Illinois State Museum educators are communicators who present and explain ideas and concepts that may not be familiar to visitors. Much of their time is spent planning and conducting programs for school groups and individuals of all ages. They plan programs by studying the museum's collections, conducting research, and talking to experts, then writing up their findings in the form of lessons or activities.

Some of these programs allow people to interact with curators and other specialists who furnish more information about specific topics. Others provide opportunities to learn through enjoyable, hands-on activities, both inside and outside the museum. 

Museum educators also help plan exhibits.

The Illinois State Museum offers many types of educational programs: 

• movie and lecture series 
• children and adult workshops
• demonstrations
• camp-ins
• Super Saturdays
• collectors' days
• artifact-identification days
• school programs
• internships
• out-of-town tours and day trips
• cultural festivals
• historical re-enactments

teacher workshops