Museum Educator

Whitney Museum of American Art Llc; New York (NY); On-site; USD 63,900 - 78,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

403(b) plan

Generous PTO

Commuter benefits

Museum admissions

Job summary

The Whitney Museum of American Art seeks a Full-Time Museum Educator to teach K–12 programs and develop trainings for NYC teachers and freelance educators. Through guided visits and workshops, the role connects the Whitney’s collection to classroom learning, engaging students as observers and storytellers.

Responsibilities include leading guided visits, developing lesson plans, training staff, and creating accessible resources, with collaboration across Education teams to support diverse

Qualifications

• Strong organizational and communication skills are essential.
• Sound knowledge of educational and developmental theory.
• Interest in modern and contemporary art and in engaging diverse learners.
• Willingness to work in a collaborative team and to adapt to scheduling needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate inquiry-based Guided Visits for K–12 students, in person and virtual.
• Develop lesson plans and studio-based activities aligned with curricula.
• Design and update teacher resources and post-visit materials.
• Train and support Freelance Museum Educators, 3 times per year.
• Collaborate with Whitney Education staff to ensure inclusive, high-quality programs.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Educational theory

Teamwork

Diversity & inclusion

Schedule flexibility

Education

BA/MA/MFA in art history, contemporary art, American studies, or museum education

Job description

The Whitney Museum of American Art seeks a Full-Time Museum Educator to teach K–12 school programs and develop trainings and resources for NYC teachers and freelance educators. Through guided visits and workshops, this role connects the Whitney’s collection and exhibitions to classroom learning, engaging students in considering artists as observers, storytellers, experimenters, and critics of American life. Programs are inquiry-based, inclusive, and designed to support multiple perspectives.

The Museum Educator is a reflective teaching artist with a strong studio practice and a commitment to art as a catalyst for connection, civic engagement, and empathy. This role works closely with staff, freelance educators, teachers, and students to deliver high-quality programs in both gallery and studio settings.

Gallery & School Programs (K–12)

• Lead and facilitate inquiry-based Guided Visits (in-person and virtual) for K–12 students, using discussion, close looking, and interactive strategies
• Conduct a minimum of eight guided visits per month, with flexibility to support additional programs as needed
• Develop and lead Guided Visit + Studio programs, integrating thematic gallery tours with hands‑on artmaking experiences
• Act as Lead Educator for new school partnerships
• Design engaging, developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned with classroom curricula and accessible to diverse learners, including students with disabilities
• Communicate effectively with teachers to align museum experiences with learning goals
• Collaborate with K-12 School and Group Services staff and fellow educators to ensure strong program delivery
• Lead occasional visitor‑centered lecture‑style tours for adult groups

Teacher & Educator Programs

• In partnership with the Associate Manager and fellow Museum Educators, facilitate professional development workshops for NYC teachers, introducing inquiry‑based teaching strategies and interdisciplinary connections
• Assist in training and supporting a cohort of Freelance Museum Educators, including leading training three times per year
• Facilitate trainings for Whitney Education staff

Curriculum & Resource Development

• Develop clear, innovative lesson plans and teaching materials for gallery and studio programs
• Create and update high-quality, accessible teacher resources, including pre‑visit, in‑gallery, and post‑visit materials
• Produce at least two exhibition‑based digital resource guides per year
• Contribute to ongoing evaluation and refinement of programs and interpretive strategies
• Conduct research on new exhibitions and create files for Educator preparation

Collaboration & Communication

• Maintain regular communication with supervisors regarding program needs, student engagement, and materials
• Work collaboratively across Education teams to support a welcoming, inclusive environment for all audiences
• Engage in reflective teaching practices aligned with the Whitney’s pedagogical approach

Requirements

• B.A./MA/M.F.A./ in art history, contemporary art, American studies, and/or museum education; 3+ years teaching experience, including work with K-12 students and teachers;
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Successful candidates will have sound knowledge of educational and developmental theory
• A passion for modern and contemporary art
• Flexible and able to work well in a group
• An interest in working with diverse groups of students
• Available Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 p.m., and occasional weekends as needed. Scheduling adjustments may occur based on division needs.

Other preferences

• Bilingual a plus
• Available Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 p.m., and occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation: $71,000 annually
• Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(B) elections
• Generous PTO benefits
• Commuter benefits - parking and mass transit
• Admission to world‑renowned museums across the city and nationally
• Pet insurance and discounted membership for Citibike

About the Whitney

The Whitney Museum of American Art, founded in 1930 by the artist and philanthropist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, houses the foremost collection of American art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. From her vision arose the Whitney Museum of American Art, which has been championing the most innovative art of the United States for 86 years. The core of the Whitney’s mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit American art of our time and serve a wide variety of audiences in celebration of the complexity and diversity of art and culture in the United States. Through this mission and a steadfast commitment to artists themselves, the Whitney has long been a powerful force in support of modern and contemporary art and continues to help define what is innovative and influential in American art today.

EEO Statement

The Whitney Museum of American Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate because of age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, pregnancy, partnership status, caregiver status, veteran status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, predisposition, or carrier status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking victim status, or any other factor prohibited by law. The Museum hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. The Museum encourages all qualified candidates to apply for vacant positions at all levels.