Art Education

Randy Granger
rgranger@uarts.edu
Chairperson
215-717-6053

Pre-Certification Concentration in Art Education

The teaching of art is a profession that allows for the artist-teacher’s continued growth while nurturing the aesthetic and creative experiences of others. Recent national as well as statewide attention to education to the role of the arts in education makes this an especially good time for students to consider becoming an art teacher and artist. In preparing students for careers in art education, the University is committed to the ideal of exemplary teachers who are also able to produce their own competent works. To that end, the University offers a flexible program of competency-based education at the undergraduate level to prepare students to complete a professional certification program after graduation or within a four-year undergraduate program plus an additional post-baccalaureate professional semester.

The Pre-Certification concentration is designed to be taken in conjunction with a regular studio major in the BFA program. In addition to meeting the requirements of a major studio department, students enrolled in the pre-certification concentration take courses in the Art Education Department, plus prescribed courses in liberal arts, photography, electronic media, and other studio areas that help fulfill the general Liberal Arts and studio electives requirements.

All candidates seeking certification to teach K-12 in Pennsylvania must complete 48 credits including six credits of college-level math, three credits of college-level English composition, and three credits of British or American literature prior to formal admission to the professional education program. Careful advising is essential.

Students enrolled in the Pre-Certification Concentration in Art Education must take and pass Instructional I Praxis tests prior to entering the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Program.

The Art Education concentration provides a strong theoretical and practical foundation for teaching as a career. Through field experiences starting in the Sophomore year, the student is able to explore teaching in a variety of traditional and alternative settings. Students are also provided with the necessary competencies in teaching K-12 Art, and meeting the state and national standards through special studies in education combined with liberal arts coursework in art history, aesthetics, criticism, social sciences, and studies in studio production.

The Pre-Certification Concentration may be taken in its entirety or in part to fit individual plans and needs. Students who complete the program with a 3.0 cumulative average will be able to enroll directly in the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Program, in which they can complete the student-teaching requirement (AEDU 561, AEDU 562, AEDU 565, AEDU 503) in as little as one regular semester beyond the bachelor’s degree. In addition, students must successfully complete all the PRAXIS required tests, with satisfactory scores to qualify for the Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate to teach Art K-12.

In another viable alternative, qualified graduates may enter the Master of Arts in Teaching program, in which it is possible to earn a master’s degree and certification in as little as three semesters or two semesters and two summers.

Academic Regulations

Students working toward certification are required to maintain a 3.0 cumulative average in certification coursework. Admission to the Post- Baccalaureate Student Teacher Program is by permission of the department, based on satisfactory completion of all prerequisites, evidence of promise as a teacher demonstrated in prior coursework, and good academic standing. Students must maintain a “B” average in art education courses to be permitted to student teach. A grade of “B” or better in Student Teaching is required for recommendation for certification.

Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Program Professional Semester, (for UArts alumni only)

Randy Granger
rgranger@uarts.edu
Chairperson, Director
215-717-6053

The Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Program, Professional Semester, is an intensive one-semester experience built around a 14-week student teaching practicum, in which the student devotes seven weeks to teaching at the elementary school level and seven weeks to teaching at the middle or secondary school level under the guidance and supervision of master teachers and Art Education Department faculty.

The Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Program, Professional Semester, is only available to University of the Arts/College of Art and Design students the semester following receipt of the bachelor’s degree, which must include all pre-certification requirements except AEDU 503 and AE 659. Students must also have a 3.0 GPA, have successfully completed the Instructional I Praxis Tests, and be recommended by the Art Education department. Students will not be allowed to do student teaching unless they have passed the Instructional I Praxis Tests: Reading, Writing Mathematics.

The Pre-Certification Concentration, when coupled with the Post- Baccalaureate Teacher Program, is accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as an approved program to prepare students to receive the Instructional I Certificate to teach Art K-12.

Since June 1987, all applicants for certification in Pennsylvania must also take and pass all required tests in the PRAXIS Series, Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers of the National Teachers Exam to qualify for the certificate.

Supplementary courses and activities complete the preparation of the future teacher to enter the profession.

Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Program Professional Semester, (Non-Degree for non-UArts graduates)

Randy Granger
rgranger@uarts.edu
Chairperson, Director
215-717-6053

The Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Program (Non-Degree) is an intensely focused course of study designed to prepare those seeking certification to teach Art K-12. To be eligible for this 30-credit program, candidates must hold a BFA or BA degree in art, or equivalent, with four credits in studio art and 12 credits in art history, with a “B” or better cumulative average. They must also have completed six credits in college-level math, three credits of English composition, and three credits in American or British literature.

In addition, candidates must have successfully completed the Instructional I, PRAXIS tests. Depending on the student’s background and all co-requisites being met, this 30-credit program may be completed in three full semesters.

No credits earned in the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Program (Non- Degree) may be converted to graduate credits or be considered for transfer credit in a graduate program.

Master of Arts in Art Education

Randy Granger
rgranger@uarts.edu
Chairperson, Director
215-717-6053

Susan Rodriguez
srodriguez@uarts.edu
Graduate Art Education Admission Coordinator
215-717-6234

The Master of Arts in Art Education program at The University of the Arts is designed to develop the studio, intellectual, and professional education background of art educators, enabling them to meet advanced professional goals.

Coordinating professional education courses with work in liberal arts, graduate research, and a concentration in studio arts that include emerging digital and alternative media, the MA in Art Education Program offers custom-designed programs of study to meet individual needs. A series of graduate education seminars address historical and contemporary issues in art theory, criticism, and education. Drawing on the wide range of studio departments, nearly one-third of the program is reserved for work in one or more studio areas, museum studies, liberal arts, art therapy, or educational media depending upon the student’s particular background and career needs. The independent thesis or graduate project, which is normally completed in two semesters, may take the form of either an academic research paper or a graduate project in an appropriate format.

Designed for both established and new teachers, the degree may satisfy credit accrual requirements for permanent certification or lead to other career advancement. Graduates have also found the program relevant to positions in museum education, college teaching (especially Junior college), arts administration, educational media, and other related fields. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with no fewer than 50 credits in studio work and 12 credits in art history with a “B” or better cumulative average. A teaching certificate is not required. Students not holding degrees in the visual arts can expect to complete 18 credits of foundation studies and/or up to 50 credits of studio work, depending upon faculty review of their portfolio.

The degree may also be taken in conjunction with the Certification Program in Art Education, thereby allowing the student to earn a master’s degree plus Certification. The difference between this combination and the MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching), is the concentration in graduate studio work and the research and thesis required for the MA degree. Full-time students may complete the MA program in one academic year plus a summer or three semesters. Part-time students may take coursework over as many as five years. Depending on the needs of the individual student, professional education courses and selected studio arts and liberal arts courses may be taken in the evenings and summers.

Concentration in Educational Media

June Julian
jjulian@uarts.edu
Coordinator, Educational Media
215-717-6054

Susan Rodriguez
srodriguez@uarts.edu
Graduate Art Education Admission Coordinator
215-717-6234

The Concentration in Educational Media, as part of a Master of Arts in Art Education, is designed to prepare graduate students to use, plan, and manage technology in the K-12 art curriculum and classroom. Educational media are those digital tools and applications used for creative and instructional purposes within a K-12 classroom and school setting. The use of educational media, therefore, is not solely for developing creative expression in students, but also as a means to support the teaching and learning of K-12 art.

Candidates for this Concentration are students with a background and training in both technology and art who want to integrate the use of technology into the teaching of art. Students in the Master of Arts in Art Education program who complete this Concentration will serve as classroom art teachers integrating technology into their curriculum and practice, and as technology leaders in their school and district.

Requirements

A Master of Arts in Art Education major must complete a total of 12 credits in required core and elective courses in technology for a Concentration in Educational Media. The other remaining six credits may be elective courses that the student chooses to advance his or her study of technology.

