Free Three-Day Summit Features More Than 40 Sessions With Connections to Art, Culture, History and Science Through Virtual and In-Person Programs July 14–16
Educators are invited to join the Smithsonian for its annual National Education Summit, a free, three‑day professional learning experience taking place Tuesday, July 14, through Thursday, July 16, in Washington, D.C., and online. As the nation continues its 250th anniversary commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this year’s summit explores bold, cross‑disciplinary approaches for engaging students in civic inquiry through the theme Together We Thrive: Towards a More Perfect Union.
This year, 2026 marks a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity for reflection on the nation’s founding ideals, not just a historical milestone but as an invitation to examine how those ideals have evolved and the roles young people will play in shaping the next 250 years of the nation. The summit offers participating educators Smithsonian education resources and tools, actionable teaching and learning strategies, and a unique opportunity to network with educators across a wide range of learning environments. Now in its sixth year, the summit brings together thousands of educators from across the country.
“By framing the summit around the theme, Together We Thrive, we’re emphasizing the importance of connection—to each other, to our communities and to the shared work of supporting every learner,” said Monique M. Chism, the Smithsonian’s Under Secretary for Education.
This year’s keynote speakers bring fresh perspectives and insights about how students engage, create, imagine and participate in civic life:
- Mac Barnett, the 2025-2026 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, a best-selling author whose playful, inventive storytelling inspires curiosity, joy and civic imagination in young readers
- Hahrie Han, 2025 MacArthur Fellow and director of the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University whose research as a leading political scientist on civic engagement and democracy offers powerful insights for educators and connected community partners
- Top educators from across the country, including teacher leaders from the Council of Chief State School Officers’ National Teachers of the Year Program and Smithsonian museum experts, sharing their most innovative practices
On Tuesday, July 14 (online), and Wednesday, July 15 (hybrid), participants will explore curated session tracks that connect civics to art, culture, history and science, offering multiple entry points for participants across grade levels and subject areas. This year’s summit introduces four signature tracks:
- Cultivating the Power of Dialogue
- Leveraging the Arts as Civic Voice
- Designing STEAM Solutions for Civic Challenges
- Placing History in Context
On Thursday, July 16, in‑person attendees can join exclusive workshops and tours, including a special behind‑the‑scenes session of “American Aspirations.” Curated by Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, the exhibition offers a special look at how the Smithsonian is celebrating, contemplating and commemorating this historic milestone.
Thanks to the Horace Mann Educators Foundation, the summit will honor the first‑ever recipient of the Smithsonian Educator Excellence Award, celebrating an educator who exemplifies creativity, leadership and community impact. An evening reception at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery will feature the presentation of the award.
The summit is free and open to all educators:
- Tuesday, July 14: Virtual‑only sessions
- Wednesday, July 15: Hybrid programming at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library with livestreamed keynotes
- Thursday, July 16: Smithsonian behind-the-scenes and workshop experiences (limited capacity)
All virtual sessions will be livestreamed and archived for replay. American Sign Language interpretation and live closed captioning will be available.
Free registration is now open. Registration, more information and the session lineup are available on the summit website.