Interpretive Guiding Course Registration

• New England Aquarium; One Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110
• Franklin Park Zoo; One Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121

About this Course

In a unique collaboration, the New England Aquarium (NEAq) and Zoo New England (ZNE) are offering a National Association for Interpretation (NAI) training course for individuals in the field of Interpretation. The nationally recognized Certificate of Interpretive Guiding (CIG) program is designed for anyone wanting to learn more about developing and leading interpretive programs. It is designed for staff and volunteers who design or deliver programs, give tours, provide informal engagement, or have contact with the public at interpretive sites.

This course will introduce you to the history, definitions, and principles of interpretation. During the course, you will develop a program outline and deliver a 10-minute thematic presentation, all with the support of your instructor(s) and fellow participants. In addition to the CIG basics, participants will learn to craft programs and messaging using culturally sensitive language and perspectives, as well as explore strategies to engage with diverse communities.

You will learn how to make your programs purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic, and leave ready to facilitate meaningful experiences that inspire engagement with the world around us.

Registration Rates

If you are part of New England Aquarium, contact an instructor to receive a promo code and select the in-house registration.

All others select regular registration.

$600 Regular Registration (includes a one-year complimentary NAI membership)*
$525 with NAI Member Discount

*NAI membership will start a few days after payment. 

Course Schedule

Class is a mix of instruction, discussion, live exercises, worktime, and breaks. Students must attend all classes, including the presentations of the other students, to qualify for the certificate. In order to complete all course requirements, additional time outside of class instruction will likely be necessary. Please note that the last day often runs a bit over. Please allow some flexibility on that day.

• September 21st @ZNE 9am -5pm
• September 28th @NEAq 9am -5pm
• October 5th @NEAq 9am -5pm
• October 12th Off - Columbus/Indigenous People’s Day
• October 19th @ZNE 9am -5pm

Instructor Information

Meghan-Elizabeth Foster has always loved teaching and the ocean resulting in a degree in marine biology and secondary education. She has spent the last 18 years working in the field of interpretation as a docent, interpreter, outreach educator, nature walk leader, and most recently a senior educator at the New England Aquarium.

Rita Nethersole combines a background in higher education with heritage interpretation. She holds degrees in Afro-American Studies, Higher Education Administration, Counseling, and Critical and Creative Thinking. She has over 30 years of experience as an Animal Care Keeper Aide, Interpretive Guide, and Interpretive Trainer at Franklin Park Zoo/Zoo New England.

Contact Information

One week before the start of the course, you will receive information from your instructors on how the course will work, digital materials, and a detailed agenda. For more information about the course, please contact Meghan-Elizabeth Foster at [email protected] or call 617-226-2169 or Rita Poussaint Nethersole at [email protected] or call 617 699-0100.

Special Terms and Cancellations

Courses may be canceled due to low enrollment. If this course is canceled, NAI will contact you, and you will receive a full refund.
Cancellations requested before September 14, 2026, will be subject to a $75 cancellation fee; no refunds will be issued after this date. If you need to cancel your registration, it must be emailed to [email protected].