Frequently ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) for School Docent Candidates

1. Do I need prior knowledge of art to be a school docent?
Docents are not required to have prior knowledge of art. They are required to hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent experience through work or study. Docents receive extensive ongoing training in museum teaching, understanding the Gallery’s audience, and art history.

2. Is it necessary to have prior experience working with school-age groups or younger children?
Relevant experience working with school-age groups or younger children is helpful but not required.

3. Are school docents able to pick which tours and age ranges they teach?
School docents are expected to lead all school tours offered by the Gallery for students from pre-kindergarten age through grade 12.

4. Do school docents have a particular day and time each week that they are required to be available to give tours?
School docents choose one day per week when they are to be available to give tours, but they do not give more than two tours on that day. Tours are assigned approximately three weeks in advance, and docents do not have to be at the Gallery on their tour day unless a tour has been assigned.

5. When do tours take place?
School tours take place Monday through Friday beginning at 10:15 a.m. and concluding at 3:30 p.m. during the months of October through May. Tours last from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending upon the theme and the grade level.

6. Is parking available at the Gallery for school docent candidates?
Parking is not available for school docent candidates. There is metered parking available on surrounding streets, and the National Gallery is accessible by Metro.

7. What is the dress code for school docents?
There is no official dress code for school docents, but it is suggested that school docents dress in professional attire.

8. Why is it a requirement to have an e-mail address?
E-mail is the primary mode of communication between the National Gallery staff and school docents. Through e-mail correspondence, school docents receive updated information on school tours as well as upcoming lectures and Gallery programs. E-mail is also essential for conducting docent-to-docent business.

9. How many applicants will be accepted to the school docent class?
The Gallery anticipates accepting approximately 30 applicants into the new school docent class.

10. Currently how many school docents are there?
The Gallery has approximately 70 active school docents.