Museum Educator, School Programs

The Momentary; Bentonville (AR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Momentary in Bentonville, Arkansas is seeking motivated Museum Educators for School Programs to inspire students through interactive museum experiences. The role involves curriculum development, collaboration with educators, and leveraging digital tools to enhance learning.

Qualified candidates will have knowledge of K-12 education trends, excellent communication skills, and a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. This position requires travel within the Northwest Arkansas area and may include evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of current trends in K-12 education and museum pedagogy.
• Experience designing and implementing innovative educational programs.
• Teaching licensure preferred.
• Exceptional communication skills for public speaking and interactive sessions.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver explorations of art in galleries and classrooms.
• Develop curriculum and interpretive materials for K-12 initiatives.
• Leverage digital tools to create engaging content and virtual tours.
• Build relationships with students, teachers, and administrators.

Skills

Knowledge of K-12 education trends

Building relationships

Organizational skills

Verbal and written communication

Technological proficiency

Fluency in Spanish or ASL

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Tools

Virtual engagement platforms

Content creation tools

Job description

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 nonprofit organization dedicated to free admission and community engagement.

Position Summary

Museum Educators for School Programs play a pivotal part in inspiring students and educators through dynamic, interactive experiences in museum galleries, classroom settings, and virtual spaces. Working closely with full‑time educators and the Manager of Museum Education, the educator will support the design and implementation of K‑12 curriculum, contribute to innovative initiatives, and champion student‑centered learning.

Principal Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver explorations of art in galleries (approximately 80% of the time), classrooms, off‑site locations, and virtual platforms, prioritizing student‑centered learning.
• Develop and write curriculum and interpretive materials for K‑12 initiatives, incorporating best practices in museum education and current trends in STEAM and arts integration.
• Leverage digital tools, including AI, to create engaging and accessible content and develop virtual tours, video, audio, and interactive online tools.
• Continuously refine instructional practices to create impactful learner‑centered experiences.
• Collaborate in the planning, programming, and execution of school and teacher events, ensuring alignment with educational goals.
• Attend and actively engage in training sessions and cohort meetings to build skills, share insights, and contribute to a culture of continuous learning.
• Build meaningful relationships among students, teachers, and administrators to create exceptional and impactful experiences.
• Travel to schools primarily in the Northwest Arkansas area; may travel beyond the region as needed.

Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in K‑12 education, museum pedagogy, and arts‑based learning.
• Experience designing and implementing innovative educational programs.
• Proven ability to build relationships with educators, administrators, and community partners.
• Teaching licensure preferred.
• Fluency in additional languages desirable; bilingual in Spanish, Ebon (Marshallese), or ASL strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational and detail‑oriented skills with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and leading interactive sessions.
• Technological proficiency with virtual engagement platforms, content creation tools, and digital learning environments.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in art education, art history, studio art, education, museum studies, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated knowledge of American art history; knowledge of art, architecture, nature, and wellness preferred.
• Minimum of three years’ experience teaching a range of ages in a school or community setting.
• Three years’ experience leading tours, facilitating programs, or public speaking.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Position requires use of computer and telephone for prolonged periods, interpersonal and written communication, and transportation of up to 20 lbs. Work environments include museum galleries, classrooms, outdoors on trails, and community settings. Some evenings and weekend hours are required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employment Conditions

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a confidentiality agreement and background check where permitted by state law. Identification verifying eligibility to work in the United States must be provided.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. 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 law.