With students returning to school after winter break, the Education Team is back to giving multiple tours a day, 4 days a week. (For more info on School Tours, click here.) These tours would not be possible without the help of dedicated Docents in our Docent Corps! This month we highlight Judy Mizrahi for all her hardwork at the Museum. Thank you Judy for all you do to further the Museum’s mission of “Engaging and Inspiring through Arts, Gardens and Education”!
IN THE WORDS OF JUDY…
About myself.
Except for a brief time away for college (Go Gators!) and my husband’s medical training, Jacksonville has been my home since I was eight years old. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education and subsequently, a Master of Arts in Education, I taught high school social sciences in the Duval County Public Schools for 24 years. It proved to be a fabulous career for me. Always learning, never boring, and absolutely nothing can beat the euphoria of witnessing students as they become truly engaged in learning.
Why did I want to become a docent?
As my own two children became adults and started having children of their own, it was time for me to retire. Although I kept busy with grandchildren and working part time in my husband’s medical practice, I still felt something was missing. I really missed the energizing interaction of teaching. A few years ago, the Cummer was planning an exhibit entitled One Family, by Israeli photographer, Vardi Kahana. A friend mentioned that the Museum was looking to train a few special docents for this exhibit . At first I was somewhat intimidated since I did not have an art history background, but fortunately I decided to be bold and I took a chance. I was hooked from day one!! The museum educators were fabulous and the training was excellent. I was especially impressed with the warm welcome I received by every single person involved with the Museum.
Favorite part of the job:
That’s easy! I love taking these precious children through the Museum and Gardens as they eagerly engage with the art. I also love the warmth and camaraderie of my fellow docents. My time at the Cummer is truly one of the highlights of my week!
In my spare time I enjoy reading and spending time with our six grandsons!
We are so glad you’re here, Judy!
You contribute wonderfully.