As educators step into a new school year, the Cincinnati Art Museum is keeping creativity, connection, and renewal at the center of professional learning. From the 23rd Annual Summer Teacher Institute to monthly Evenings for Educators and free opportunities for future teachers, CAM offers year-round ways for educators to recharge their practice and bring fresh ideas back to their students.

Participants in CAM’s 2026 Summer Teacher Institute pose in the Marek Family Commons overlooking Eden Park.

Summer Teacher Institute

That spirit of renewal often starts long before students return to the classroom. This summer, 40 arts educators from across the region gathered at the Cincinnati Art Museum’s 23rd Annual Summer Teacher Institute, Wild Wonder, Quiet Mind: Nature-Inspired Art for Rest & Renewal, for an inspiring professional learning experience centered on creativity, wellness, and connection. Through hands-on workshops, collaborative discussions, and resource sharing, participants explored nature and wildlife as catalysts for artistic expression and personal restoration while building meaningful relationships with fellow educators. As one attendee shared, “This is by far the best PD experience I’ve ever participated in!”

Artist and educator Sara Torgison gives a presentation at CAM’s 2026 Summer Teacher Institute.

2026 Summer Teacher Institute—What We Did

A cornerstone of the Summer Teacher Institute is the opportunity for educators to learn directly from practicing artists and creative professionals. This year acclaimed local artist-educators Sara Torgison and Becca Stadtlander inspired participants with keynote presentations and hands-on workshops and shared their creative processes and encouraged fresh ways of thinking about artmaking and teaching. The week was further enriched by gallery talks and learning experiences led by Cincinnati Art Museum curators, museum educators, and valued community partners, including the Lloyd Library & Museum and Queen City Clay. Beyond the classroom, attendees enjoyed memorable experiences ranging from a whimsical aura photography pop-up with Nikita Gross to a special visit from animal ambassadors provided by West Wildlife Rehab. The institute concluded with a celebratory happy hour, and printmaking experience hosted by artist and DIY Printing founder Aaron Kent, sending educators back to their classrooms energized, connected, and creatively renewed.

Educators in CAM’s 2026 Summer Teacher Institute participate in hands-on art-making projects.

Looking Ahead

The creative energy of summer doesn’t have to end when the school year begins. Our signature Evenings for Educators (E4E) series offers monthly opportunities to explore exhibitions, discover teaching resources, connect with colleagues, and engage in meaningful conversations about art and learning. Open to educators, pre-service teachers, school leaders, and community partners, these free programs are held on the third Thursday of each month from 4-7 p.m. Each event features a unique theme and practical ideas that can be applied in classrooms and learning environments throughout the year.

Click here to download a postcard for all upcoming E4E dates and times.

The Lloyd Library & Museum presents at CAM’s 2026 Summer Teacher Institute. 

Evenings for Future Educators

The Cincinnati Art Museum also stays committed to supporting emerging educators through Evenings for Future Educators (E4FE), a professional development series designed for pre-service teachers and college students. This academic year, the museum will offer two opportunities to connect with experienced educators, build professional networks, and explore innovative teaching strategies. On September 24 the E4FE Fall Semester Workshop—"From Museum to Classroom”—will feature a tour and collaborative lesson led by Rosenthal Education Center Artist-in-Residence Kenton Brett. On April 8 the E4FE Spring Semester Workshop—"From Student to Teacher”— will feature a lecture and collaborative lesson with Jamie Schorsch, 2026 Ohio Art Educator of the Year. For the first time since the program’s launch, all E4FE events will be offered free of charge to college students, faculty, and staff.

Reminders!

For reminders about events and our ever-evolving suite of teacher resources, follow the CAM Educators & Friends Facebook community and bookmark our "Teachers" webpage on CAM’s website. As a new school year begins, we wish all educators a creative, inspiring, and successful year ahead.

Questions?

For more information on resources, workshops, and other support for educators, contact Krista King-Oaks, Assistant Director of School-Based Learning, at 513-639-2974 or [email protected].