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Learning with the Smithsonian

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Our museums, education, and research centers work at intersections that spark imagination and encourage discovery—between art and the environment, space exploration and women’s history, cultural traditions and an evolving American identity. Whether in museums, schools, or communities, Smithsonian educators and experts invite conversation, collaboration, and exchange, helping learners develop transferable critical thinking skills that apply to today’s most complex challenges in order to build and enrich a national culture of learning.

At Smithsonian Education, our mission is to inspire curiosity and connections in a changing world, and our vision is a world where learning is collaborative and transformative for everyone.

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2025 Smithsonian National Education Summit

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On July 15–17th, 2025, the Office of the Under Secretary for Education will host its annual National Education Summit!

This year's theme is: “Together We Thrive: One Nation, Indivisible.” PreK-12 educators, librarians, media specialists, and policymakers nationwide are invited to participate in sessions exploring four distinct track themes:

  • Dialogues Across Past, Present, and Future
  • Many Voices, One Nation
  • Power of Place
  • Transformative Teaching Tools

Each track features free online webinars led by museum experts, educators, and invited partners as well as in-person skill-building workshops and deep-dive discussions at the Smithsonian. No matter how you participate, you'll gain classroom-ready ideas and valuable insights to take back to your school or organization.  


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The Smithsonian is working to share our extensive learning resources to inform, inspire, and spark inquiry.

Your tax-deductible gift today will make a profound difference in our ability to reach every classroom and community in the nation, especially those that need it the most.

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