High Museum Institute for Teaching with Art

Monday, August 11–Friday, August 15, 2025 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: High Museum of Art
Registration Required

The High Museum Institute for Teaching with Art (MITA) is a weeklong professional development program that offers a cohort of museum educators intensive study and practicum in teaching with art. This application-based program is organized around two key values—growth through inquiry and connection to self, others, and the wider world, providing powerful opportunities for people to see and think together about works of art.

To Apply

Program Fee: $250

Submit Application

MITA is open to anyone who is employed full time as a museum educator in a museum that presents visual art, with preference given to applicants with three or more years of experience. MITA is an intentionally intimate, cohort-based experience: no more than twenty people will be accepted.

The deadline for applications is April 15, 2025. Applicants will be notified by April 30.

Curriculum:

  • discussing the theory and practice of gallery learning and engagement;
  • tracing the literature and history of teaching in American art museums;
  • studying works of art in the High Museum of Art;
  • engaging multiple teaching strategies, including art historical discussions, movement, and art making.

During an average day, participants will experience:

  • readings and group discussions;
  • individual reflection and small group practice;
  • scaffolded guidance on teaching preparation and implementation;
  • in-gallery exercises and teaching demonstrations;
  • development of individual teaching philosophies and techniques.

Over the course of this weeklong intensive, MITA participants will expand their knowledge of museum education as a discipline, deepen their practice with peers, and articulate their individual teaching philosophies. Upon successful completion, they will receive MITA certification and be positioned to excel as leaders in arts-based learning and civic engagement.

Program Fee:

There is no application fee. Once accepted, confirmed participants must pay the $250 program fee by June 1 to secure their spot. Lunch, snacks, and water will be provided each day. Travel, lodging, and transportation to and from the museum are the participants’ own responsibility.

Organizers:

MITA is organized by Andrew Westover, PhD, Eleanor McDonald Storza Deputy Director for Learning and Civic Engagement at the High, in conjunction with three key staff: Laurel Humble, Assistant Director, Creative Aging and Lifelong Learning; Mekala Krishnan, Shannon Landing Amos Associate Director, Museum Interpretation; and Kate McLeod, Assistant Director, Education. Together, the four hold over fifty years of experience teaching and facilitating learning experiences in art museums.

MITA will take place from August 11 to August 15, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. Participants must take part in the entire program. If you cannot attend in full, please consider applying for a future year instead.