For K-12 Teachers

Discover how to integrate American art into your classroom

Local and national programs for teachers offer year-long professional development opportunities, while students learn about American history through American art with engaging and reflective interactive tours and real-time video conferences.

Student in front of Nam June Paik's Electronic Superhighway

Trips and School Tours

A photograph outside the Smithsonian American Art Museum with school busses.

Our interdisciplinary, inquiry-based tours challenge students to investigate American culture, identity, and history through art.

Professional Development

A photograph of three young females smiling.

Our educator programs are an exciting exploration of the connections among American art, social studies, history, and English/language arts.

Classroom Videoconferences

A photograph of a woman talking to a classroom remotely while also showing them a powerpoint on a split screen.

Museum presenters create connections between American art and your curriculum, engaging students around the globe.

Teacher Guides and Resources

A photograph of a woman standing and point to artwork with a child sitting on the floor looking.

Free, educational materials for your use, with corresponding standards and grade levels.

Student Artworks

A student artwork of a female smiling with both hands up.

We feature creative student projects such as artworks and podcasts.

Summer Institutes

A photograph in gallery of a group of teachers sitting in chairs in discussion.

Be inspired this summer! Attend one of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s week-long institutes in the nation’s capital.