Application Deadline: 2026 Summer Teacher Institute (event)

North Carolina Museum of Art 

Summer Institute for Teachers: 

Perspectives on American History through Art and Objects

Monday, July 27–Tuesday, July 28, 2026

The North Carolina Museum of Art is recruiting educators to become part of a community of practice during our Summer Institute, a two-day professional development experience in Raleigh. How can art help us build and sustain community through conversation? Learn more about the NCMA’s approach to integrating art across the curriculum and how art can be a catalyst for communal discovery and understanding. 

This Year’s Focus: Out of Many, One: Perspectives on American History Through Art and Objects

How have artists shaped and told the story of America? What can we learn about the many groups of people who make the United States unique from their material culture and art?  In this two-day workshop, we’ll explore issues and themes in art through conversations using NCMA works of art, the Knowing the West exhibition, interactions with artists, scholars, and DNCR partners, and hands-on art making experiences. 

Participants will become more familiar with the NCMA’s programs for educators and students and learn about how to get involved with program and resource development while spreading the word in your schools. A stipend of $100/day will be provided and travel costs will be reimbursed for accepted applicants who attend the program. 

Participants in the Summer Institute will have many opportunities to continue to contribute to the NCMA Community of Practice over the school year. A certificate of participation for 10 hours will be provided (1 CEU, with approval from the local school system).  

The Summer Institute is designed to deliver the following outcomes:

• Teachers will feel supported by a collaborative community. 
• Teachers will feel more prepared to facilitate conversations around relevant classroom concepts using objects and works of art.
• Teachers will increase their understanding and awareness of arts integration strategies.
• Teachers will become more familiar with the NCMA’s programs and resources for educators and students and learn about opportunities to become more involved. 

Application Process

Participation is based on an application process that will take geographic representation across NC, range of grade levels, and an interest in participating in a community of practice into consideration. Priority is given to first-time Summer Institute attendees.

Apply by April 20.

Program Activities and Expectations for Participants

Activities

The NCMA Summer Institute for Teachers is a two-day facilitated program. There are opportunities for extended engagement with Museum programming throughout the school year. The workshop will include:

• Strategies for building community to support open, constructive conversations around relevant classroom concepts using objects and works of art
• A closer look at resources and student experiences designed for elementary, middle, and high school audiences
• Art making to nurture creativity
• Opportunities for self-care, reflection, and planning

Expectations

Following the institute, participants will have many options to continue to participate in the NCMA’s Community of Practice for arts integration including:

• Promoting the use of NCMA resources and programs within their schools and districts
• Providing PD for colleagues or arranging for an NCMA-provided PD session
• Involvement in NCMA webinars and workshops as participants, team leaders, and presenters

Teachers will receive a stipend of $100/day for participating in the program with a per diem for travel. 

Overview of Summer Institute Details:

• The Summer Institute will take place at the NCMA in Raleigh.
• The Summer Institute will run from 10 am to 4 pm on Monday, July 27 and Tuesday, July 28 with opportunities for continued contributions to NCMA teacher programming throughout the school year. 
• Participants will be selected based on an application process that takes geographic representation and grade levels taught into consideration.
• Participants must be able to attend both days of the 2-day Summer Workshop.  
• All participants are eligible for mileage reimbursement. Participants who require overnight lodging will be eligible for a per diem to cover travel reimbursement up to specified amounts for mileage, lodging, and meals.

Questions? Contact Jill Taylor.