Modern Museum Education

This Work Matters: 12 Days of Christmas, Day 12

"Now more than ever, the world needs the truth, creativity, and inspiration that museums provide."
We're wrapping up the 12 Days of Christmas: Museum Education Edition with a heartfelt reflection on the importance of museum education. In this final episode of 2024, I share my gratitude for the museum educator community and excitement for what lies ahead in 2025.
Join us as we celebrate the impact of museum education and look ahead to a year of growth, innovation, and meaningful connections.
Thank you for being part of this amazing community! Let’s make 2025 the best year yet.
For consulting inquiries or professional development opportunities, reach out via modernmuseumeducation.com. Stay tuned for more updates and resources in the new year!
For full show notes and a transcript, visit https://modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast/020.

Thriving at Work: 12 Days of Christmas, Day 11

In this penultimate episode of the 12 Days of Christmas Museum Education Edition, we dive into a deeply resonant topic for museum educators: finding and sustaining joy in your career. Whether you're thriving or just surviving, this episode offers actionable strategies to help you reconnect with your passion, create balance, and innovate in your work. From rediscovering the spark that brought you to museum education to building meaningful connections and setting boundaries, discover insights and practical advice to help you start the new year on a positive note.
Find full show notes and a transcript at https://modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast/019.

Volunteer Recognition: 12 Days of Christmas, Day 10

"Volunteers want to feel like they're contributing something meaningful, not just completing a task."Welcome back to the 12 Days of Christmas Museum Education Edition, a special podcast series designed to give museum educators actionable tips and research-backed strategies to elevate their programs for 2025. In today’s episode, we’re focusing on volunteer recognition programs—a cornerstone of many museum operations. Volunteers are often the unsung heroes of museum life, providing support for tours, events, and so much more. But as we move into a new year, it’s time to rethink how we inspire, reward, and retain our volunteers to create meaningful, long-term relationships. This episode will inspire you to take your volunteer recognition efforts from transactional to transformative! Find full show notes and a transcript at https://modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast/018

Show and Tell: 12 Days of Christmas, Day 9

“Your perspective is valuable. Whether your first presentation is big or small, it’s a chance to contribute and inspire others in the museum field.”
In today’s episode we explore a topic that might feel intimidating to many but is incredibly rewarding: presenting at professional conferences. Sharing your knowledge and experiences with peers can be a transformative step in your professional journey, and Rachel is here to guide you through it!
Whether you’re new to presenting or just need a little push, this episode is packed with actionable tips and heartfelt encouragement to help you take the leap. Rachel shares her personal journey, advice for starting small, and practical tips for planning, practicing, and engaging your audience.
For full show notes and a transcript, visit https://modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast/017

Empathy First: 12 Days of Christmas, Day 8

Welcome back to the 12 Days of Christmas: Museum Education Edition! In this episode, we explore the transformative power of human-centered design in creating museum programs that truly resonate with visitors. Whether you're designing for school groups, families, or adult learners, this approach puts people at the center, ensuring relevance, meaning, and engagement for all.Human centered design is not just for physical spaces! Use this technique to identify visitor needs, encourage collaboration, and refine your programs based on real-time feedback.
Find the full show notes and a transcript at https://modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast/016

Original Ideas: 12 Days of Christmas, Day 7

Welcome back to the 12 Days of Christmas: Museum Education Edition! Today’s episode dives into fostering creativity and originality in museum education programs, inspired by Adam Grant’s book, *Originals*. Listen to learn key insights about the innovative nature of museum education and how museum educators are the prime candidates for fostering originality and innovation! Discover how to create a culture of creativity and find out why iteration is the key to success in museum education programming!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review or share it with a colleague. Join me tomorrow for Day 8 of the 12 Days of Christmas!Full show notes and transcript can be found at https://modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast/015

Systems Thinking: 12 Days of Christmas, Day 6

Today’s episode dives into the transformative power of systems thinking and its application to the wicked problems we face in museum education.
Learn how this innovative mindset can help you approach complex challenges with clarity, adaptability, and creativity.
In this episode, you'll discover
what wicked problems are
how systems thinking can help you solve wicked problems
a real-world example of a wicked problem in museum education
why systems thinking, and its emphasis on perspective-taking, can make a big difference for your museum education work
Find full show note and a transcript at https://modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast/014.

Program Refresh: 12 Days of Christmas, Day 5

In today’s episode, Rachel dives into the art of knowing when—and how—to refresh long-standing museum education programs. Whether it’s your department’s signature offering or a seasonal favorite, keeping programs relevant and engaging requires intentional reflection, strategic updates, and community input. Key Takeaways:
Recognize the Need for a Refresh
Use Data as a Guide, Not a Judgement
Balance Tradition with Innovation
Engage Your Community
Document the Process
Frame Change as Growth, Not Failure
Key Quotes “If you can do a program in your sleep, that’s not the energy you want to bring to an audience.”
“Don’t let your numbers define you, but don’t run from them either."
"Every ending is the beginning of something new. Embrace change and take your programs from good to great.”
Find full show notes and a transcript at https://modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast/013

Museum Advocacy: 12 Days of Christmas, Day 4

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating history of museum advocacy and policy in the United States. From the founding of the Smithsonian Institution in 1846 to the creation of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in 1996, we'll unpacks key moments in the relationship between museums and federal policymaking. If you’re curious about the roots of museum policy and its implications for advocacy, this bite-sized history lesson will deepen your understanding.Discover:
The founding of the Smithsonian Institution and its unique origin story.
The ambivalence of the federal government’s role in museum funding and cultural heritage.
The impact of the 1969 Belmont Report on museum advocacy and public education.
The evolution of the Museum Services Act into today’s IMLS.
The concept of museum funding as a "wicked problem" with no perfect solutions.
Key Takeaways:
The relationship between museums and public education, a cornerstone of museum advocacy, has policy roots dating back to 1969.
The 2025 reauthorization of IMLS funding is approaching. Museum educators and professionals should start preparing their advocacy strategies now.
Advocacy Day with the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) is in February—research your state’s advocacy efforts and get involved!

Words that Wow: 12 Days of Christmas, Day 3

Welcome back to the Modern Museum Education Podcast!
Today is Day 3 of the 12 Days of Christmas Museum Education Edition, a special holiday series packed with actionable tips to elevate your museum education programs. In this episode, we dive into the art of creating magnetic marketing copy that turns potential audiences into engaged participants.
In this episode, you'll learn how to: Write enticing program descriptions that grab attention and convey value.
Use action-oriented, inclusive language tailored to your audience.
Adapt your message for different platforms, from snappy social media captions to detailed email campaigns.
End with a compelling call-to-action that drives attendance.
Ready to transform your program blurbs into must-see invitations? Tune in and learn how to make your programs stand out! For more resources or to connect, visit modernmuseumeducation.com.