Smithsonian Education

Phoebe Hillemann

Phoebe Hillemann is the Teacher Institutes Educator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. She manages the Museum’s annual week-long summer teacher institutes, focused on integrating art across the curriculum to bolster critical thinking and content learning. Her work also involves delivering live, interactive webinars for teachers, presenting at national and regional education conferences, and inquiry-based teaching in the Museum’s galleries with students and teachers.

Stories from this author

Teaching a More Complete Picture of MLK

While Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech was a pivotal moment in U.S. history, there's more to his life and legacy than that single story. Smithsonian educators share approaches to expand classroom lessons and student understanding of this great civil rights leader.

Candra Flanagan , Eden Cho & Phoebe Hillemann | January 11, 2024

Unpacking the Stories Behind Artist Bisa Butler’s Portrayal of the Harlem Hellfighters

Tips for teaching the layered World War I history of the 369th Infantry Regiment on their return from France

Ben Brands & Phoebe Hillemann | May 24, 2023

Discovering William H. Johnson’s Hidden Stories

SAAM educator Phoebe Hillemann reflects on creating resources to spark curiosity for learners of all ages who view William H. Johnson’s "Fighters for Freedom" series

Phoebe Hilleman | October 19, 2022

How Art and Metaphor Help Students Unpack Complex Ideas

Smithsonian educators share how they frame artworks to explore complex ideas with students.

Briana Zavadil White , Elizabeth Dale-Deines & Phoebe Hillemann | December 15, 2020

Representation Matters: Bringing Women’s Stories Into the Classroom Through American Art and Portraiture

A collaboration between SAAM and NPG illuminates the lives and works of women artists in our collections.

Phoebe Hillemann | November 5, 2019