Museum Educator, School Programs

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 Programs Position Type:

Full-time FLSA Classification:

Non-Exempt Division:

Learning and Engagement Department:

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

Students Date Reviewed:

3/10/2026

Position Summary:

The Museum Educator, School Programs plays an essential role in delivering innovative, arts-based learning experiences that bring the museum's collection to life for K-12 students. Reporting to Manager of Curriculum and Instruction, K-12 Students, this position supports the seamless execution of school programs while contributing to dynamic, student-centered instruction across galleries, studios, virtual programs, and in school settings. The position helps ensure programs are thoughtfully planned, clearly communicated, and aligned with institutional goals. It also plays a meaningful role in connecting schools and teachers to our work through relationship building and outreach both in-person and virtually. With a strong emphasis on outreach, operations, and materials preparation, the Museum Educator ensures that school groups experience a welcoming, organized, and engaging visit. Ideal candidates bring a passion for working with students, a high level of attention to detail, and a commitment to supporting equitable, inclusive learning environments. This role is well suited for educators who thrive in fast-paced settings and enjoy balancing hands-on program operations with interactive teaching experiences.

Typical work schedule:

8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., year-round. Some evening and weekend hours are required. Some travel is required. Travel is primarily within Arkansas but occasionally out-of-state travel may be required.

NOTE:

Bilingual candidates in Spanish, ASL, or Marshallese are strongly preferred.

Principal Responsibilities:

Instructional Delivery & Student Engagement:

Facilitate engaging, inquiry-driven learning experiences for K-12 students in galleries, studios, virtual environments, and occasional partner school settings. o Deliver instruction grounded in object-based teaching practices that foster curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. Model inclusive teaching practices that center student voice and promote a welcoming learning environment.

Curriculum, Materials, & Content Support:

Assist in preparing instructional materials, visual aids, handouts, and digital resources used across school programs. Support adaptations and refinements to curriculum materials based on educator feedback and evolving program needs. Maintain organized systems for storing, managing, and distributing supplies and program materials. Contribute feedback to support continuous improvement of school program content, flow, and operations.

Outreach:

Support outreach efforts that strengthen relationships with teachers, schools, and community partners participating in museum programs. Assist with communications related to school programs, including sharing updates, resources, and logistical guidance with educators and district contacts. Participate in community and school-based events that broaden awareness of Crystal Bridges' educational offerings.

Program Operations & Logistics:

Support the daily operations of school programs, ensuring smooth transitions and a positive experience for students, teachers, and visiting schools. Prepare, organize, restock, and transport materials for artmaking, gallery instruction, and classroom lessons. Assist with scheduling, documentation, and communication needs that support program effectiveness. Help manage real-time logistics during school visit days, supporting the overall pacing and structure of program delivery.

Qualifications and Skills:

Bachelor's degree in Education, Art Education, Museum Education, Art History, Studio Art, or related field; equivalent experience will be considered at the discretion of the hiring manager. 2-3 years of experience teaching or working with K-12 students in school, museum, or community learning settings. Strong organizational and operational skills with demonstrated ability to manage logistics, pacing, and materials. Experience facilitating learning in gallery, classroom, or informal education environments. Familiarity with arts integration, inquiry-based learning, or object-focused instruction (experience with Visual Thinking Strategies is a plus). Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively across teams to support shared goals. Commitment to equitable, inclusive, and student-centered educational practices. Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with high visitor volume. Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends. Valid Arkansas driver's license with clean driving record; reliable transportation required. Fluency in Spanish, ASL, or Marshallese strongly preferred. Valid Arkansas driver's license with a clean driving record.

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:

This position requires use of a computer and telephone for prolonged periods movement through galleries, classrooms, studios, and museum grounds; bending, lifting (up to 20 lbs.), material preparation; and independent regional travel. Visual acuity is required for reviewing written and digital materials.

Work Environment:

Work will occur in offices, museum galleries, art studios, schools, outdoor trails, and community settings. Noise levels are typically low to moderate. Some evening and weekend work is required. 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. Art and Wellness Enterprises (AWE) provides professional support services in the areas of campus management, communications, finance, human resources and technology for these non-profits founded by

Alice Walton:

Alice L. Walton Foundation is a grant-making institution working to enhance the quality of life for individuals by providing access to offerings that improve well-being and create diverse and inclusive communities. Alice L. Walton School of Medicine is a four-year, medical degree-granting program that enhances foundational sciences and clinical practices with a compassionate and whole-person approach to care. The School has been granted preliminary accreditation status by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and welcomed its inaugural class in 2025. Art Bridges Foundation works to get great works of American art out of storage and into communities. Through partnerships with museums of all sizes across the United States, it creates and supports arts programs that educate, inspire, and deepen engagement with local audiences. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a museum offering free admission to a world-class collection of American art, stunning architecture and five miles of sculpture and walking trails. Momentary is a satellite contemporary art space to Crystal Bridges. This adaptive reuse project turned a decommissioned cheese factory into a place for visual and performing arts, festivals, artists-in-residence, culinary experiences, and more. Heartland Whole Health Institute is a non-profit that addresses physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being by working with health systems, employers, and communities to redesign health care delivery. To view positions open for a specific entity, select company and sort by entity name.