Adjunct Instructor - LEAD 508 bei Children's Programs

Program: Learning and Engagement in Museums and Cultural Organizations (LEMCO) 

Program Position Vacancy: Adjunct Instructor 

Semester: Spring, 2026 (January 20, 2026 - May 5, 2026) 

Course title: Programming with Diverse Publics 

Course number: LEAD 508 

Credits: 2 credits 

Day / Dates and Times: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM – 8:45 PM Eastern Time 

Modality: Hybrid 

This course includes approximately eight or nine evenings on zoom 7:00 -8:45 ET on Tuesday evenings (preferred) or Thursday evenings between early February- through mid-April 2026 with one final date arranged with the students for final presentations. In addition, several hours visiting museum programs and exhibitions on a spring weekend in person (dates tba) complement the course. Dates and times online can be added or modified slightly to accommodate students’ and instructor’s working schedules during the period of time mentioned.  

Background: Learning and Engagement (LEMCO) Program The LEMCO program was launched in fall 2021. It combines elements of the prior Museum Education and Leadership in Museum Education Programs at Bank Street with new content and a hybrid format (online classes combined with occasional meetups in NYC regional cities) Accepted students are mostly working and apply coursework (including assignments) to their practice. The program is designed to advance professional trajectories in the cultural/non-profit sector with an emphasis on learning, inclusion/access and community engagement across the life span. Students (participants) represent different disciplines and interests: art, science, history, zoos, aquariums and gardens, as well as libraries, community centers and performing arts education work. The first year provides a solid background in education theory, human development, pedagogies, programming and collaboration. The second year focuses on education in the broader organizational context, including leadership, marketing/audience research, curriculum writing, grant writing and organizational dynamics. The program culminates in a Master of Science in Education and requires 36 credits. 

Course Description: LEAD 508 Programing with Diverse Publics A salient feature of educational work across museums, libraries and cultural organizations is the planning and delivery of a range of public programs. Successful programs connect diverse publics with an organization’s unique mission and assets. This course will emphasize the importance of working with diverse publics (not for them) identifying opportunities as well as barriers that may be limiting engagement. Ideally, programs are offered in a variety of formats, activities, platforms and media that involve a wide range of partners/attendees and speak to public interests, concerns and backgrounds. Course participants will also review the logistical aspects of planning different programs or resources including staffing, scheduling, and spaces or platforms where programs happen. (Note: this course focuses mostly on public programs. Specific programs tied to school curricula are the focus of another course.)

Responsibilities:

• • Prepare and release a syllabus for the course with a detailed schedule of the modules week by week, list of related resources/readings/assignments, what is expected of students and how they will be assessed. 
• • Upload syllabus, course materials and any online activities or submissions to Canvas (the online learning system at Bank Street) about a week/ten days before the first class (zoom). 
• • Prepare short video or audio resources introducing topics before classes as needed. 
• • Grade assignments and offer comments/feedback • Consult with Program Director before start of course and after for review purposes. 

• • Be in touch with instructors teaching that semester to avoid scheduling bottlenecks that might impact student workload. 

  Qualifications:* 

• • Master’s degree required; 
• • 7-10 years’ experience in the public dimension of a cultural institution/non-profit organization with demonstrated experience planning public programs in museum/cultural sites and community engagement, in several formats for diverse sets of users. 
• • Experience teaching or training in college/university, using a learner centered pedagogy centered around discussions, activities, guest speakers and short presentations online is preferred.  
• • Being able to draw on a number of examples from across the sector in different disciplines is also beneficial. 

*Since this course is taught mainly online, candidates from out of state can apply, however it is advantageous if instructors are in the same or nearby time zones. 

Note: this course could be taught by one person, or team taught with another instructor, especially if having two adds more perspectives and experiences to the teaching of the course. 

Compensation: $4,161