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: Professional Development
Course number: LEAD 524
Credits: 1 credit
Day / Dates and Times: Thursday, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Eastern Time
Modality: Hybrid
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 524 Professional Development
This course focuses on the current trajectory of each participant in terms of their professional
development. Participants will examine their individual strengths and challenges, practice speaking up
and articulating what they value and stand for, for example championing social justice and advocating
for the needs of diverse learners. The course will also touch on labor and current hiring practices
(including bias and discrimination), basic management principles, updating professional goals, public
profiles and fine-tuning skills around listening and personal reflection. This course will complement the
second semester of advising/fieldwork together with the Organizational Dynamics course to strengthen
each participant’s skills and competencies.
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: $2,117
Bank Street is a leader in education, a pioneer in improving the quality of classroom practice, and a national advocate for children and their families.
Since its beginnings in 1916, Bank Street has been at the forefront of understanding how children learn and grow. From early childhood centers and schools to hospitals and museums, Bank Street has built a national reputation on the simple fact that our graduates know how to do the work that is right for children.
At Bank Street’s Graduate School of Education, students are trained in a model that combines the study of human development, learning theory, and sustained clinical placement to promote significant development as a teacher prior to graduation. Our children’s programs—Bank Street School for Children, Family Center, Bank Street Head Start, and Liberty LEADS—foster children’s development in the broadest sense by providing diverse opportunities for social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. The Bank Street Education Center disrupts inequity through system-level change to help design better educational experiences for both children and adults. The College further supports and influences positive outcomes for children every day through professional development programs, research projects, and other key efforts engaging educators, intermediary organizations, and government officials at the district, state, and federal levels.
