Spring 2010

Position Description: The Frist Center’s Teaching Assistant Program is designed to introduce participants to museum education by providing hands-on teaching experiences in a unique learning environment. Teaching Assistants will gain a valuable understanding of three specific areas within the Education Department including Martin ArtQuest Gallery, Kids Club, and exhibition-related studio classes for schoolchildren.

Martin ArtQuest: The interactive gallery is designed for visitors of all ages with special emphasis on children. ArtQuest is composed of individual ArtStations that accommodate families and small groups. Teaching Assistants work with staff and volunteers to help engage all age visitors in artmaking as well as prepare, stock, and replenish art supplies.

Kids Club: Designed for 5-10 year olds, the Frist Center Kids Club offers opportunities for children to discover, explore, and create art. Teaching Assistants are responsible for routine Saturday set-up of signs and studios, assisting with activities, as well clean up and reorganization. Teaching Assistants work with the Kids Club database, which includes attendance records and communication with members.

Studio Classes: Studio classes are offered in conjunction with the Pre-K through 5th grade school tours. These 30- to 50-minutes sessions encourage students to further explore selected exhibitions through artmaking activities. Teaching Assistants work collaboratively on designing the lessons, prepping materials, and teaching classes as scheduled.

Requirements: To apply for the Teaching Assistant Program, students must be:
• Enrolled at a college or university when applying
• Holding junior, senior, or graduate student status when applying
• Pursuing a degree in art education, education, or studio art

Commitment: Students must commit to work for 20 consecutive weeks during the spring semester. From January 8 through May 28, 2010, Teaching Assistants must be available at least 2 weekdays from 9:30 to 2:00 p.m. as well as rotating evenings and weekends for a total of 10-15 hours a week. This includes working through school breaks and holidays.

Students in good standing will have the opportunity to continue the program for another semester.


Application Process: To be considered for a TA position, you must submit a packet containing all of the following.

• A cover letter explaining why you would like to participate in the Teaching Assistant Program at the Frist Center, and how it fits into your long-term career goals.
• A letter of faculty recommendation
• A completed Teaching Assistant Application Form

The Frist Center will not accept any digital application packets but only those sent via regular mail at the below address.


Download 2010 Fall Teaching Assistant Application Form


Applications should be submitted to:

Andrea Steele
Educator for Teacher and School Programs
Frist Center for the Visual Arts
919 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203

Please note that this is a competitive program and applying DOES NOT guarantee you a position. We will contact those who we wish to interview.

Fall 2010
Application deadline: July 16, 2010
Application Review Period: July 19–30, 2010
Acceptance/decline Letters Mailed: July 30, 2010
Start Date: August 16, 2010
End Date: January 3, 2011
Length: 20 consecutive weeks
Required Commitment: 10-15 hours/week
Stipend: $8.50 an hour
Eligibility: Junior or Senior college and university students or graduate students