What are the responsibilities and job description for the Teacher Institute Interpreter (PT) position at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation?
Who We Are
Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.
Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, The Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.
Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.
About the Position
Teacher Institute Interpreters develop, implement, and deliver components of Colonial Williamsburg Teacher professional development programs that are historically accurate, meet relevant social studies standards for a national audience, and creatively engage learners in the study and teaching of social studies via the Teacher Institute, on- and off-site workshops, conferences, and distance/online learning programs for K-16 teachers.
Teacher Institute Interpreters advance Colonial Williamsburg’s commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability utilizing credible research and resources to share with our guests the full and complete story of 18th-century America and beyond.
Essential Functions:
1. Teacher Institute Interpreters develop, implement, and deliver in-depth content to K-16 educators that aligns with the relevant educational standards and latest pedagogical best practices. They also ensure that programming adheres to high standards of historical integrity and stewardship and is rooted in historical research relevant to a modern, diverse audience.
2. Teacher Institute Interpreters cultivate a deeper understanding of the past by participating in content training, skills development, and conducting research on topics relevant to the history of the United States of America that build a more comprehensive and inclusive understanding of the past. They find appropriate opportunities to share this with colleagues and guests in order to provide a guest experience where each person can see themselves in the story of American history.
3. When researching and developing interpretations, Teacher Institute Interpreters are mindful to ensure an inclusive approach to their work, and that all scholarship, interpretations, and other materials produced consider multiple perspectives. They evaluate and assist in updating resources to ensure they are relevant and align with current departmental objectives/expectations and state standards of learning/curriculums.
4. Teacher Institute Interpreters prepare, rehearse, and perform interpretations, either in first or third person, and they do so reliably, consistently, and skillfully, with historical and artistic integrity. Presentations will be shared with the Teacher Institute team and approved by the Manager of Teacher Development.
5. Teacher Institute Interpreters adjust interpretations for audience, season, time period, and thematic objectives. They engage with guests at their level, without personal bias, to make subject matter relevant and to create meaningful, guest focused interpretations.
Expected Hours of Work Per Week: 3-4 hrs. per week. 100 hrs. per year
Required and Preferred Education and Experience:
- Competencies are usually acquired through completion of eight or more years of teaching or interpretive experience with demonstrated program planning and delivery experience.
- BA in American History, American Studies, Education, or related area such as Cultural Heritage or Ethnic Studies.
- MA in History, Education, or a related area such as Museum Studies.
- Past Colonial Williamsburg or partner institution Teacher Institute participant, facilitator, interpreter, or instructor.
Qualifications:
- In-depth knowledge of the British colonial era, the American Revolution, the Early Republic and demonstrated specialization in related fields such as but not limited to ethnic studies, American Civil War, Black history, character interpretation etc.
- In-depth knowledge of a variety of interpretive techniques and classroom educational strategies for grades K-16 and a demonstrated specialization in related fields.
- Demonstrated ability to independently plan, organize, and implement first-person character and/or third-person presentations.
- Experience in training teachers and/or historical interpreters.
- Ability to present and maintain a warm and enthusiastic demeanor with participants and co-workers, handle a variety of customer interactions, effectively handle teacher complaints, and balance the needs of both the participants and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
