K–12 teachers

The Yale Center for British Art's education programs accommodate students and educators of all needs and abilities. They aim to enhance observation, description, and critical thinking skills as well as build connections and discover meanings from first-hand encounters with original works of art.

School and Group Tours

Tours can be customized to connect content from the collections to specific interests or class curricula. The Education staff supports multiple visits throughout the year, when possible, as they enable students to gain confidence and comfort in the museum.

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Using the Collections

Teachers are encouraged to search our online collections and download free images for use in the classroom.

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© Elizabeth Felicella / ESTO

Summer Teacher Institute

This program offers K–12 educators an understanding of how visual art can support classroom reading, writing, and critical-thinking skills. Group discussions and workshops, led by university faculty and museum and school educators, will focus on objects from the museum's collections to demonstrate how to explore history and contemporary social issues. Daily sessions will provide practice in using the museum as an extension of the classroom. Common core standards are addressed. 

The Summer Teacher Institute is generously supported by the William Randolph Hearst Endowment.

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Visual Literacy Consortium

This informal group of K–12 educators meets on a regular basis to explore visual literacy and its role in the school curriculum. The group’s goal is to work toward an expanded notion of literacy that includes making meaning from visual as well as written texts. Time is spent in the galleries to practice independent teaching.

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Partnership Schools

The YCBA is able to provide teaching consultants at no cost to make in-school visits to prepare students for trips to the museum. Teachers are expected to bring their students to the museum at least twice during the school year. Buses are provided.

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Learning Resources

The Yale Center for British Art’s at home: Learning Resources video series explores paintings from the museum's collection through visual literacy strategies, storytelling, and other learning resources. Join the professional storyteller Tom Lee as he weaves his tales inspired by the imagery featured in selected paintings and walks you through accompanying educational exercises. This program is for ages five and up.

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Contact the Education department at
ycba.education@yale.edu | +1 203 432 2858