Museum Educator, School Programs

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art; Bentonville (AR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, AR seeks a Museum Educator for School Programs to design and deliver engaging, student-centered experiences across galleries, classrooms, and virtual spaces. You will support K‑12 curricula, collaborate with educators, and help expand programming for diverse learners.

The role emphasizes innovative content, relationships with schools, and the use of digital tools to broaden access and impact, with a preference for bilingual abilities.

Qualifications

• Experience designing and implementing innovative educational programs.
• Knowledge of current trends in K-12 education and arts-based learning.
• Ability to build relationships with educators, administrators, and partners.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver explorations of art in galleries, classrooms, and virtual spaces.
• Design curriculum materials for K-12 initiatives under supervision.
• Develop digital engagement projects and online tools.
• Collaborate on school events and professional development activities.
• Engage in ongoing training and maintain learner-centered practices.

Skills

Student-centered learning

Public speaking

Curriculum development

Digital engagement

Multi-age instruction

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

AI content tools

Job description

Job Details

• Position Title: Museum Educator, School Programs
• FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
• Division: Learning and Engagement
• Department: School Programs
• Reports to: Manager of Curriculum and Instruction, K-12 Students
• Date Reviewed: 4/16/2026

Position Summary

Museum Educators for School Programs play a pivotal part in inspiring students and educators through dynamic, interactive experiences in the museum galleries, school classrooms, and virtual spaces. Working closely with full-time educators and the Manager of Museum Education, 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 Educator will support the Walker School Visits program, Windgate School Partnerships program, the Creative Campus Experience, Virtual Experiences, in‑classroom work and more. 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.

Typical Work Schedule: 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (30‑minute lunch), year‑round (occasional adjustments may be made with advance approval from the supervisor).

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

NOTE: Bilingual in Spanish, Ebon (Marshallese), or ASL (American Sign Language) strongly preferred.

Principal Responsibilities

• Facilitation and Engagement: Plan and deliver explorations of art in galleries (on average 80% of the time), classrooms, offsite locations, and through virtual platforms, prioritizing student‑centered learning. This includes tours and art‑making workshops.
• Content Development: Under the supervision of the Manager of Museum Education, Manager of Curriculum and Instruction, and the Sr. Director of Learning, design and write curriculum and interpretive materials for all K‑12 initiatives, incorporating best practices in museum education and current trends in STEAM and arts integration. Leverage digital tools, such as AI, to create engaging and accessible content.
• Digital Innovation: Develop and implement digital engagement projects, including virtual tours, video content, audio recordings, and interactive online tools, while staying at the forefront of technological advancements in education.
• Instructional Innovation: Continuously refine and innovate instructional practices to create impactful and learner‑centered experiences.
• Event Support: Collaborate in the planning, programming, and execution of school and teacher events, ensuring alignment with educational goals and participant needs.
• Professional Development: Attend and actively engage in training sessions and cohort meetings to build skills, share insights, and contribute to a culture of continuous learning.
• Relationship‑Building: Building meaningful relationships among students, teachers, and administrators to create exceptional and impactful experiences.

Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in K‑12 education, museum pedagogy, and arts‑based learning.
• Experience in designing and implementing innovative educational programs.
• Proven ability to build relationships with educators, administrators, and community partners.
• Preference given to those with teaching licensure.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in art education, art history, studio art, education, museum studies, or equivalent degree/experience 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 in leading tours, facilitating programs, or public speaking.

Skills Needed

• Proficient in designing and facilitating interactive learning experiences, ensuring engagement, collaboration, and meaningful participation.
• Expertise in museum education theory, STEAM learning strategies, and student‑centered teaching practices.
• Highly organized and detail‑oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining flexibility and creativity.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with a talent for public speaking and leading interactive sessions.
• Ability to adapt and problem‑solve in dynamic situations, demonstrating initiative and a collaborative mindset.
• Technological proficiency with virtual engagement platforms, content creation tools, and digital learning environments.
• Fluency in additional languages is desirable but not required.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Physical demands: The position requires utilizing a computer and telephone for prolonged periods, interpersonal and written conversation, transporting up to 20 lb. Regularly, while performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to travel independently regionally and in communities served. The employee is required to work at a desk, use computer and telephone, good eye‑hand coordination, bending and stretching, standing and sitting, moving around galleries, classrooms, and museums, including travel on outdoor trails. Visual acuity to review written materials is required.

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 workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage all qualified applicants 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.