Fourth Annual Smithsonian Education Summit Spotlights the Value of Interdisciplinary Approaches in Enhancing Education Outcomes

The Smithsonian’s fourth annual National Education Summit will take place July 16–18. This year’s theme, “Together We Thrive: Connecting at the Intersections,” emphasizes the power of interdisciplinary approaches to effectively engaging students with complex and challenging content. By addressing multifaceted issues through diverse perspectives, the summit aims to share effective strategies and practices to enhance learning and improve student engagement.

The free three-day event will combine virtual and in-person sessions, including keynote speeches, workshops and behind-the-scenes experiences at various Smithsonian locations. Sessions led by Smithsonian educators and collaborating partners will explore relevant themes at the intersections of art, culture, history and science across four main tracks: Using Art to Connect Past and Present, Inclusive Storytelling, Thinking Globally, Acting Locally and Youth Taking Civic Action. 

Each year, the summit attracts thousands of educators from across the country at all levels of the education ecosystem, including pre-K–12, museum and university educators, as well as school administrators, policymakers, researchers, academics, media specialists, librarians, advocacy groups and more.

“The 2024 National Education Summit is about leveraging the power of diverse perspectives to drive innovation and collaboration in education,” said Monique M. Chism, the Smithsonian’s Under Secretary for Education. “By exploring the intersections of various disciplines, we aim to inspire educators with new strategies and approaches. We are excited to connect and engage with educators to find ways to make a meaningful impact that helps students thrive.”

In its fourth year, the summit will continue to attract educators from all over the United States seeking practical information and guidance they can bring back to their classrooms. Featured keynote speakers include:

• Gitanjali Rao, TIME’s 2020 Kid of the Year, inventor, author, activist and science, technology, engineering and math promoter
• Missy Testerman, the 2024 Council of Chief State School Officers’ national teacher of the year
• Richard Culatta, education technology leader and chief executive officer of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and the International Society for Technology in Education
• Nikkolas Smith, artivist, bestselling author and illustrator

This event is free, and registration is now open. All sessions on the first day of the summit, Tuesday, July 16, will be livestreamed virtually. On Wednesday, July 17, sessions will take place in person at the host venues, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, with an evening networking reception in the museums’ Kogod Courtyard. On Thursday, July 18, sessions will take place in person at Smithsonian museums and centers across Washington, D.C., offering exhibition tours, behind-the-scenes experiences and a chance to dive deep into content with Smithsonian educators. For more details on the upcoming National Education Summit, visit the summit website.

# # #

SI-184-2024