Teacher Institute | Residency Application 2026–27
April 01, 2025 - May 08, 2025
Applications close May 8 at 11:59 pm
Apply to join our Teacher Institute!
This 10-month partnership brings together 10 Chicago-area K–12 classroom teachers from a range of disciplines for sustained professional learning and collaboration. The program includes monthly cohort meetings, class field trips to the MCA, and guided curriculum development.
Working closely with MCA staff and invited mentors, teachers design new curricula that integrate contemporary art into classroom and museum learning. Participants may earn up to $1,000 for their full engagement in the program.
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.
