Ashley Naranjo

Ashley Naranjo is a museum educator, specializing in the use of digital resources for teaching and learning. She currently leads education partnerships as the Assistant Director, Education and Outreach Strategy in the Smithsonian’s Office of the Under Secretary for Education. She has developed and implemented professional development opportunities for teachers, librarians and fellow museum educators since 2011. She holds a B.A. in Human Development from the Lynch School of Education at Boston College and a M.Ed. in Learning Design and Technology from the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California. She is a 2019 graduate of the Getty Leadership Institute’s NextGen of Museum Leaders program. 

Stories from this author

A sign says Registration and a group of people approach a table

An Educator's Guide to Attending the Upcoming Smithsonian Education Summit and Turning Inspiration into Impact

In summer 2026, the Smithsonian will host its sixth annual conference for educators. Local D.C. classroom teacher, Alejandro Diasgranados, shares his tips for how to prepare, insights on what to expect, and his approach for turning inspiration into real classroom impact.

Two teachers sit side by side pointing out details in a museum gallery

Immersive Workshop and Webinar Opportunities Offer Teachers a Summer of Learning Alongside the Smithsonian

Once the last bell rings this school year, teachers can select from a wide range of opportunities to continue to hone their craft with Smithsonian educators and peers across the arts, culture, history, and science

Three women stand in a circle laughing and discussing printed handouts

2026 Summit Spotlights Civics Teaching through Connections to Art, Culture, History, and Science

The Smithsonian continues its 250th celebration of the nation with a free three-day Summit for educators featuring more than 40 sessions through virtual and in-person programming

A group smile in front of the Great Refractor telescope

Youth Science Media Program Connects Experts and Students around Careers and the Cosmos

Boston-area students gained career mentors, transferrable media production skills, and behind-the-scenes experiences at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian they'll remember for a lifetime

A group of children sit on the grass to read silently to themselves

Pep Rally Celebrates Literacy and a Lifelong Passion for Learning With Seattle Youth

Collaborating national organizations Amazon, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, NFL Inspire Change, and the Smithsonian have come together to encourage excitement around reading. Their latest event in Seattle provided over 1,250 books to youth and their Club libraries

A group of men and women are in an audience turning and talking to each other with smiles

2025 Summit Features Inspiring Keynotes, Deep-Dive Sessions and Hands-On Workshops for Educators

The Smithsonian returns with its 5th annual National Education Summit, a free three-day conference for educators preparing to teach the 250th anniversary of the nation

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In Conversation with 2024 National Teacher of the Year, Missy Testerman

Meet the Tennessee educator ensuring a sense of belonging in her classroom and supporting newcomer immigrant students and their families in her rural Appalachian community

A young girl wears a lab coat, safety goggles and blue latex gloves in a research laboratory

The Future Looks Bright According to Young American Inventor and Author, Gitanjali Rao

Meet the college student who’s changing the world with innovative solutions and promoting the power of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for positive impact every chance she gets

A group of teachers gather around a large blue billboard of the Summit schedule

Smithsonian Hosts an Education Conference Unlike Any Other This Summer

The 4th annual National Education Summit is a one-of-a-kind, signature three-day program hosted by the Smithsonian, featuring inspiring keynotes, deep-dive sessions, hands-on workshops and an evening networking reception

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13 Innovative Programs That Invite Early Learners to Explore the Smithsonian

These free regularly scheduled, drop-in programs across the Smithsonian introduce the youngest learners and their caregivers to a wide-range of playful, engaging, age-appropriate topics, including shapes and storytelling, animals and nature, and music and movement

Children Approaching the Smithsonian Building

Learning Alongside the Smithsonian for the Hundredth Day of School

As young students across the country celebrate this major milestone in the school year, the Smithsonian offers classroom connections to consider just how monumental 100 really is

Peterson wears a bun and blazer pointing towards a computer screen with her students

In Conversation with 2023 National Teacher of the Year, Rebecka Peterson

Meet the high school math teacher from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who believes in the exponential impact of seemingly small, but consistent, acts of intentionality, gratitude, and listening

Teachers converse at a table, one woman with blond hair has her hands to her face

Top Five Can’t-Miss Elements of the 2023 Smithsonian National Education Summit

This three-day, free conference for teachers features over 50 sessions led by an engaging expert line-up of speakers including Smithsonian educators, teacher practitioners, researchers, and education advocates

Woman with brown hair and glasses reads through a print program with the words "Smithsonian National Education Summit"

Empowering Educators to Address Pressing Issues in Education

Thousands of educators gather this summer to learn from nationally recognized experts and Smithsonian educators exploring sustainability, STEAM, “Reckoning with Our Racial Past,” arts education and more

Table with one folded newspaper, one unfolded newspaper and a pencil

A New Smithsonian Guide for How You Can Make Your Daily Routine More Sustainable

A collaboration with USA TODAY, the publication also spotlights the scientists, historians, artists, and youth tackling environmental challenges

Five images of art projects inspired by the Smithsonian

At-Home Activities for Guaranteed Family Fun This Winter

Ten innovative and inspired ideas to keep kids learning and engaged while home from school during winter break

Teacher Kurt Russell sits at a square table in the school's library with five students, smiling and in conversation.

In Conversation with 2022 National Teacher of the Year, Kurt Russell

High school history teacher Kurt Russell offers a peek into his teaching approach, his new role as National Teacher of the Year, and what has sustained him as he recommits to the profession each year.

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Perfect Primary Source Combinations

How integrating digitized collections from across cultural institutions can create impactful learning experiences and more holistic narratives

Smithsonian EdX Course for Teachers

Ten Ready-to-Use Resources for Your Teaching Toolkit

During the Smithsonian's inaugural Educator's Day program, teachers learned about classroom-ready tools, transferable teaching approaches, and opportunities for ongoing professional learning.

Moments that highlight the joy and excitement of scientific inquiry—such as this student using a Van de Graaff generator—can spark interest in a STEM-related career. Here are some career-focused resources that can supplement that interest. (National Air and Space Museum)

Sparking Excitement About STEM Through Exposure to Career Pathways

Ask a child to draw a scientist, and research says they’ll often draw the typical stereotype of a “mad scientist”—– an older, usually white, man, with wild hair, wearing a lab coat and goggles. This mental image perpetuates myths about who can and can’t work in STEM careers. The reality is that anyone can do science. Five educators at the Smithsonian share insights and ideas on inspiring the next generation.

A sampling of the creative projects inspired by artworks and artmaking techniques found within the Hirshhorn’s collections, available from the “Hirshhorn Kids at Home” series. (Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden)

Fun (and Free) Ideas to Keep Kids Learning This Summer

Over 20 unique and creative ideas from across the Smithsonian for engaging learners this summer

How Museums Can Be Spaces for Reflection and Connection (Even with Their Doors Closed)

The pandemic has shown that museums have an important role to play as integral members of their communities.