(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 [log in to unmask]