Seasonal Museum Educator, School Programs (Fall)

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art; Bentonville (AR); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Opportunity to impact education

Job summary

An American art institution in Bentonville, Arkansas, seeks a Seasonal Museum Educator for School Programs. This part-time position fosters art-based learning in K-12 settings, focusing on dynamic, interactive experiences. Responsibilities include planning art explorations and collaborating on educational events. Ideal candidates will have a bachelor’s degree in art education and experience in teaching, alongside strong relationships with educators. The role is crucial in inspiring students and teachers through the transformative power of art, with work primarily in galleries and classrooms.

Qualifications

• 3+ years teaching experience in school or community settings.
• Proficient in arts-based learning and museum pedagogy.
• Preference for candidates with teaching licensure.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver art explorations in galleries and classrooms.
• Collaborate on planning school events aligning with educational goals.
• Attend training sessions to enhance skills and share insights.

Skills

Knowledge of K-12 education trends

Experience in educational program design

Relationship-building with educators

Education

Bachelor's degree in art education or related field

Tools

Digital learning environments

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 non‑profit charitable organization.

Job Description:

Position Title: Seasonal Museum Educator, School Programs (Fall)

Position Type: Part‑time

FLSA Classification: Non‑Exempt

Division: Learning and Engagement

Department: Curriculum and Instruction

Reports to: Manager of Curriculum and Instruction, K‑12 Students

Date Reviewed: 3/11/2026

About Crystal Bridges & The Momentary

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.

The Momentary is a contemporary art space that opened to the public on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a ‘living room’ where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. You belong here: make the most of this moment.

Position Summary

Seasonal 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 the Manager of Curriculum and Instruction, K‑12 Students, you will support the facilitation of in‑gallery (the majority of the engagement), in‑classroom and virtual K‑12 museum experiences (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.

Seasonal Museum Educators champion student‑centered learning by delivering 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.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in art and education by inspiring students and teachers to explore, create, and connect through the transformative power of art.

Duration of Position

September 21 – December 18 (Fall) and March 9 – May 29 (Spring) aligning with the Museum’s peak season of student engagement.

Typical Work Schedule

8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (30‑minute lunch)

Travel

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

Principal Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver explorations of art in galleries (on average 80% of the time), classrooms, off‑site locations, and through virtual platforms, prioritizing student‑centered learning. This includes, but is not limited to, tours and art‑making workshops.
• Collaborate in the planning, programming, and execution of school and teacher events, ensuring alignment with educational goals and participant needs.
• 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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Preferred Education, Training & Traits

• 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

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: In the work environments described below, the position requires utilizing a computer and telephone for prolonged periods of time, interpersonal and written conversation with others, and transporting (up to 20 lbs.). Employee is required to travel independently regionally and in communities served. The employee works at a desk and uses a computer and a telephone, good eye/hand coordination, bending and stretching, standing and sitting, moving around galleries, classrooms, and across museum spaces, including outdoor trails. Visual acuity to review written materials is required for this job.

• 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, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the museum is usually low to moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be reviewed if required. Some overnight travel may be necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse 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.