Rooted in research and refined through practice.
Tried, tested, and transformative.
Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) is a mission-driven nonprofit that trains educators to lead open-ended discussions about art —
starting with just three questions: What’s going on here? What do you see that makes you say that? What more can you find?
Come talk about art with us.
Decades of Research about Visual Learning.
We assume we understand what we see — but visual literacy isn’t innate. To see better, we need to practice better.
Proven Outcomes.
Grounded in research and honed in classrooms, museums, and medical schools, VTS strengthens how people see, think, communicate, and collaborate — across age, background, and discipline.
Tools for Everyday Teaching.
VTS empowers educators to facilitate art discussions — even if you know nothing about art. We offer practical, evidence-based strategies that meet learners where they are, harness group learning, and build real-world skills that last.
See Better. Think Deeper. Learn Together.
What We Offer
Online Programs
Training in facilitation, coaching and aesthetic development, providing rich learning opportunities for both new and seasoned practitioners
Curriculum & Lessons
Carefully chosen, levelled image sets, lesson plans, guides and more — all designed to support and grow with learners and educators.
School Partnerships
Comprehensive support to embed VTS—from teacher training and peer cohorts to classroom practice, museum visits, student growth tracking, and district-wide scaling.
Custom Consulting
Custom-designed engagements and support for museums, universities, schools, nonprofits, and corporations (One-on-one consultations are also available.
Highlighted Projects
VTS Core School Programs
The New York Times Learning Network
VTS in Science
