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 will be able to enroll directly in the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Program, in which they can complete the student-teaching requirement (AE 659, 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 the Student Teaching Practicum is required for recommendation for certification.
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