Museum Educator, School Partnerships

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: Museum Educator, School Partnerships

Position Type: Full Time

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Division: Learning and Engagement

Department: School Programs

Reports to: Manager of Curriculum and Instruction, K-12 Teachers

About Crystal Bridges:

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission.

Position Summary:

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art seeks a dynamic and collaborative Museum Educator to join our School Partnerships team. This role directly supports Crystal Bridges’ mission to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. As part of the museum’s Windgate Education Initiative, the School Partnerships program plays a key role in advancing arts-integrated learning and increasing access to arts education across Arkansas and beyond.   This multi-year initiative is designed to deepen learning, literacy, and wellbeing through the arts. These projects reflect Crystal Bridges’ strategic vision to position the arts as a catalyst for learning, connection, and belonging—making this position ideal for educators eager to be part of transformational, coalition-driven work. Grounded in arts integration, the educator will co-design and lead professional development for middle school teachers, deliver classroom and gallery-based instruction, and help shape a model of museum-school partnership with national relevance. This role requires regular travel to partner schools across Arkansas and will work closely with educators, museum colleagues, and curators to bring American art into the heart of student learning.

Principal Responsibilities:

Professional Development & Teacher Support

• Co-design and facilitate professional development workshops, PLCs, and coaching sessions focused on arts integration strategies and the creative process
• Provide mentorship, feedback, and tailored support to middle school teachers participating in the partnership program
• Build strong relationships with school administrators and teachers to foster long-term collaboration and shared goals

Student Engagement & Instruction

• Deliver arts-integrated instruction for 6th–8th grade students through classroom residencies, virtual lessons, and in-gallery teaching
• Lead museum tours and interactive experiences aligned with school curricula and student learning outcomes
• Model teaching strategies that prioritize student voice, critical thinking, and creativity

Program Design & Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Curriculum and Instruction team to develop standards-aligned curriculum materials that connect American art to social studies, STEM, and literacy
• Partner with curators and museum educators to create resources rooted in the museum’s collection and exhibitions
• Contribute to program evaluation, feedback loops, and continuous improvement practices
• Support outreach, administration, and planning efforts related to the museum’s K–12 school initiatives

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Art Education, Museum Education, or related field (Master’s degree preferred)
• 3–5 years of K–12 classroom teaching experience, preferably in grades 6–8
• Demonstrated experience in arts integration and curriculum development
• Knowledge of literacy development, the creative process, and visual arts instructional methods
• Strong experience with Visual Thinking Strategies and other dialogical or inquiry-based teaching approaches
• Proven ability to lead teacher professional development and coach educators in classroom or whole-school settings
• Familiarity with state and national education standards, including interdisciplinary approaches
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills
• Ability to work across departments and with external partners in a d