Image courtesy of Illinois State University
NORMAL, Ill. – The Children’s Discovery Museum named Katie Keller as the new Director of Education on Tuesday.
Beth Whisman, Executive Director of Cultural Arts, talked about Keller’s previous experience, new ideas she brings to the museum and what this means for the town of Normal.
“Her experience in the informal education world is through national parks. She’s had 15 years of experience as an interpreter and an environmental educator with the National Park Service,” said Whisman. “That type of in-person, hands-on engagement is perfect for a museum.”
With working her way up in the National Park Service industry through various universities, Keller’s background is in McLean County. Whisman explained how the resources McLean County offers can create a great environment for education opportunities.
“We just have wonderful resources. I think Katie’s decision to look for education opportunities in the museum world in her hometown is just one great example of that happening,” said Whisman. “She started here and worked her way up through the National Park Service. As she has continued to grow, she’s also kept her roots here in McLean County.”
Whisman explained that Keller brings lots of new ideas to the table, her main goal being continuing to create a hands-on, accessible experience for children to play, and integrating that into STEAM education.
“We’re going to have a top-notch education director who’s going to be helping lead the museum in how we’re teaching children and how we’re connecting families and the community,” said Whisman. “We’re going to have someone who’s well-positioned to help our education staff continue to develop professionally, but also stay on top of learning standards so that we’re properly serving our schools.”
Whisman explained how Keller’s experience is going to benefit the museum and the Town of Normal by being able to connect with families through education, as well as enhance the educational staff with the priorities of making their learning standards.