Education
Cheekwood's education programs add interpretive depth to its collections, exhibitions, and program areas and provide lifelong learning opportunities. Cheekwood offers an extensive schedule of artistic and horticultural programs and classes for all ages.
For Important Information regarding Cheekwood's Education programs, including the registration and cancellation policy, please click here. For more information, contact the Education Department at 615.353.9827.
EDUCATION & PUBLIC PROGRAMS INTERNSHIP
Cheekwood Education/Public Programs Internships are designed for the university or college student seeking to gain hands-on experience in a non-profit museum and botanical garden. Interns will experience all aspects of museum education including: developing and teaching classes, creating educational materials, guiding tours through the gardens and collections, contributing to Cheekwood’s wide range of programming, and working with a variety of age groups.
Title: Education & Public Programs Intern
Hours/Time Commitment:
Internships are offered in conjunction with the academic calendar, coinciding with the fall semester, spring semester, and summer break. Hours vary and are flexible, but a minimum of 15 hours per week is required. Students should be available to work during Cheekwood’s opening hours.
Academic Credit:
All interns are encouraged to obtain credit for internships through their academic institution. Cheekwood will work with students to complete all required paperwork and documentation.
Description:
Internships are designed to expose students to the multi-faceted and high energy field of museum education while providing students with opportunities to apply classroom skills in a real-world environment. Specific internship projects are based on Cheekwood needs and requirements as well as applicants’ interests and skills. Possible intern projects and/or areas of focus include:
• Teaching Assistant – Saturday AM / Tuesdays for Tots
Teaching Assistants will manager the operations of Cheekwood’s weekly classes or camps. From developing the craft activities and preparing the supplies to facilitating each class, interns will work with the Studio Coordinator to create a fun and educational season of classes.
• Exhibition Interpretation
Interns will work with the Manager of Public Programs to develop interpretive materials, such as interactive galleries and family guides, in conjunction with upcoming exhibitions.
• Docent/Guide Education
Interns will work with the Docent Educator to prepare materials for seasonal training sessions. Projects may include rewriting and updating training manuals, creating new tours, or leading training sessions.
• School Services & Outreach
Interns will work with Cheekwood staff to develop educational materials for school tours and programs as well as projects and materials for outreach services. From creating standards-based tours to developing supplemental materials for teachers, aspiring educators will gain great hands-on experience.
• Programs & Events
Interns will work with the Public Programs Manager to coordinate monthly programs, lectures and workshops, and seasonal events such as Spring Art, El Día de los Muertos, and Season of Celebration.
Application Process:
Interested applicants should submit their letter of interest and resume to the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@cheekwood.org or mail it to:
1200 Forrest Park Drive
Nashville, TN 37205


Education programs are held in the Frist Learning Center at Cheekwood.
Cheekwood offers many different classes for both adults and children year-round.