Teaching Civic Engagement with Museum Collections

Candra Flanagan is the staff lead for the Teaching and Learning unit of the Education Department at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. In this current role she oversees the development of programming and resources to assist educators in incorporating African American history in their classroom; researches and creates educational publications for use by the general public and educators; and strategizes the role of NMAAHC in the professional development of educators. Candra is dedicated to establishing research-based, audience-appropriate K-12 initiatives for educators and students. With a degree in History from the University of Maryland College Park, a degree in Social Foundations of Education and advanced coursework Educational Policy from the University of Virginia, she is passionate about the intersection between formal and informal learning as well as cultivating and encouraging life-long learning in educators.

Dr. Orlando Serrano serves as Manager of Youth and Teacher Programs at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, where he leads innovative educational initiatives and professional development programs. His extensive academic background includes a Ph.D. in American Studies and Ethnicity from the University of Southern California, with research focusing on race, space, power, and the built environment in the Americas, supported by prestigious Ford Foundation and National Science Foundation grants. In his role at NMAH, he develops comprehensive educational programming, including informal learning experiences for students, professional development workshops for educators, and curriculum content that aligns with national standards. His expertise spans teacher professional development, assessment, instruction, and educational technologies, which he applies to create engaging museum-based learning experiences. As co-chair of the Decolonization Working Group at the Center for Restorative History, he contributes to transformative initiatives in museum education while supporting Development, Programming, and Research & Action teams

Briana Zavadil White serves as Head of Education and Public Programs at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, where she has established herself as a pioneer in museum education and portrait interpretation. After earning her BA in Psychology with a minor in Art History from the University of Virginia and MAT in Museum Education from George Washington University, she has developed innovative approaches to engaging visitors with portraiture. Her educational philosophy centers on inquiry and object-based learning, using portraiture as a springboard for deeper discussions about biography, history, and art

Phoebe Hillemann serves as Education Specialist at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, where she has made significant contributions to art education since 2011. After earning her BA in Art History from Kenyon College and MSEd in Leadership in Museum Education from Bank Street College of Education, she has pioneered innovative approaches to integrating art across curricula. As the Teacher Institutes Educator, she designs and implements SAAM's Summer Institutes: Teaching the Humanities through Art, a comprehensive program that has reached educators from all fifty states. Her work includes developing advanced-level institutes for alumni, facilitating instructional content using inquiry-based pedagogy, and leading interpretive planning for major exhibitions like "Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice." During the pandemic, she co-created the virtual "Smithsonian Summer Sessions" to support teachers in interdisciplinary teaching with museum objects. Her expertise extends to delivering interactive webinars, presenting at national education conferences, and creating engaging gallery experiences that promote critical thinking and visual literacy. Through her leadership, she has expanded the museum's educational reach while fostering a vibrant community of institute alumni through recurring virtual workshops and personalized curriculum guidance.

Kirsten McNally serves as Education Manager at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, where she brings extensive experience in both museum and school-based education. After earning her BFA in Photography and MAT in Art Education from Rhode Island School of Design, followed by an MSEd in Leadership in Museum Education from Bank Street College of Education, she has dedicated her career to creating meaningful connections between educational institutions and museums. Her professional journey includes significant roles as Director of Museum Programming at Children's Museum of the Arts and teaching positions at PS 20 Clinton Hill, where she developed innovative arts curriculum integrating gardening and science education. At Cooper Hewitt, she focuses on helping teens, K-12 educators, and college students incorporate design thinking into their practices. Her experience includes developing specialized programs for children with physical disabilities, integrating art into American Sign Language education, and creating STRIPES animation classes for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Through her current work, she continues to build bridges between formal education and museum learning, making design education more accessible and engaging for diverse audiences.