Education Docent Training

Make a difference in a child’s life and become an Education Docent with Explore Buffalo! We provide school tours for students in Buffalo and the surrounding school districts. Show students Canalside, Delaware Park, Downtown Buffalo, City Hall, and more.

“As a retired teacher, there is nothing more satisfying than showing school children new places – creating a unique experience and memories- and it’s fun!”

Education Docent Key Points

  • Education Docents must be available during the school day – most Education Tours are scheduled on weekday mornings.
  • Education Tours are scheduled year-round. The busiest months are May, June, and October. We typically have Education Tours scheduled on almost every weekday during those three months.

2026 Education Docent Training Schedule

All classes are in person, 10am-12pm, locations TBA. Some classes will be at Explore Buffalo’s office at 1 Symphony Circle, next to Kleinhans Music Hall; some classes will be at tour locations.

  • Tuesdays, March 24 & 31 and April 7 & 14 
  • Thursdays, March 26 and April 2, 9, & 16

Attendance at all classes is required. All classes proceed rain or shine. In addition to the class dates listed above, this class requires time between each class to prepare presentations and complete required readings.

At the conclusion of the class, we will schedule a Graduation Tour in April or early May when you will lead the full tour you have learned. After a successful graduation tour, you are expected to lead at least eight Education Tours in 2026.

Applying to the 2026 Education Docent Class:

Required Information Session: All applicants to the 2026 Education Docent class are required to attend Info Session on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 1pm. The Info Session will be held at Explore Buffalo’s office in First Presbyterian Church at 1 Symphony Circle.

Applications for the 2026 Education Docent Class will open by February 1st, 2026. If you would like to be notified when applications are open, please email Education Coordinator Lori DeMaria at lori@explorebuffalo.org.

All applicants will be called by phone within a week of submitting their application.

Questions? Please contact Lori DeMaria at lori@explorebuffalo.org.