Teachers
Teacher Institute | Residency Application
Applications close May 8 at 11:59 pm.
A group of teachers takes part in a making and writing activity.
Photo: Alexis Ellers
Apply to join our Teacher Institute! This 10-month partnership with 10 Chicago-area K–12 classroom teachers of various disciplines includes monthly collaboration sessions, MCA class field trips, and curriculum development.
Working closely with MCA staff and other mentors, teachers develop new curricula focused on contemporary arts integration for classroom and museum learning, earning up to $1,000 in the process.
Application Deadline: May 8, 2026. Participants will be notified by May 22, 2026.
2026–27 Program
Summer Intensive
Aug 3–7, 2026 | 9 am–2 pm
The Institute begins with an immersive, week-long residency at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.
Resource Development / Project Implementation Meetings
Monthly, Sep 2026–Apr 2027
These sessions support continued professional growth while helping teachers connect their museum experiences with their classroom practice.
MCA Learning Series
Participants attend professional development sessions that provide skills-based training and educator-focused programs connected to MCA exhibitions, public programs, and performances.
Curriculum Share-Out
April 2027
A public symposium where participants present their projects and share the curricular resources developed during the year.
Funding
Major support for the Teacher Institute is provided by the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, the Polk Bros. Foundation, and the School Museum Fund, The Hees Family.
Additional generous support is provided by Capital One and Reyes Holdings.
