BFA degree
The BFA in is a professional degree that prepares students for licensure in elementary or secondary school teaching or for work in other learning environments and it is founded on studio practice. Students must complete a concentration in one of the studio areas in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. In addition to the areas designated by major degree programs, a concentration may be elected in areas such as 2D or 3D for the PreK-8 license level.
Teaching licensure students become Art Education Teacher Candidates after passing the Communication and Literacy Skills portion of the Massachusetts Test of Educator Licensure (MTEL). Teaching licensure students become Art Education Pre-Service Candidates only after passing the entire MTEL, which includes the Visual Arts portion, before the first semester of their senior year, a prerequisite for entrance to the student teaching practicum. Depending upon the level of licensure sought, in consultation with the Art Education chairperson or faculty advisor, and prior to class registration each semester, the appropriate Art Education courses must be selected and passed. Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.75 and obtain a positive recommendation from the chairperson before permission is granted to the student for entrance in his/her student teaching (Practicum). Student teaching requires a commitment of 400 total hours, earning full-time (12 credits) status.
Program requirements will be revised to reflect on-going developments in state regulations and educational reform. The baccalaureate program is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and leads to a single level initial license in Massachusetts as an art teacher in grades PreK-8 or 5-12.
Students preparing for careers other than teaching may also pursue this major, are not required to pass the MTEL, and may take an Alternative Practicum that provides a field experience placement in a community setting, agency, hospital, nursing home or geriatric center, museum, children’s day care facility or the like in lieu of a student teaching placement in a school. Students choosing this alternative option will not earn state licensure.
During their sophomore year all majors must meet with the Art Education chairperson to declare their career intentions and plan their studies accordingly. Majors must choose their studio concentration area by the spring advising period of their sophomore year.
Post-Baccalaureate Art Teacher Licensure
Returning students who possess a bachelor’s degree in a studio or related area and wish to receive art teacher licensure may apply for acceptance to the teacher licensure program through the MAE degree. Post-baccalaureate Art Education licensure candidates must pass both the Literacy and Content and Visual Art portions of the Massachusetts Test of Educator Licensure (MTEL) prior to entering the program. The post-baccalaureate program is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and leads to a single level initial license in Massachusetts as an art teacher in grades PreK-8 or 5-12. As an added benefit, interstate recognition makes an art teacher licensure or certification coursework earned at UMass Dartmouth reciprocally valid in many other states. Contact the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education regarding reciprocity requirements.
This program is designed for students with strong backgrounds in studio work who seek licensure that allows them to work in schools, museums or social service agencies. Candidates must demonstrate studio competencies in areas specified by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (Standard I) and pass the MTEL exams prior to applying to the MAE program. While at UMass Dartmouth, licensure students take courses from the listed requirements for the major in Art Education that apply toward state licensure standards, social theory and philosophy of education, human development in visual art; and teaching methodology, including teaching the learner with special needs. During their required field experience, students will visit schools and other learning sites. The courses and field work provide students with the opportunity and skills to develop effective strategies for working with learners in a variety of settings.
During the pre-practicum field experience, UMD pre-service teachers observe and assist in teaching students at their selected grade level (PreK-8 or 5-12) in public schools. Students must acquire a total of seventy-five hours outside of class during their pre-practicum field work.
The Post Baccalaureate requires 21 credits; PSY 201 (3 credits) and its prerequisite PSY 101 (3 credits) should be taken before entry. Additional credits may be needed if a student lacks prerequisites or depth of studio preparation.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts teacher licensure process is a two-stage process by which an initial license is earned, followed by a professional license. Within five years of beginning employment under an initial license, teachers must earn professional licensure in order to maintain professional standing and teach in the public schools. The Master of Art Education program is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as part of the requirements leading to a professional license. Those interested should consult the department about the Art Education master’s degree options, and consult the university s Graduate Catalog.
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