buffalo history museum in autumn

The Buffalo History Museum Teacher Candidate Institute

The Buffalo History Museum Teacher Candidate Institute provides Buffalo State Teacher Education Candidates with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the Buffalo History Museum, building practical skills while working with children and youth in a museum education setting. 

The Buffalo History Museum Teacher Candidate Institute is a collaborative initiative between the Buffalo History Museum and the Buffalo State Teacher Education Unit. Participants will assist with field trips and programming, develop artifact-based lessons, and connect with other teacher candidates and education professionals. Interested students must apply following the directions below. Selected participants commit to approximately three to five hours per week from February 1 through May 7, 2027.

Learn more at the following fall semester events:
 
  • September 10: Info Table — Bengal Pause in the Student Union Lobby
  • September 22: Info Table — Bengal Pause in the Student Union Lobby
  • October 20: Informational session — 2 PM - 4 PM in Bacon 305
  • October 29: Teacher Tailgate — 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM in the Student Union Social Hall 

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to undergraduate and graduate students interested in working with children and youth in educational settings.

To participate, students must:

  • Be currently enrolled at Buffalo State University.
  • Be in good academic standing.
  • Be enrolled in a teacher education program or another field related to working with children and youth in educational settings.
  • Be able to provide their own transportation to the Buffalo History Museum. The Museum is within walking distance of campus.
  • Meet with their academic advisor to confirm that the experience aligns with their program goals and semester schedule.

Application

Deadline: November 6, 2026, by 11:59 p.m.
Decisions: Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status by November 20, 2026.

To apply, students must submit a(n):

  • Completed Application form
  • Academic Reference form from one Buffalo State faculty member or academic advisor
  • Statement of Intent (see below)

The Statement of Intent must be typed and include no more than 500 words responding to the following prompts. A thorough statement allows reviewers to get a clear picture of applicant interest and intent. 

Online Application: LINK

Contacts

Application Coordinator
Lauren Kausner
Buffalo History Museum
lkausner@buffalohistory.org

Program Coordinator
Melissa Leonard
Buffalo State University
leonarml@buffalostate.edu

Buffalo State Program Contact
Tamara Horstman
School of Education and Applied Professions
horstmath@buffalostate.edu