Education Short List

6. Children’s Museums

Like a zoo, a children’s museum is a place for children (thus the name) to come and learn and explore. These are hands-on and interactive exhibits that are totally fun. I actually talked about the value of going to children’s museum. As a leader, guide, or docent (will talk about docents later), you will be able to help your groups to reach out and explore. I remember going to the Cleveland’s Children’s Museum when I was younger, it was SO fun. And, it was because of how excited the staff was that really made it so different from other museum experiences. If you can let yourself relax and find the kid in you (sorry, cliché I know) – you could really make an impact and foster a love of learning while working or volunteering at a children’s museum.

7. Museums

Similar to a children’s museum, an ‘adult’ museum is going to have changing exhibits that are rich in history, innovation, and learning. Unlike children’s museums, I’m pretty sure you will get swatted on the hand if you reach out to touch the Mona Lisa. I’ll be honest, most adult exhibits bore me to tears; but maybe that’s because I haven’t had really excited guides. For older children and teens, or students who are going to a museum for a field trip or research for a project, having a guide who really knows the exhibit can make all the difference. You have the power to make these periods of history come to life. So many times students (and yours truly) are bored when going to museums because they can’t touch or relate to the displays. However, if you are there, you can make it a different experience.

8. Music Teacher

We all probably know someone who taught piano lessons out of their home. Now that someone could be you. Whether it’s the piano, saxophone, or guitar – there are people who want to learn how to play musical instruments. I personally always wanted to learn how to play the piano… sigh. Instead of being a music teacher in a school, where your students may not be as genuinely excited as you are, why not provide private instruction? Then you will know you have a captive audience, and again, you can share your knowledge with your students.

9. Tutor

Similar to a music teacher, a private tutor has the luxury of working in small groups. I have spent over four years working as a part-time private tutor. The best part of it, for me, is being able to take more time to slow down the learning, and really make it connect for my students. If being a private tutor isn’t exactly what you are looking for, you could volunteer to be an after-school tutor for a public school is a fantastic option too.

10. Writer

There are a number of ways that you could get involved in education through writing. One would be to write for educational blogs, newsletters, magazines, or monthly publications. Another would be to write workbooks for teachers to use. A third would be to become a Young Adult or children’s author; think the next J.K. Rowling. A fourth option would be to write educational books geared towards a teacher audience; here think of Alfie Kohn, Jonathan Kozol, or Diane Ravitch. All are forms of being a writer, each with it’s own demands and deadlines. Each hold equal value and importance in the world of education.

Tomorrow, we will we continue with part three, and final installment of this article.