Education Intern Summer 2024

Interpretation, Collections, and Education 

Education Intern Job Description

Mission Statement:

The National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel, honors and preserves the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We chronicle the American civil rights movement and tell the story of the ongoing struggle for human rights. We educate and serve as a catalyst to inspire action to create positive social change.

 

History:

Established in 1991, the National Civil Rights Museum is located at the former Lorraine Motel, where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. In 2002 the museum opened an $11 million expansion, The Legacy Building, which addresses the assassination investigation and the legacy of the civil rights movement. In 2013 and 2014, the museum underwent a $27.5 million renovation which added more than 40 new films, oral histories and interactive media to the site’s already robust galleries. The museum is among the top 5% of institutions to be accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and one of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience worldwide. Through interactive exhibits, historic collections, dynamic speakers and special events, the museum offers visitors a chance to walk through history and learn more about a tumultuous and inspiring period of change. Individuals who intern at the National Civil Rights Museum have a unique opportunity to receive hands-on experience at an award-winning institution.

 

Time Commitment:

·        Academic year internships are 10-20 hours per week

·        Summer internships are 30-40 hours per week

·        Alternative arrangements can be discussed with the specific department, but are subject to that department’s approval.

·        Hours are typically Monday-Friday with occasional evening or weekend events. Discuss the specific requirements with your supervisor.

Reporting:

The Museum Education intern reports to the Education Manager.

 

Compensation:

·        Students will be paid hourly, but may also receive course credit

·        Undergraduate students are paid $12/hour

·        Graduate students are paid $15/hour

 

Roles of the Education Department Intern:

·        Works with visitors in gallery spaces. Mostly this would be either leading overviews and/or debriefing discussions with school groups who come to the Museum for field trips. It may also include leading short (2-5 minute) interpretive gallery talks in the exhibits spaces.

·        Assists in developing/writing activities and creating interpretive materials to be used in the exhibit spaces by learners of various ages, racial backgrounds and pre-existing amounts of contextual knowledge

·        Collaborates with Education Manager on planning, organizing and execution of the Education department’s role in key events such as Martin Luther King Day and Ruby Bridges Reading Festival.

Scope:

Interns will:

·        Assist guests and learners in gallery spaces, by giving short talks or by sharing objects from teaching collections for people to examine up close

·        Help to plan for activities that can be led at tables for big events that serve multigenerational audiences

·        Organize the books that are delivered for Ruby Bridges Reading Festival (with help from Education Manager) and plan for their set up and replenishment on the day of the event

·        Create new interpretive guides for use in gallery spaces or for teacher use pre- or post-field trip, edit the (already created) glossary for teachers to use pre-field trips, update materials which are in need of revitalization such as the Recommended Resources for Exploring and Understanding Civil and Human Rights, the Learning Links, or the Courage document on NCRM website

·        Work with Education Manager on other tasks and programs, as needed

 

Qualifications:

Candidates must be able to complete tasks independently, must be reliable and punctual and capable of functioning in a multi-task environment.  Must be able to take direction and follow instructions and complete tasks on deadline.  Must have excellent written and oral communication skills.  The acceptable candidate must adhere to the rules and regulations governing all employees, interns, and volunteers of the National Civil Rights Museum. 

 

Candidates should have a strong interest and/or higher education studies in history, sociology, or a related field.  Multi-tasking, scheduling, and deadline efficiency are highly important. Must have strong web and computer skills.  Must possess excellent organizational skills, be detail-oriented and neat, and the ability to work both as an individual and as part of a team.

 

Required Skills:

·        Creative thinking and ability to differentiate learning opportunities for learners of all ages, backgrounds and varying amounts of prior knowledge on the topic

·        Likes working with people and is able to interact with guests in professional manner on behalf of the museum

·        Is interested in and knowledgeable about Civil Rights history/human rights struggles which are ongoing; and is passionate about empowering others to be changemakers

·        Works well independently but also is a great collaborator

 

Desired but Optional:

·        Outgoing and friendly personality is ideal for working with learners

·        Is strong at multitasking or focusing for extended periods on a single project and making a productive impact in either scenario

·        Is very well organized and helps to find solutions to simplify problems related to organizing, i.e. returning emails from teachers in an efficient new way or helps to organize the inventory of books in storage with clearer system/approach