Education
The Clarice Smith National Teacher Institutes
Institute participants editing podcasts about artwork in the Museum's permanent collection, contemplating abstract works, and exploring contemporary art on a docent-led tour.
Monday, July 8–Friday, July 12, 2013
Monday, July 29–Friday, August 2, 2013
Be inspired this summer at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, as you join colleagues from across the country for an exciting exploration of the connections among American art, social studies, history, and English/language arts. Attend one of our week-long institutes in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. Stay connected with your newfound colleagues and museum staff throughout the year.
Check out the 2013 Clarice Smith National Teacher Institute infographic!
View the 2013 Institute agenda and archived keynote addresses:
Keynote Address — Eleanor Jones Harvey (July 10 and 31, 2012)
Keynote Address — Julie Burstein (July 18, 2011)
Keynote Address — Ron Ritchhart (August 1, 2011)
Who should apply?
Core subject teachers for grades 6–12 may apply as individuals or as part of a team. Priority will be given to social studies, history, and English/language arts teachers.
What will teachers accomplish during the Clarice Smith National Teacher Institute?
Participant recording a podcast about Mark Tansey's Interception.
- Gain expertise from museum educators, curators, content experts, and technology specialists through gallery talks, discussion groups, and hands-on activities
- Learn to use American art in the classroom to foster critical thinking skills
- Make interdisciplinary connections among American art, social studies, history, and English/language arts
- Experiment with a range of technologies and create a podcast inspired by a work of art
- Develop and share lesson ideas with peers
- Engage in online professional development activities and assignments before, during, and after the Institute
What is provided for Clarice Smith teachers?
During Institutes:
- Behind-the-scenes experiences at the Museum
- Teacher's Tool Kit including color reproductions, classroom discussion and writing exercises, project guidelines, and teaching strategies
- Opportunity to engage with leading scholars during keynote addresses
- Access to laptops, iPod Touches, and software applications
- Daily breakfast and lunch
- Optional evening events and opportunities to explore Washington, D.C., such as a bus tour of monuments
Throughout the year:
- Exclusive access to a collaborative website
- Connection to a national network of Institute alumni
- Museum staff support for curriculum development
What is expected of Clarice Smith teachers?
Participants collaborating on a lesson plan incorporating American art.
- Completion of pre-Institute assignments
- Participation in the entire Institute; plan to arrive each day at the Museum at 8:30 a.m. and leave after 4:00 p.m.
- Sharing of lesson ideas on the final day of the Institute
- Contribution of ideas, comments, and resources to a collaborative website during the Institute and throughout the school year
How to Apply
As the summer 2013 Institutes have reached capacity, applications are no longer being accepted.
Acceptance
A committee will review all completed applications and notify accepted applicants via email by April 22, 2013. The Museum will attempt to accommodate all applicants' date preferences, subject to space limitations. Efforts will be made to enroll educators from across the country for geographic diversity.
Registration and Cost
The registration deadline is May 13, 2013. A non-refundable registration fee of $200 per person is required. Participants are responsible for travel and lodging costs. For more information about transportation and low-cost housing recommendations, please email AmericanArtClariceSmithInitiative[at]si.edu. View Tips for funding your professional development.
Scholarships
The Smithsonian American Art Museum is pleased to offer a limited number of $500 scholarships per Institute. To apply for a scholarship, submit the following to AmericanArtClariceSmithInitiative[at]si.edu with the subject line "Clarice Smith Scholarship" by April 29, 2013:
- One-page letter addressing:
- a. What you value most about teaching
- b. Your interest in the Institute
- c. How you anticipate applying lessons learned to your work
- Letter of recommendation written by and emailed from a teaching colleague or school administrator addressing your collaborative spirit and creative contributions as an educator
- Résumé
Scholarship recipients will be notified via email by May 6, 2013.
Graduate and Professional Development Credit
Participants looking closely at Karen LaMonte's Reclining Dress Impression with Drapery at the Renwick Gallery.
Three graduate level credits are available through the Office of Continuing Education at Trinity Washington University for an additional $375. For more information, please contact the Clarice Smith Education Team directly at AmericanArtClariceSmithInitiative[at]si.edu.
Upon request, museum staff will provide documentation of participation including total contact hours.
Important Deadlines
| Applications Due: | April 1, 2013 |
| Acceptance Notification: | April 22, 2013 |
| Scholarship Applications Due: | April 29, 2013 |
| Scholarship Notification: | May 6, 2013 |
| Registration Deadline: | May 13, 2013 |
Questions
For more information about transportation and low-cost housing recommendations, please read the FAQs.
Direct inquiries to AmericanArtClariceSmithInitiative[at]si.edu.
The Clarice Smith American Art Education Initiative is supported by a generous gift from the Robert H. Smith Family Foundation.
Interested in participating in one-day teacher professional development experiences? Consider these upcoming Professional Development Workshops.
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