to OJMCHE staff if they do not know an answer.
Who should apply?
Any Metro-area high school student who will be a Sophomore or Junior for the 2020-2021 school year is eligible to apply. Applicants will be selected based on:
- Commitment to work with staff, volunteers, and peers to advance the Museum’s mission
- Passion to learn about and share Holocaust and Oregon history with visitors
- Possess clear communication skills
- Comfort approaching people
What is the commitment?
- Attend 20 hours of training (date and time TBD)
- Commit for an Academic School Year (August 2019-June 2020)
- A minimum of 4 hours monthly volunteer requirement (either one 4-hour session or two 2-hour sessions during museum hours)
- Engage with visitors and other volunteers
- Organize a tour for your family and/or community
What is provided by the program?
- Free student membership to Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education
- Community service hours
- Training and education on the role of museums and educating the public
- Upon completion of program, student becomes eligible to receive a letter of recommendation for college, trade school, or jobs by a member of the education department
Contact your teachers well in advance of the deadline (July 15, 2020) to ensure there is enough time for them to fill out the forms. Also, make sure you find a time to speak to your teacher about the Student Educator Internship Application and why you are applying. A teacher recommendation is required as part of your application.