Early Learning Intern

Position: Early Learning Intern 

Reports to: Senior Manager of Family and Early Learning Programs 

Level: Intern 

Classification: Non-Exempt, Part-Time 

Benefits: Not benefits eligible 

Schedule: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm with one hour for lunch on two mutually agreed upon days 

Internship Period: Proposed start date week of September 8, 2025 - May 29, 2026  

Salary: $18/hour, 14 hours per week 

Deadline: March 28, 2025 

Scope of Position: 

The Early Learning Intern will gain hands-on experience using a variety of teaching skills through facilitating art experiences for early learners. The intern will play a critical teaching role in Arturo’s Preschool, a free program for preschool, homeschool, and daycare groups serving children ages 3-6. Alongside the Family and Early Learning Programs team, the intern will co-teach lessons in galleries with an emphasis on discussion-based learning that is rooted in play. Under the guidance of DMA education staff, the intern will also have the opportunity to plan and teach their own lesson designed for preschoolers. After teaching pre-written lessons, the intern will have a foundation to produce age-appropriate content that speaks to their own personal interests and skillset.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Co-facilitate tours for preschoolers and other early learners from elementary school, homeschool, daycare, and community groups
• Deliver early learning programming that is open-ended and centered on play
• Maintain records regarding program attendance
• Communicate with organizing staff to ensure smooth logistics and delivery of early learning programming
• Attend occasional check-in meetings with supervisor and other members of the Family and Early Learning Programs team
• Under the guidance of their supervisor, create and implement a lesson plan for an early learning program  
   

Internship Goals: 

• Learn developmentally appropriate strategies and techniques for teaching early learners about art appreciation and artmaking
• Build skills in gallery teaching and public speaking
• Learn how to create, organize, and lead educational programming in a museum setting
• Ascertain professional goals and interests through the support of mentorship
• Develop professional communication and interpersonal skills through collaboration with Museum colleagues
   

Requirements

 Education, Experience, and Certification: 

• Current student or recent graduate of an early learning education program recommended
• Art history background and/or coursework beneficial
• Experience and interest working with early learners and families
• Some experience working with children and/or families in a group, museum, or school setting
   

Key Qualifications: 

• Comfortable presenting to and interacting with children and families
• An interest in thinking outside the box to teach a wide variety of topics to a diverse audience
• Ability to create inclusive, relationship-focused, and safe learning experiences
• Comfortable with public speaking for the duration of a program (approx. one hour)
• Physical requirements include kneeling, bending, standing, and lifting up to 25 lbs.

Application Instructions

Upload and attach your resume and personal statement cover letter as specified below. 

All items must be submitted no later than March 28, 2025.

• Resume or CV

Submit an application under Select Resume to Upload

• Personal Statement/Cover Letter

Submit an application under Upload Cover Letter 

[A detailed one-to-two-page cover letter explaining your interest in an art museum career. Include information regarding your personal learning expectations for the internship; any prior museum or art related experience; and any teaching experience, especially working with children.]

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.