Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. Established through a bequest from British scientist James Smithson, the institution operates under the mission of "the increase and diffusion of knowledge." Today, it encompasses 21 museums, 14 education and research centers, and the National Zoo, serving as a comprehensive provider of authoritative educational experiences connecting Americans to their cultural, historical, and scientific heritage
21
Museums
14
Education and research centers
6.5 million
School visitors annually
United States Government
National Academy of Sciences Partnership
The Smithsonian Institution provides extensive educational and professional development opportunities through various channels. The institution offers internships and fellowships for qualified undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students. Through partnerships with educational organizations, professional associations, and service organizations, the Smithsonian establishes models for strengthening teaching and instruction at all academic levels. The institution also provides professional development opportunities for museum professionals both in the United States and abroad, while maintaining comprehensive programs for lifelong learners through initiatives like The Smithsonian Associates, which offers more than 120 programs monthly
6.5 million
Annual school visitors
120+ monthly
Professional development programs
300+ annually
Study tours
These are the expert instructors who will be teaching you throughout the course. With a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience, they’re here to guide, inspire, and support you every step of the way. Get to know the people who will help you reach your learning goals and make the most of your journey.
2 Courses
Distinguished Museum Educator and Art Education Innovator
Julie Carmean serves as Senior Museum Educator and Manager of National Teacher Programs at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, where she has revolutionized art education through innovative teaching methodologies. Her expertise spans developing professional development programs, creating online courses, and implementing Artful Thinking routines to enhance critical thinking through art. After teaching in Title I and Arts Integration schools, she earned her Master's degree in Arts in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she studied under Professor Shari Tishman. Her significant contributions include leading the Gallery's first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) "Teaching Critical Thinking through Art," which has reached educators globally. As coordinator of the Summer Institute for Educators and manager of national teacher programs, she develops curriculum resources and facilitates professional development that makes art accessible to diverse learners. Her work combines gallery teaching, studio instruction, and online learning innovation, while her regular presentations on deep thinking through art and meaningful pedagogies have influenced art education practices nationwide
1 Course
Distinguished Museum Educator and Docent Program Leader
Liz Diament has served as a Senior Museum Educator at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC for over two decades, where she expertly manages the museum's extensive docent program of 130 volunteers and designs innovative visitor-centered experiences. Her educational background combines an Art History degree from Manchester University, England, with a Master's in Museum Education from Bank Street College of Education, New York. As a leader in experiential museum education, she has developed internationally acclaimed professional development workshops for educators, both in-person and online, while co-planning the National Gallery's Summer Institute for Educators. Her expertise in integrating Project Zero's research into museum education has influenced her approach to creating meaningful art experiences for diverse audiences. Working alongside Julie Carmean, she has contributed significantly to the Gallery's educational initiatives, including the development of critical thinking routines through art appreciation. Her commitment to making art accessible extends beyond traditional museum education through her regular workshops exploring the intersection of Jewish texts, history, and artistic interpretation.