In addition to these 12 credits toward a Concentration in Educational Media, the graduate thesis/project (six credits) will be directed toward research involving the use of technology in art education. Competencies and specific requirements for the Educational Media Concentration are the following:

Technology Competencies

To acquire the following basic competencies in technology, a student may take University technology courses, workshops, and tutorials, including those offered through the Continuing Studies Professional Institute for Educators. Based on a review of portfolio and approval by the Art Education Department, a graduate student may be excused from this requirement.

Macintosh and Windows operating environments
Navigation, menu, file management, and transfer and storage skills
Productivity skills (word processing and spreadsheet)
Navigational and information search and retrieval skills (Internet and World Wide Web)
Electronic presentation skills (PowerPoint, etc.)
Computer graphics knowledge, concepts, and skills (raster, vector, and Web graphics)

Required Core Courses

Two related semester courses form the required core of the concentration in Educational Media A: Teaching and Learning, and Educational Media B: Planning and Management. These two core courses are designed to be taken together as a year-long sequence. Educational Media A: Teaching and Learning focuses on the conceptual, curricular, and instructional approaches and strategies needed to integrate digital technologies into the K-12 art classroom. Educational Media B: Planning and Management examines the issues and topics related to designing technology environments for K-12 art education.

Elective Courses

The purpose of the elective courses is to give the student concentrating in Educational Media the opportunity to explore specific interests involving technology. To that end, six credits must be used for further exploration in technology-related courses from the University.

Thesis/Project

A student in the Master of Arts in Art Education program with a Concentration in Educational Media will focus on a topic or idea related to technology in art education as part of his or her graduate thesis/project. The thesis/project in technology will be the culmination of study for a Concentration in Educational Media.

Master of Arts in Teaching in Visual Arts

Randy Granger
rgranger@uarts.edu
Chairperson, Director
215-717-6053

The Master of Arts in Teaching in Visual Arts is a professional degree program incorporating preparation for the Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate to teach Art K-12, including a student teaching practicum. Additional coursework includes the history, theory, and practice of art education. Depending on the completeness of the student’s background, the MAT Program provides a flexible mix of professional education, advanced studio, and liberal arts study in a 42-credit program that may be completed in three full semesters or two semesters and two summers.

MAT candidates must successfully complete the Instructional I PRAXIS tests by the end of their first semester. Although the program normally leads to certification upon receiving the degree, all candidates must, in addition, successfully complete all the required PRAXIS tests with satisfactory scores to qualify for State certification. This unique degree program allows a student to obtain his/her certification requirements for teaching while also earning a master’s degree recognized by potential employing school districts and educational institutions. In many cases this enables the MAT recipient to qualify for a higher salary and often preferred placement.

Applicants to the MAT Program should possess a BFA or BA degree in studio art with a minimum of 50 credits in studio and 12 credits in art history with a “B” or better cumulative average. They must have completed six credits of college-level math, three credits of college-level English composition, and three credits of American or British literature prior to formal admission to the professional education program.

Applicants must also have satisfactorily completed the coursework and/or acquired competencies in fields relating to teacher certification described below. If any deficiencies exist, up to 16 co-requisite credits may be completed concurrently with the degree and applied to elective requirements.

Corequisites:

Coursework in painting, drawing, ceramics, and printmaking
Three upper-division credits in a 3-D studio area, if a 2-D studio major for bachelor’s degree
Three upper-division credits in a 2-D studio area, if a 3-D studio major for bachelor’s degree
Introduction to computers, including graphic applications (required competency); minimum requirement of one course
Basic Photography (required competency), minimum requirement of one course
Art History, 12 credits, including at least one course in 20th century art, one course in non-Western art
Introduction to Psychology or Child and Adolescent Psychology
Sociology or Cultural Anthropology (may be satisfied by GRAD 651)
Aesthetics (may be satisfied by AEDU 543)
Art Criticism (may be satisfied by AEDU 543)
Speech or Acting (may be satisfied by AEDU 200 Presentation Skills)
Six credits college-level math (prior to entry into the MAT program)
Three credits college-level English composition (prior to entry into the MAT program)
Three credits college-level American or British literature (prior to entry into the MAT program)
AEDU 201 Introduction to Visual Arts Education