McMinn County Living Heritage Museum

Intern Project Description: Education Assistant

Supervisor: Diane Hutsell, Executive Director

Objective: To participate in a range of activities to support the planning, development and implementation of education programs at the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum (MCLHM) in Athens, TN using the MCLHM Education Policy and Tennessee State Teaching Standards. Position is designed to give the successful candidate an introduction to museum education, program and exhibit planning and working with diverse audiences (teachers, youth, families and adults). This is an unpaid internship. However, an honorarium of $700 may be awarded to exceptional interns at successful completion of internship (minimum of 105 hours). Students interested in cooperative education or academic credit should contact their college placement office or counselor for more information.

Responsibilities may include:

·         Interns will act as unpaid staff within the guidelines of the museum’s policies and procedures. They will perform their duties with the appropriate amount of supervision and share the same duties and privileges as other staff member

·         Conceive, develop and implement education programs directly related to the Museum's collection and programs. Education programs may be developed for elementary and secondary school students, special education students, senior citizens and the "casual" visitor

·         Develop programs that are coordinated in conjunction with MCLHM Education Policy and Tennessee State Teaching Standards, including the creation of K-12 lesson plans to assist educators in implementing the Museum into their curriculum both at the Museum and in the classroom

·         Participate in program set-up, guest registration and frontline tasks

Qualifications: The successful candidate needs to be motivated; have strong research and organizational skills; is capable of working in a high energy environment; be a creative and flexible thinker; possess excellent written and verbal communication skills; have excellent computer skills; have a willingness to work independently and supportive of a team; have the ability to lift 50 lbs. Interns will interact with the museum’s volunteers, staff, Board members, and visitors. Professional appearance and manner is crucial.  Dress is business casual unless attending a meeting or event. A background in Tennessee history or American Studies is preferable, but not required.  Applicant should be currently pursuing a graduate degree in a related field or have recently obtained a degree.

Date of Project: Summer term 2010; start and end dates of internship are flexible. The minimum period is three weeks full time (35 hours/week). Interns must work at least 12 hours per week; these hours must occur when a supervisor is present; flexibility in schedule is desirable.

Evaluation: At the completion of the internship, the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum and each intern will conduct an exit interview to ensure that the involved staff members are fully aware of the completed project(s). It is understood that most, if not all, of the completed materials are to remain at the Museum. The intern’s supervisor will complete a written evaluation of the intern’s performance and the intern will complete his or her own evaluation of the internship; both evaluations will be kept on file at the museum.

Application Deadline: 5pm Eastern Time, Monday, April 5, 2010

To Apply: Email [log in to unmask] for application form.