Lead Museum Educator, School Programs

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.

Job Description:

Position Title: Lead Museum Educator, School Programs

Position Type: Full-time

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Department: Learning & Engagement

Reports To: Manager of Curriculum and Instruction, K-12 Students

Compensation Range: $21.15 - $24.04

Position Summary:

The Lead Museum Educator of School Programs designs innovative, arts-based instructional content leveraging the Museum’s collection to enhance students' critical thinking, creativity, and connection to the arts. Working closely with the Manager of Curriculum and Instruction, K-12 Students, you will support the design and implementation of K-12 curriculum (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 Lead Educator will support the Walker School Visits program, Windgate School Partnerships program, the Creative Campus Experience, Virtual Experiences, in-classroom work and more.

Lead Museum Educators champion student-centered learning by developing 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.

Typical work schedule: 8:00 a.m.-5 p.m., year-round

Travel: Lead Educators will travel to schools primarily in the Northwest Arkansas area with the possibility that it could be beyond.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and delivery of high-quality, innovative curriculum for all school and teacher initiatives. Mentor part-time educators to ensure program consistency and quality.
• Under the leadership of the Manager of Curriculum and Instruction, K-12 Students, take ownership of developing cutting-edge instructional content and curriculum that aligns with museum priorities and informs part-time educator roles. Leverage tools, such as AI, to create engaging and accessible content.
• Strategize and lead digital engagement initiatives, including virtual tours and multimedia content, while integrating emerging technological trends.
• Provide coaching, training, and ongoing support to part-time educators, fostering professional growth and alignment with museum standards. Lead co-horts of museum educators in the training and development of instruction practices and content knowledge both in art history and other core K-12 subject areas.
• Act as a key advocate for K-12 teaching and learning within museum-wide initiatives, influencing exhibition planning and strategic objectives.
• Lead outreach efforts, ensuring programs effectively reach and engage a broad range of communities, and serve as a primary voice in communications like the Teacher E-Newsletter.
• Serve as lead for day-to-day operations of the museum education team including coordinating educator flow, managing real-time logistics, and serving as the main point of contact with GEO, Security and Facilities to ensure a smooth school group experience.
  
  

Qualifications and Skills:

• Strong background in designing and implementing arts-based instructional content with an emphasis on student-centered learning.
• Proven ability to lead, train, and mentor peers to deliver exceptional educational experiences.
• Proficient in designing and leading interactive learning experiences, ensuring engagement, collaboration, and meaningful participation.
• : Deep understanding of and commitment to community-oriented education, with the ability to adapt programs to meet the needs of various audiences.
• Ability to work across teams and departments, fostering partnerships to achieve shared goals.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience contributing to digital and print media.
• Demonstrated ability to stay ahead of trends in museum and K-12 education, continuously evolving instructional practices.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed to support program delivery and special events.
  
  

Education, Training & Traits :

• Teaching licensure strongly preferred but not required. Bachelor’s degree in art education, art history, studio art, education, museum studies, or equivalent degree/experience required; Master’s degree preferred, but not required
• Demonstrated knowledge of American art history required; knowledge of art, architecture, nature, and wellness is preferred
• Minimum of three years’ experience teaching a range of ages in school or community setting
• Three years’ experience developing curriculum, presenting programs or public speaking
  
  

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 Environment: 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. Reasonable accommodations may be reviewed and evaluated in the case of exhibitions exceeding noise levels. Some overnight travel may be necessary.
  
  

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 women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans 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.