b'a place for connectionCharlene Shang Miller, Educator for Academic ProgramsWHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A TEACHING MUSEUM for a program supported by an Art Bridges grant.and a place for learning for all of our audiences? The academic programs student assistant providedThe work of SCMA educators prioritizes belonging.essential behind-the-scenes research and resources The museum is a place for people to have transforma- supporting the academic experience of thousandstive and intimate experiences with art; it is a nurturingof college students. The 22 members of the Student space for the individual, as well as for people to Museum Club planned programs for Smith students gather to learn from and with each other. Throughthat inspired creative expression. The 131 studentsguided visits and robust programming that incorpo- in the Museum Volunteer Program supported Free rates inclusive pedagogies and practices, we strive Community Day, Free Second Fridays, and otherto empower audiences to engage with art on theirpublic and student programsincluding the annual own terms. Night At Your Museum, the largest museum event, SCMA is a site for Smith College students towith a record-breaking attendance of 2,482.learn and work closely with museum educators Collaborations with student organizations, while playing a critical role in successful engagementindividual students, community organizations, faculty, across audiences. Over 1,600 K12 students took teachers, schools and artists are key to our successes. field trips to the museum, and our nine dedicatedWhether creating student programs focusing onStudent Museum Educators (SMEs) guided visits thatactivism, poetry or dance, exhibitions- and collections- encouraged discovery, active listening and a free related lectures, panels and dialogues, or interpretiveexchange of ideas in various ways that are tailored gallery experiences and activities, centering andfor each group. A cross-campus collaboration withlistening to diverse voices, perspectives and audience Project Coach was made possible through the work ofneeds anchors SCMA as a place where art and people 10 graduate M.A.T. and undergraduate fellows truly connect. below:Student Museum Educator Libby Keller 20 leads an activity with visitors on the third floorconnecting people to ideas37'