Each session's museum education component is designed to emphasize the importance of using available works of art in teaching, and to encourage new strategies of discovery and investigation of art resources in participants' own community. Participating teachers complete a brief survey of the types of art resources available to them in their area, and provide a written and pictorial description of the single artwork they deem most significant. Institute workshops, led by top museum educator Rika Burnham, will involve analysis of The Art Institute of Chicago and Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art collections, public art throughout Chicago, and discussions of each participant's home resources and personal selections. Through this process, our goal is for teachers to develop a greater understanding of using not only the resources of major institutions and cities but of the significant collections, objects, or public pieces existing in or near their home region that can be integrated into their teaching. Surveys are distributed prior to the start of each session to teachers who have been accepted into the program.

Questions? Email us at tica@saic.edu.