Educator Professional Development
Educator Workshops and More
Integrating works of art in your teaching engages students while deepening curricular connections around expanded narratives and representation. Hear from educators, curators, and other scholars about the MFA’s collection and using digital images of works of art in your teaching.
MFA Educator Institute
Teaching “America at 250”
August 10–14, 2026, 9 am–3:30 pm
Massachusetts educators engage in five days of active learning with the MFA’s newly installed 18th-century Art of the Americas galleries, connecting works of art with their curricula through transferable object-based teaching strategies. By infusing historic and contemporary art into inclusive teaching practices, educators strengthen skills to support student understanding of the complex and nuanced stories of 18th-century America. Institute participants plan concrete ways to utilize the collections from the MFA and cultural partners Norman B. Leventhal Map and Education Center and Massachusetts Historical Society using classroom teaching strategies, digital resources, distance learning programs, and student field trips.
Participants at MFA educator institutes:
- Directly engage in the galleries with art from the MFA’s renowned collection
- Learn and practice multiple strategies for teaching with works of art to support complex thinking and learning in the classroom
- Draw on MFA staff expertise at interactive workshops and presentations
- Practice transferable inquiry-based strategies with primary sources such as maps and documents during visits to cultural partner institutions, LMEC and MHS
- Collaborate with other educators to prepare for classroom implementation during supported planning time
- Focus on themes and topics rooted in Massachusetts History/Social Studies and ELA frameworks and curricula
Eligibility: Current Massachusetts classroom teacher or department head in either History/Social Studies or English Language Arts for grades 3-12.
No fee. Space is limited.
The application period for 2026 has now closed. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please e-mail [email protected].
Discounts and Benefits for Teachers
Discounted Admission for New England K–12 Teachers
New England K–12 teachers in a school, after school, or community setting can receive one discounted general admission ticket for $15. See Tickets for eligibility details.
Membership Discount for Professional Teachers
The Museum offers K–12 teachers discounts on membership, which are valid for $30 off a membership at the Individual, Friends and Family, or Ambassador level. If you believe you are eligible, you may request the discount by visiting a ticket desk during your next visit or by calling 1-800-440-6975. If you have questions about your eligibility for the discount, e-mail [email protected].
Please note the discount cannot be applied retroactively to a previously purchased membership.
A valid school ID, letter on institution stationery from a K–12 principal or administrator, or a valid/active MTA card may be requested. MTA members must be actively teaching; retired status is not accepted.
Custom Workshops
Looking for professional development for your school or district? We can work with you to develop a program that best fits your curriculum needs.
For more information, e-mail [email protected].