Training Program
How Do Docents Get Trained?
Docents are trained in three ways: weekly training sessions, classroom visits, and meeting experienced docents. Prospective trainees do not need or require any formal art background or skills, just an interest in teaching art to elementary school children.
Weekly Training Sessions: Trainees meet Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. September through March. New docents learn one Art Appreciation and one Hands-On art lesson each week. Other topics may include discussion of different docent roles, training in art theory or classroom management, and watercolor or clay "play days.". Training sessions are held at the District Office on the Covington School campus. New trainees are expected to attend all the training classes in their first year.
Classroom Visits: Trainees visit K-6 classrooms throughout the Los Altos School District. Art Appreciation lessons: observe a focused discussion between the docent and the classroom students. Hands-On lessons: assist the lead docent with lesson materials and students' work.
Meet Experienced Docents: In place of a training session, a general meeting of all docents is held one Wednesday of each month. General meetings begin with business, and then feature an enjoyable educational program, such as a guest lecturer or adult art lesson! Enjoy special docents-only tours, field trips and social events, too!
Commitment
- Attend training classes and the monthly general meeting Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. September through March. Monthly general meetings continue through May.
- Start to observe, assist and/or lead lessons in classsrooms during the training series. At the conclusion of training in March, docents are expected to be in the classroom four times per month.
- Participate in our annual Art Show in the spring. All docents and trainees are asked to commit 10 hours to prepare and host the 3 day Art Show at the Hillview Community Center.
- Commit to a minimum of 2 years to the program. One year of required training, plus a minimum of one year of classroom teaching four times per month.
Please note: Training is conducted every Wednesday morning except school holidays. Classroom visits are required in addition to Wednesday morning sessions. Because of the time commitment involved in becoming an Art Docent, childcare and work conflicts must be resolved before enrolling in the program.
Check the FAQ page for more information.
Trainee Feedback
"In addition to getting fed delicious food while getting trained, I find that learning the lessons helps to fill in holes in my minimal art background. The lessons are geared to the kids, so it is not necessary to have art talent, but you might discover that you want to explore some art areas further. Also, when I bring home the hands-on projects to show my family, my son wants to do that project too and I secretly want to hang my art up on the art wall."
- Lisa T., 2007 trainee
"Like many of my fellow docents, I started when my children were in elementary school in the district when I was a part-time working mother. And I had NO background in art! Now, my youngest is in his 2nd year of law school. I cannot think of a more rewarding and fulfilling way of volunteering in the school district. The amount of time involved pales in comparison to what I have learned about art, the wonderful friends I have made and most important, seeing how art works its magic on children!"
-Gloria D., 1995 trainee
"I heard about the program through my dentist's office! When the hygienist heard I was retiring from my tech career and exploring things to do related to art she said I should check out Los Altos Art Docents and be sure to go see the annual LAAD art show. So, I went to the art show that spring and was blown away by how great the kids' art was. I decided to train to teach when the fall school season started up. To this day I'm always excited by and amazed at the insights and observations on the art such young kids have. I think I learn more from them than they learn from me."
-Robyn A., 2005 trainee
