The Student Educator program is a paid gallery teaching opportunity for Washington University students. Student Educators design and lead public tours on the Museum’s collection and exhibitions that invite visitors from all backgrounds to engage with art, express ideas, and raise questions. As a public face of the Museum, Student Educators gain experience with visual analysis, critical thinking, public speaking, and audience engagement.

Student Educators participate in trainings and ongoing monthly professional development sessions with Museum staff and invited speakers to learn about the collection, special exhibitions, and current museum education practices, including object-based learning strategies, critical pedagogy, and creative response gallery activities. Students lead at least two tours per semester for the general public, PreK–12, higher education, and community audiences and complete post-tour reflections. In addition to trainings, students work closely with education staff and their peers and are provided interpretive materials in support of developing tours. 

Requirements and Eligibility

The Student Educator program seeks students who are passionate about connecting with people around art and who value curiosity. We welcome applicants with diverse interests and perspectives from a range of academic backgrounds. To be eligible for the Student Educator program, students will be at least a sophomore at the time of training, which occurs at the start of the fall semester. All majors and students with experience in art, art history, media studies, visual culture studies, and education are encouraged to apply.  

Students Educators are required to attend an onboarding training series and monthly professional development sessions and observe at least one tour prior to teaching. Student Educators receive a $100 honorarium for the onboarding training and a $60 honorarium for each tour given.  

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted by completing this form. Applications are due April 4, 2025.

Please direct questions to Latausha Cox, Associate Educator, at cox.l@wutl.edu or 314.935.5624.