Smithsonian Holds Education Summit To Prepare Educators for the Nation’s 250th Anniversary

Educators are invited to join the Smithsonian for its fifth annual National Education Summit, a free professional learning event taking place virtually and in person from Tuesday, July 15–Thursday, July 17. This year’s theme, Together We Thrive: One Nation, Indivisible, will explore how pivotal moments in history define the American experience. Teachers of every subject and grade level will walk away with a learning roadmap that will help them engage their students about the nation’s history through a blend of online sessions and on-site, behind-the-scenes experiences at the Smithsonian.

This premier gathering brings together leading education experts and practitioners to delve into innovative instructional strategies and explore a wealth of resources aimed at empowering educators and their students. Through a series of online webinars led by museum experts, educators and invited partners, as well as in-person workshops and discussions at the Smithsonian, attendees will leave with classroom-ready ideas and valuable insights to take home.

“This truly unique professional learning opportunity creates space for educators to explore their craft and innovate, leaving the summit with ideas to inspire student curiosity and wonder,” said Monique M. Chism, the Smithsonian’s Under Secretary for Education. Last year’s summit had nearly 5,500 registrants.

Speakers and workshop leaders will guide educators through an exploration and rediscovery of the stories, experiences and perspectives that have shaped America’s history over the past 250 years.

Featured keynote speakers include:

• Smithsonian leadership, including Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III; Elizabeth Babcock, director of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum; Anthea Hartig, director of the National Museum of American History; and Jorge Zamanillo, director of the National Museum of the American Latino
• Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress
• Carlotta Walls LaNier, the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine
• Jim Grossman, executive director of the American Historical Association
• Teacher leaders from the Council of Chief State School Officers’ National Teacher of the Year program

Registration is now open for this free event. All sessions on the first day of the summit, Tuesday, July 15, are online only. On Wednesday, July 16, sessions will take place in person at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C., while all plenary keynote speakers will be livestreamed. That evening, attendees are invited to join a networking reception at the Kogod Courtyard of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. The highlight of the summit occurs Thursday, July 17, with exclusive, behind-the-scenes experiences, offering deep dives into the Smithsonian’s collections and exhibitions through unique workshops and in-person tours (space is limited for these sessions). To register for the National Education Summit, educators can visit the summit website.