Programs
Professional Development
Workshops and lectures support integrating the arts into your teaching across disciplines and grade levels. Programs are free of charge and offer Professional Development Units (PDUs). All educators are welcome, K-12 through college as well as independent and nonprofit-based.
Sign up for Educator e-NewsSummer Teacher Leadership Fellows
With generous support from the Oregon Community Foundation, the Portland Art Museum is proud to offer two, paid Summer Teacher Leadership Fellow positions in 2018. Fellows have the opportunity to get to know the Museum, explore its collections and resources, and envision ways to integrate Museum content into classroom learning. They are responsible for developing teaching resources for use in the Museum and the classroom, while building leadership skills and connecting with Museum practices. Fellows are in residence at the Museum for four weeks over the summer.
The 2018 application period is currently closed. Please check back in spring 2019 for information on how to apply.
Teacher Advisory Council
The Teacher Advisory Council includes educators across disciplines and grade levels (kindergarten through college). Council members collaborate with Education staff to promote meaningful student and teacher engagement with the Museum and to support arts integration across the curriculum. The Council meets four times each year. Members serve two-year terms.
The Education Department is not accepting applications to join the Teacher Advisory Council at this time. Please check back in May 2019 for information on how to apply.
2018-2019 Council Members (PDF)
Educator Membership Discount
The Museum is proud to offer educators discounts on all membership levels from Individual through Patron Society: 15% discount for one year or 30% discount for two years. Available online only. Please use the discount code EDU15 or EDU30. Proof of educator status may be requested at entry.
College Creative License
College students can purchase the College Creative License online for $20 and enjoy one year of admission to Museum exhibitions and programs, discounts to the Northwest Film Center, and more. Faculty may purchase College Creative Licenses in bulk by sending students’ first and last names, email addresses, and zip codes to Hana Layson.
Teachers in Training
Museum staff and docents lead programs for undergraduate and graduate classes to help future Oregon teachers integrate the Museum and the visual arts into their teaching. Please contact Hana Layson for more information.
Museum to You
Bring docents to your classroom for lively, in-depth arts engagement in advance of a Museum tour.
Limited spaces available. 4 weeks advance notice required. Questions? Please contact Alex Haynes for more information.
Teen Programs
The Mythos Challenge is a Game Competition, Youth Council, and Workshop Series which aims to inspire youth to create with modern technology and to connect with community.
POWER UP: LGBTQ+ Youth Event: The Portland Art Museum hosts an annual event for queer youth and members of GSA/QSAs throughout the metro area. See films made by Northwest teens, visit the galleries, dress up in the photo booth, make art, make friends, and have fun! Check the Educator Programs calendar for updates on coming events.
Questions about Portland Art Museum programs for educators and students? Contact Hana Layson, Manager of School and Educator Programs.
Upcoming Events
The Portland Art Museum is hosting the fifth annual event for LGBTQIA+ youth and allies! Meet new people. Explore the exhibition the map is not the territory. Join a drag workshop with Carla Rossi. Create Gender Euphoria self-portraits. Speak your truth at the open mic. See films made by Northwest teens. Make art, make friends, and have fun!
Admission is FREE! Refreshments provided.
Middle school, high school, and college-age are all welcome. GSA/QSA advisors and teachers are welcome, too.
Register Now
All-gender restrooms are located in the first-floor gift shop and on the fourth floor of the main museum building.
Thank you, Portlanders, for supporting the Arts Tax! The Museum is proud to partner with Portland Public Schools to host the fourth annual HeART of Portland: A Portland Public Schools K-12 Arts Showcase. The showcase includes an exhibition of 80 works by PPS visual arts students and an opening reception with student performances. Hundreds of students will also participate in collaborative art projects inspired by the exhibition the map is not the territory and themes of belonging, place, identity, and decolonization. Please join us in celebrating arts education in Portland and the students and teachers who are at the center of this work.
The showcase is free and open to the public.
Join us for a range of youth programs in this annual daylong celebration organized in connection with The HeART of Portland: A Portland Public Schools K-12 Arts Showcase, on view April 15-28 at the Museum.
Schedule of events coming soon.
Family programs are generously supported in part by Sharon L. Miller and Family, the Gordon D. Sondland and Katherine J. Durant Foundation, the Lamb Baldwin Foundation, and the Joseph E. Weston Public Foundation.