What is a docent? A docent is a teacher, serving the museum and the community in the field of art education. The word "docent" is derived from the Latin word docere meaning "to teach." Along with providing the continuing education in art to its individual members, the docent program contributes in a variety of ways to art education in the Eastern CT region.
What do docents do?Docents contribute in several important areas:
Touring: Docents serve as tour guides to school children, visitors, students, the university and local community.
Art lectures: Docents may present talks to schools, community groups, and senior centers in the region.
Research: Docents prepare background information on museum exhibitions and acquisitions for the use of docents who tour and give lectures. Are there any prerequisites for joining the program? Volunteers should have an interest in art, enjoy working with people and a commitment to our program. Docents do not need a degree in art. Bilingual persons are strongly encouraged to apply to the program. What benefits do docents enjoy? Docent training is an exciting review of the latest art scholarship and art education ideas. It is a chance for personal education and growth. Docents also enjoy special docent trips to museums as well as a chance to meet artists and work with museum professionals. Docents can network with their colleagues from regional and national museums through docent symposiums and conferences. What does the training program involve? The training program lasts nine months from September to May. Museum staff, docents and guest lectures lead the trainees in the study of the history of art; the elements of art; museum education; and the study of the museum's collection. Docents in training perfect their skills in various areas of docent service and join the many active docents serving the William Benton Museum of Art. How many hours a week will it take? Trainees meet each Tuesday morning from September to May. Some individual time is spent on research, reading assignments, and preparation for tours.

After becoming a docent, you should plan to attend weekly lectures offered by the education department on Tuesday mornings. Docents give 2 to 3 tours per month on average.

How much does it cost? Docents must become members of the museum and pay a yearly docent dues of $15. How do I become a docent? For further information and application, please call Education Coordinator
Tracy Lawlor Education Coordinator
tracy.lawlor@uconn.edu
860-486-1711