Manager, Object-Based Learning

The MFAH Department of Learning and Interpretation engages intergenerational audiences and students with the Museum’s collections and exhibitions of world art. The Object-based Learning area promotes learning through art as a vital part of K12 education and school curriculum.  

With a new climate for K12 public school education in Texas and in Houston, priority must be placed on reaching students directly, whether at the Museum through field lessons or multi-visit programs, in school classrooms, or in after-school programming. 

To meet this moment, the Manager of Object-based Learning will place priority on direct engagement with elementary, middle, and high school students. Emphasis will be placed ondesigning a full menu of opportunities for students of all ages to learn through art with MFAH, while maintaining opportunities for teacher professional development and grant-funded teacher fellows. 

Responsibilities: 

Program Redevelopment and Reassessment 

• Develop and implement a long-range plan that broadens opportunities for students to learn through art with MFAH – at the Museum, in their classrooms, and in after-school settings.   

• Develop pilot program at selected schools for MFAH staff to offer in-school object-based learning sessions that connect with appropriate TEKS, in collaboration with district fine arts leaders and teachers. 

• Work together with Docent Programs Manager to research and create opportunities to collaborate with the Glassell School of Art (Junior School) to offer School Studios – a hybrid school tour and studio experience for students.Studio material fees would be required of schools that can afford them, and covered by MFAH through grant funds for those with limited funds. Work with Development on funding opportunities for this program. 

• Collaborate with Manager of Studio and Gallery Programs to expand the Mobile Art Studio program, which provides engagement with students in their school classrooms. Opportunities to expand Mobile Studio offerings could include experiences that integrate arts learning into students’ “core” curriculum, including reading, math, science, and more. 

• Collaborate with Arts Connect Houston to determine opportunities for MFAH to provide in-school and after-school arts programming at HISD, Aldine ISD, and Alief ISD schools. 

• Research and create opportunities to connect MFAH teen programs, like hang@MFAH, with the Glassell Studio School early college program, and generally enrich MFAH teen programs with the perspectives of Glassell faculty and additional area teaching artists. 

• As the first Neighborhood Arts Collaborative (NAC)grant comes to a close next year, work with the NAC team in Learning and Interpretation to determine an expanded direction for that program. 
• Continue teacher professional development when practical, and research opportunities to become involved with teacher training programs at area universities. 

Management 

• Supervise the work of the Object-based Learning Specialistand Object-based Learning Coordinator, as well as the OBL On-Call Educators and teaching artists. 

• Work closely with the Docent Programs Manager and their direct reports, who are also part of the OBL team. 

• Practice empathetic leadership with this team, providing clear and actionable guidance, while also listening to their questions with an open mind, pivoting to meet them where they are, and including them in decision-making processes. 

• Oversee budgets, statistics, grant proposals and reports for the Object-based Learning area. 

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: 

• Excellent knowledge of art history and pedagogy 

• Strong capacity to work constructively and respectfully with supervisor, direct reports, members of the L&I Department, and staff across the Museum 

• Demonstrated excellence in writing about art for a wide range of audiences 

• Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in object-based learning in a museum setting 

• Excellent public speaking, verbal communication and interpersonal skills 

• Ability to handle many activities and projects simultaneously, with the ability to pivot effectively toward new priorities 
• Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and offsite, as needed 

Education and Experience: 

• MA in art history, K12 education, or humanities required 

• 5 years experience in art museum education and/or K12 classroom teaching 

• Substantive experience with and demonstrated excellence in teaching with works of art