Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) Expands Distance Learning Program to Underserved Rural Communities

The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) is expanding its distance learning program to support cross-disciplinary teaching of American art, culture and history to underserved rural communities across the United States. Through their new three-year initiative (Rural Engagement in Art, Culture and History or REACH), they will be holding various programs while continually assessing the needs of rural constituents to determine how SAAM could help meet those needs.

REACH is kicking off with a Summer Institute for Teachers consisting of 3 virtual workshops and 2 on-site (July 25 - 26) workshops in SAAM’s main building in Washington, DC. Attendees will receive $1,500 scholarships to support their learning. Priority will be given to educators from rural and underserved areas of the country.

Through interactive sessions with museum professionals, educators will gain skills and comfort in using American art to make interdisciplinary connections, foster critical thinking skills and develop visual literacy. They will walk away with a tool kit of practical strategies for integrating art into curriculum, as well as lesson ideas developed by the cohort that they can immediately put to use in the classroom.

The deadline for applying is April 1. Check out more information and apply here.