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

Educators gather around a map

How a Meaningful Place-Based Approach to Social Studies Instruction Can Create Deeply Engaged Citizens

Man stands in front of screen with a chapter of a book on it and highlighted text

How Students Use A.I. in the Classroom Can Be a Difficult Choice. Why One Educator Thinks It's Imperative to Teach Learners to Use It Ethically and Responsibly

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

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

Three women stand in a circle laughing and discussing printed handouts

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

A group smile in front of the Great Refractor telescope

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smithsonian Hosts an Education Conference Unlike Any Other This Summer

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13 Innovative Programs That Invite Early Learners to Explore the Smithsonian

Children Approaching the Smithsonian Building

Learning Alongside the Smithsonian for the Hundredth Day of School

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

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

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

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

Five images of art projects inspired by the Smithsonian

At-Home Activities for Guaranteed Family Fun This Winter

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

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Perfect Primary Source Combinations

Smithsonian EdX Course for Teachers

Ten Ready-to-Use Resources for Your Teaching Toolkit

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

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

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