This Work Matters: Words of Encouragement for Museum Educators
12 Days of Christmas Day 12
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, I share my gratitude for the museum educator community and my excitement for what lies ahead in 2025.
"Now more than ever, the world needs the truth, creativity, and inspiration that museums provide.”
A Note from Rachel
This podcast episode is filled with my earnest hopes for you and a sincere wish for you to know just exactly how important your work is!
I want to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you for sticking with me, even though I know I haven’t been the most reliable with this podcast this year. Life has been busy with client work and schoolwork, all of which I pursue for the benefit of the museum educator community.
I am deeply passionate about museum education, particularly the work we do with children. I truly believe museum education can change the world, and I’m committed to helping museum educators bridge the gap between scholarship and practice. My goal is to support you in doing your work with more ease, creativity, and joy—and with less burnout. This is my life’s passion, and I’ve been working hard behind the scenes to set up ways to do this work even bigger and better in the coming year and beyond.
In this last episode, I want to reflect on what we’ve accomplished in modern museum education, set the stage for what’s ahead, and encourage you about the importance of our work. Because it does matter—it matters so deeply. The work we do is more critical than ever. Over the past year, you’ve all worked tirelessly to shape the minds and experiences of your visitors. And I want to highlight the difference you’ve made for the children who have walked through your doors.
The kids you inspire today will grow into the adults who fund museums, vote on policies, and shape the future of our communities. As museum educators, we plant seeds of curiosity, critical thinking, and empathy that will take root in ways we may not immediately see but that will ultimately flourish for generations.
Museums hold a unique power to drive social change in a world that often feels divided and uncertain. We create spaces where history, art, science, and stories spark meaningful conversations, where diverse perspectives are shared, and where complex issues inspire critical thinking and thoughtful action.
Now more than ever, the world needs the truth, creativity, and inspiration that museums provide. But I also know how hard this work can be. In the museum field, we carry the weight of history, culture, and science—the very building blocks of society. Yet we constantly face the challenge of staying relevant and engaging audiences meaningfully. We navigate funding issues, accessibility concerns, and the day-to-day demands of our roles. It’s exhausting. I know it is. I’ve seen colleagues struggle with burnout and doubt. It’s hard when the stakes feel so high.
But I want you to remember this: your work matters. Whether you’re leading a field trip, designing a program, or simply opening the door for a visitor, you are making a lasting impact. The work we do today shapes the leaders, thinkers, and changemakers of tomorrow.
As we close out 2024, I want to thank each of you for your dedication and passion. And as we look ahead to 2025, I’m so excited about what’s to come. For me, next year brings new opportunities, including more availability for small-scale consulting projects. If you’re looking to overhaul a program or dive into audience evaluation, I’m here to help. I’m also opening up more time for one-on-one professional development power hours. If you’re new to museum education or leadership—or just need a sounding board—I’d love to work with you. Mentoring is one of my greatest strengths, and I’m eager to do more of it in the year ahead.
Additionally, I’ll be offering more staff training workshops to support your department’s professional development goals. On top of that, I’ll be wrapping up my Ph.D. coursework, diving into my dissertation research, and working toward my own professional goals, including some exciting publication projects. I can’t wait to share what I’m working on with you.
So, I hope you’ll join me back here in the new year as we continue exploring how to make museum experiences more engaging, inclusive, and transformative. Here’s to a new year filled with growth, innovation, and, most importantly, meaningful connections. Thank you for all you do and for being part of this incredible community. Let’s make 2025 our best year yet!
With warm wishes for a bright holiday and an exciting new year,
Rachel
Check out the episode on your favorite podcast player!
Looking for the transcript? Find it here.
