(I apologize for cross-posting. Please excuse if you have received this
message more than once!)

What is the role of volunteer docents, guides, or interpreters in the
professionalization of museum education? Is it to be the 'volunteer
professional' or the 'professional volunteer'? What do those terms imply
for entry-level training and continuing education?

If, as some have recently suggested, the volunteer's role is to be a
bridge or a 2-way conduit between museum and community, what does this
imply for the work of the paid museum educator? Is s/he ethically
committed to share power and control with volunteer staff? - perhaps to
the extent that the paid staff member(s) become redundant? In this
challenging economic time is it the professional responsibility of the
museum educator to ensure that the 'torch' is passed along?

As a long-time museum educator and life-long student I'm struggling with
these issues and would welcome your opinions on the subject.

Christine Castle
The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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