Beginning this internship I hoped that I would start to get re-acclimated to a museum work environment and participate in as many activities as possible with the hopes of learning/observing/participating in aspects of museum work that I had not previously been exposed to as well as re-learning and coming back up to speed with the museum education practices that I was already familiar with.
    Today has been an excellent opportunity to work with a group of 25 art teachers sent by their school districts, a practice that I am new to.   It is not unlike any tour/workshop except that they have a background for lively and interesting discussion. 
     It is interesting to observe the different teachers, their reactions, ideas, insight and the different levels at which they participate.  It is plain that, for a very few, their minds or maybe their hearts are elsewhere.  However, the interim director of education here is so extremely knowledgeable (and animated) about Spanish art that almost everyone gets pulled into the conversation.  And there is conversation, this is not a lecture but directed viewing and discussion among the whole group with everyone's ideas given attention.  It was effective to use four different worksheets, each spotlighting 2-3 works, with questions concerning stylistic similarities and differences and the use of elements and principles of art.  This got everyone going and contemplating, it was an excellent way to help the group engage and focus.  This afternoon they will be practicing the project we will implement next week for drop-in art geared for the public.  This will be an excellent opportunity to fine tune this project through the groups feedback and I look forward to that.