Seasonal Museum Educator, School Programs (Fall)

About the role

The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization.

Position Summary

Seasonal Museum Educators for School Programs play a pivotal part in inspiring students and educators through dynamic, interactive experiences in the museum galleries, school classrooms, and virtual spaces. Working closely with the Manager of Curriculum and Instruction, K-12 Students, you will support the facilitation of in-gallery (the majority of the engagement), in-classroom and virtual K-12 museum experiences (with some Pre-k and higher education support) and programming, contributing to innovative initiatives that enhance art-based learning while centering learners’ identities, voices, and opportunities for choice-making. The role is instrumental in helping to drive leading-edge, object-focused, gallery-based instruction, making direct engagement with works of art central to transformative teaching practices. The Educator will support the Walker School Visits program, Windgate School Partnerships program, the Creative Campus Experience, Virtual Experiences, in-classroom work and more. Seasonal Museum Educators champion student-centered learning by delivering scalable, innovative educational content that broadens the museum’s reach. Educators position Crystal Bridges as a leader in arts-integrated education, ensuring teachers are equipped to inspire the next generation of learners. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in art and education by inspiring students and teachers to explore, create, and connect through the transformative power of art.

Duration of Position

September 21 – December 18 (Fall) and March 9 – May 29 (Spring) aligning with the Museum’s peak season of student engagement

Typical Work Schedule

8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (30-minute lunch)

Principle Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver explorations of art in galleries (on average 80% of the time), classrooms, offsite locations, and through virtual platforms, prioritizing student-centered learning. This includes, and is not limited to, tours and art-making workshops.
• Collaborate in the planning, programming, and execution of school and teacher events, ensuring alignment with educational goals and participant needs.
• Attend and actively engage in training sessions and cohort meetings to build skills, share insights, and contribute to a culture of continuous learning.
• Build meaningful relationships among students, teachers, and administrators to create exceptional and impactful experiences.

Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in K-12 education, museum pedagogy, and arts-based learning.
• Experience in designing and implementing innovative educational programs.
• Proven ability to build relationships with educators, administrators, and community partners.
• Preference given to those with teaching licensure.
• Demonstrated knowledge of American art history required; knowledge of art, architecture, nature, and wellness is preferred.
• Expertise in museum education theory, STEAM learning strategies, and student-centered teaching practices.
• Minimum of three years’ experience teaching a range of ages in school or community setting
• Three years’ experience in leading tours, facilitating programs or public speaking.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in art education, art history, studio art, education, museum studies, or equivalent degree/experience required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of American art history required; knowledge of art, architecture, nature, and wellness is preferred.
• Proficiency in designing and facilitating interactive learning experiences, ensuring engagement, collaboration, and meaningful participation.
• Technological proficiency with virtual engagement platforms, content creation tools, and digital learning environments.
• Fluency in additional languages is desirable but not required.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Physical demands: In the work environments described below, position requires utilizing a computer and telephone for prolonged periods of time, interpersonal and written conversation with others, and transporting (up to 20 lbs.). Regularly, while performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to travel independently regionally and in communities served.
• In the work environment described below, position requires working at a desk and utilizing a computer and a telephone, good eye/hand coordination, bending and stretching, standing and sitting in the ability to move around galleries, the classrooms, and throughout the museum, including travel on the outdoor trails.
• Visual acuity to review written materials is required for this job.
• Work will be performed in an office environment, museum galleries, art studios, schools, outdoors on the trails, and in communities served.
• Some evening and weekend hours are required.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the Museum work environment is usually low to moderate.
• Some overnight travel may be necessary.

Additional Information

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States. Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.