For Teachers
The Contemporary Austin provides a number of opportunities for teachers to engage with our exhibitions and the museum and to earn professional development credit.
Take a Video Tour
Visiting the museum with your classroom? Join in the fun as students from Austin's Lee Lewis Campbell Elementary Media and Performing Arts Institute share their best tips on how to look, explore, and learn. Prepare for your trip by seeing how "Art Is Awesome"!
Watch the video
Also, see how Austin's Blanton Elementary students get inspired by nature and create watercolors based on the art on view during their self-guided tour of Laguna Gloria:
Watch the video
Teacher Workshops
Teacher Workshops provide interactive training and resource materials for teachers from all subject areas and grade levels. Austin ISD, Round Rock ISD, and surrounding district teachers who attend a Teacher Workshop may receive one transportation reimbursement and one half-day substitute reimbursement for attending each workshop. Earn Continuing Professional Education credits (CPEs), receive teacher lesson plans, engage in hands-on activities, learn about booking docent-led tours, and discuss strategies for incorporating contemporary artists and their works into your classroom.
2021 Teacher Workshops
Tuesday, January 19, 5:00-6:30 on Zoom
8 Strategies for Looking at & Responding to Art in Hybrid Learning Settings
Tuesday, February 9, 5:00-6:30 on Zoom
Mixed Media Mingle: Explorations with Resists
Tuesday, March 2, 5:00-6:30 on Zoom
Mixed Media Mingle: Mold Making
Tuesday, April 13, 5:00-6:30 on Zoom
Mixed Media Mingle: TBD
Tuesday, May 4, 5:00-6:30 on Zoom
Mixed Media Mingle: TBD
Please contact Emily Cayton, Associate Director of Education, ecayton@thecontemporaryaustin.org, with questions or inquiries.
Teacher Curriculum
The Contemporary Austin’s tour program and teacher resources are aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for visual arts, along with exploring various interdisciplinary connections. For more information or to receive curriculum guides, contact Emily Cayton, Educator for Teachers and Docents, ecayton@thecontemporaryaustin.org.
Student Tours
To book a docent-led tour at The Contemporary Austin, contact Rigo Guerrero, rguerrero@thecontemporaryaustin.org or 512 458 8191 x 137.
We offer dual or single-site visits, art-making activities, and more! Work with us to tailor a truly unique experience for your students. More info here.
Please book tours at least two weeks in advance; each tour is a suggested donation of $1 per child and $3 per adult.
Public Programs
Join us for an artist talk, film, visiting lecture, or performance! View our events here.
Art School at Laguna Gloria
The Art School at Laguna Gloria seeks qualified, experienced art teachers for a variety of classes. View requirements and application deadline details here.
Teachers are also encouraged to explore the course offerings at the Art School to expand their knowledge, perspectives, and passions.
All inquiries about teacher opportunities:
teachers@thecontemporaryaustin.org