School of Art Education

• The MAT and standalone Credential programs include a state-accredited teacher preparation program that
  • supports students in obtaining a single subject California Credential in Art
  • includes a semester of supervised student teaching in a California public school
  • aligns with state teacher performance expectations and assists students in completing state assessments
• Art Education BFA students who want to teach art in California public schools and meet certain requirements may complete a blended BFA/Credential or BFA/MAT program that is 12 units shorter than completing the programs separately.
• Internship Credential: MAT and Credential students are eligible to be hired by public school districts as a full-time teacher after as little as one semester of classes (Catie can provide requirements if we should list them). Instead of completing a semester of unpaid student teaching, they get paid to teach while continuing their courses and receiving direct support from their school district and ArtU faculty.

• Explore the concepts and ideas on which traditional, contemporary, and experimental approaches to curriculum and instruction were built. Take courses that will prepare you for an art education career including:
  • developing the skills of an engaging and effective educator
  • acquiring strategies to teach and support diverse learners
  • designing and sequencing engaging lessons and learning activities
  • conducting assessment to improve teaching and learning
  • building visual literacy to effectively discuss, critique, and lead discussions about art
  • enhancing teaching and learning with research, technology, and data
• Analyze and apply this knowledge in real world teaching environments during field observations, informational educator interviews, volunteer opportunities, internships, and capstone project implementation.
• Weave together learning and experience to select and iterate on the teaching strategies you will use, evolve your personal philosophies of teaching art, and design the unique art curriculum you will teach.

• Woven throughout the curriculum and in a dedicated course on integrating technology into teaching art.
• Explore the use of established and emerging digital technology as tools for making and teaching art.
• Adapt existing technologies to provide equitable and enhanced access to learning and creative expression opportunities and utilize the power and appeal of new tech to engage diverse populations including language learners, and students with special needs, developmental differences, and diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Gradually build, expand, and update a digital art education portfolio to demonstrate the range and impact of your artistic and teaching skills; present your creative, educational, and professional achievements; and promote yourself and the value you can provide to future employers, students, funders, and collaborators.

Fieldwork is designed to build confidence step by step. You’ll start by observing classes and interviewing students, then move into classroom support, small group instruction, and teaching parts of the curriculum—before presenting lessons of your own.

Graduate students also complete a one-semester internship or student teaching experience, paired with a course that offers faculty mentorship and peer support.