MoMA's Young Learners team, in collaboration with the New York City Art Teachers Association/United Federation of Teachers (NYCATA/UFT), is presenting "The Art of the Educator" at the Lewis B. and Dorothy Cullman Education and Research Building. The exhibition celebrates the artistic talents of NYC public school teachers, showcasing how their personal art practice enriches their teaching. Organized by David Rios and Larissa Raphael, the show features works selected by a panel including Jackie Cruz, Albert Justiniano, Lisa Kaplan, and Jacob Rhodes.
This exhibition matters because it affirms the dual identity of artist-educators, challenging the notion that teachers must set aside their creative practice in the classroom. By highlighting teachers' artwork, MoMA and NYCATA/UFT underscore the value of art education and professional development for public school teachers, reinforcing the connection between personal artistic expression and quality education. The show also demonstrates MoMA's commitment to supporting NYC public school teachers through its Young Learners and Teacher Programs.