Approximately 20,000 school children visit the Museum annually and most participate in guided tours led by University student docents.  The Museum uses inquiry-based styles of teaching.  Children are invited to look, touch, and question. 

Tours are led and programs are taught by a corps of 50 to 60 Museum docents, who are primarily undergraduate students at the University of Michigan.  The docents receive extensive training, mentoring, and evaluation from the Museum's education staff, as well as input from research staff.

A Community
At the Exhibit Museum, students from a wide variety of academic disciplines within the University come together with a common goal-educating children about science and social studies. Students who would never find themselves in the same classes or organizations work and learn together as a team.

A Learning Experience
Students who choose to work at the Exhibit Museum dedicate themselves to learning how to teach, regardless of their formal area of study. Students are educated not only in paleontology, geology, ecology, biology, anthropology, and archeology, but also in informal learning techniques and customer service. Being a docent builds confidence, flexibility, and responsibility. No prior experience working with children or background knowledge in natural history is required-just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

A Job
While most programs of this nature are volunteer-based, many students cannot afford to volunteer their time so extensively.  Our paid docent program provides students with the opportunity to earn money in a unique environment while learning and developing valuable skills.

For More Information
Contact the Docent Coordinator, Sarah Thompson (734-647-6421, sarah@umich.edu).