McDermott Intern - Family and Early Learning Programs

Description

Position: McDermott Intern for Family and Early Learning Programs 

Reports to: Senior Manager of Family and Early Learning Programs 

Level: Intern 

Classification: Non-Exempt, Full-Time, Hourly 

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid holiday, personal and sick time; $500 for professional development 

Schedule: Generally, Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm with some late evening/weekend hours & one hour for lunch; ability to work remotely 2 days per week following introductory period 

Internship Period: September 2, 2025 - May 8, 2026 

Salary: $15/hour, 35 hours per week

Application Deadline: March 17, 2025

Scope of Internship:   

The intern will assist in the research, planning, and implementation of art programs and materials for children, families, and PreK students. The intern will receive practical exposure to art museum education, including teaching children ages 0-12 and their caregivers in a family setting, and preschool students in school partnership and field trips settings. The intern will also assist in developing art-making activities and managing self-guided materials. Programs take place primarily in the Museum galleries. The work week for this position is Monday-Friday with occasional weekends and some evenings required, and the position lasts nine months.  

Duties & Responsibilities: 

Activities include: 

• Lead tours and partnership programs for preschool students 
• Support and teach onsite classes for early learners and families 
• Prepare program materials and resources 
• Develop and maintain anytime activities and resources for families 
• Attend regular meetings with supervisors and departmental meetings with the Family, Youth and Schools team and Education 
• Contribute to and collaborate with the Family, Youth and Schools team to achieve departmental and institutional goals 

Internship Goals: 

• Learn specific teaching strategies for working with early learners, families, and preschool students 
• Build skills in gallery teaching and public speaking with various audiences 
• Learn approaches for writing lesson plans and other interpretive resources 
• Learn how to create, organize, facilitate, and lead educational programming in a museum setting 
• Gain experience interacting with a wide range of visitors in a museum setting 
• Learn methods for working collaboratively with coworkers on projects in a museum setting 
• Enhance research skills in art and art history and build an increased knowledge of works of art in the Dallas Museum of Art’s collection 
• Ascertain professional goals and interests through the support of mentorship 
• Develop professional communication and interpersonal skills through collaboration with Museum colleagues 
• Understand the roles and functions of different staff within the Museum as well as the relationship between the departments and how they all function together to comprise the organization 

Requirements

Requirements, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Applicants must have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree in a related field, such as art history, art education, education, humanities, or studio art and want to pursue a career in working with young people.  Since this is a fast paced and active position, applicants must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. and possess the ability to public speak for the duration of the program (approx. one hour). 

Internship Project: 

Possible internship projects include: 

• Writing lesson plans for Early Learning and Family programs 
• Creating unfacilitated activities and resources for early learners and families 
• Development of a Wee Wednesday program 
• Developing activities and tours for special events such as Spring Break and Family Festival 

Our Core Values  

• Act with Integrity: We are honest and ethical.
• Build Inclusivity: We create spaces where everyone can feel like they belong. 
• Communicate Respectfully: We listen intentionally and advocate for diverse perspectives.
• Embrace and Drive Change: We are innovative, creative, and solutions driven.
• Foster Connections: We collaborate around shared goals.
• Maintain Balance: We encourage ourselves and each other to reflect and recharge.
• Remain Curious: We pursue personal and professional learning.

Mission  

The Dallas Museum of Art is a space of wonder and discovery where art comes alive. The DMA will:

Place art and our diverse communities at the center around which all activities radiate.

Pursue excellence in collecting and programming, present works of art across cultures and time, and be a driving force in contemporary art.

Strengthen our position as a prominent, innovative institution, expanding the meaning and possibilities of learning and creativity. 

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion  

The Dallas Museum of Art fosters equity, celebrates diversity, and supports inclusion. We acknowledge that diverse backgrounds and voices of visitors, volunteers, trustees, staff, and communities represented in the collection make us stronger and better equipped to make positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally.

Equity  

Society’s historical legacies and systemic barriers have created disparities in the communities we serve. Knowing this, we strive to expand and enhance arts opportunities for all.

Diversity  

Many factors—including but not limited to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetics, economic backgrounds, and experiences—make individuals and groups unique. Our goal is to ensure visitors, volunteers, trustees, staff, and collections reflect this diversity.

Inclusion  

We commit to listening to and learning from diverse voices and perspectives. We create a vibrant and accessible social space that encourages dialogue and the exchange of ideas through arts and culture.

EOE  

The Dallas Museum of Art is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The DMA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Salary : $15