Raising Docent Confidence in Engaging Students on School Tours

Embracing Individualism and Encouraging Personal Style in Gallery Teaching

“…And confidence in turn brings about positive interactions with visitors, as witnessed by art education professor Teri Evans-Palmer: "On past museum tours with my students, I have observed how readily they blossom in the company of docents who are authentically, passionately themselves." 13 Encouraging personal style in practice How can museum educators encourage personal style in gallery teaching amongst volunteer or staff gallery educators? At the ICA, an art museum that provides access to contemporary visual and performing arts for local and international audiences at two different sites on Boston's harbor, I manage and train volunteer tour guides and seasonal contract gallery educators.…”