The 2025 Institute will be held July 7-10, 2025.

The application process has ended.

Dive into the world where art, history and biography meet education. Over four inspiring days, you'll unlock the power of portraits to engage, enlighten, and empower your students. The sessions are dynamic and hands-on, providing you with innovative strategies to bring art into the heart of your classroom.

Teachers in grades Kindergarten-college may apply as individuals or as part of a team. We welcome applications from teachers of all subject areas. Portraits are interdisciplinary teaching tools after all.

Why Join Us?

• Transform Your Teaching: Discover new ways to inspire your students using portraits and visual storytelling.
• Exclusive Insights: Gain insider knowledge from the museum’s top professionals, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of art.
• Hands-On Learning: Participate in interactive sessions that put theory into practice, making your learning experience both enjoyable and effective.
• Creative Collaboration: Build a network of like-minded educators who share your passion for art and education.

What Teachers are Saying

"Getting us excited about the art and the stories behind the portraits got me so excited to share this way of learning with my students!"

"The conversations, questions, and activities were all so meaningful and helpful. I was the most engaged I have ever been in a PD."

"Every portion of the program was engaging, with an appropriate mixture of instructional strategies, portraiture, and history."

"The content was relevant to my life, both personally and professionally. The instructors were very friendly and knowledgeable."

"Absolutely enjoyed being a student this week. Learning deeply about portraits was fascinating!"

What’s In Store For You

• Innovative Teaching Strategies: Engage students with artful inquiry techniques that make learning interactive and impactful.
• Insider Access: Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the museum with our expert historians, curators, and conservators. Learn how they bring history to life through art.
• Expert-Led Sessions: Learn from seasoned educators and art experts who are passionate about integrating art into education.
• Practical Takeaways: Walk away with ready-to-use lesson plans and activities that you can implement immediately in your classroom.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow educators, share ideas, and collaborate on new approaches to teaching through art.

Logistics:

• Dates: July 7-10, 2025
• Times: 8:45 AM - 4:00 PM daily
• Location: National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC
• Virtual Pre-Institute Session: June 24, 2025, 5-6:30 PM Eastern
• Welcome Reception: Evening of day one, 4:30-5:30 PM
• Post-Institute Virtual Session: July 24, 2025, 11:00 AM-12:30PM Eastern
• Cost: $100, covers take-home materials, daily breakfast, and lunch (participants are responsible for travel and lodging costs)

Application and Registration:

• Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
• Notification of Application Status: April 15, 2024
• Accepted Participants Decision and Nonrefundable Deposit Due: April 25, 2024
• Waitlist Status Notification: May 1, 2024

Graduate and Professional Development Credit:

Graduate credit is available for your participation in the institute. Contact npgeducation@si.edu for more information. Museum staff will provide documentation of participation, including total contact hours.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your teaching and inspire your students with the power of portraits. Sign up for the Perspectives in Portraiture Teacher Institute today and take the first step toward a more engaging, art-infused classroom experience!