This class provides a theoretical and practical understanding of the growing field of contemporary museum education. It includes an examination of the changes occurring in art and design educational paradigms within the museum world, the evolving nature of museums as institutions with educational missions, along with learning and interpretive theories unique to the museum context. The class provides an extensive hands-on component devoted to the special methods, practices, and skills associated with teaching with artworks, and in designing educational material, projects, programs and innovative learning experiences within the art and design museum settings. The course also explores critical issues facing the field through theory, practice, and the analysis of case studies, including audience diversity, collaboration with schools and communities, the rethinking of museum missions and practices, and the potential for innovation and avant-garde practice within the field.