Department of Art Education

Faculty and Fields of Interest

Kathy A Miraglia EdD (Chairperson) art education, elementary, adult professional development, qualitative research, painting, drawing, interdisciplinary and integrated curriculum

Arlene B Mollo PhD art education, public policy, research, interdisciplinary curriculum, museum education, painting, design

Cathy A Smilan EdD (director of Master of Art Education Program) art education, k-12 authentic art integration, museum as classroom, research and evaluation in art education partnership, ceramics, fiber arts

The Art Education program provides a sequence of theoretical, practical and studio-based experiences leading to proficiency in the teaching of art. The scope of the program prepares the student to work in public or private school systems or in other public or private agencies. The program emphasizes both supervised field work in surrounding communities and university courses in the theory and practice of art and education.

Teaching licensure in art education is the goal of most art education majors. Students pursuing licensure should consult with the department chairperson. Teaching licensure may also be earned by students who already possess a bachelors degree in a studio area or related field and are interested in earning an MAE degree, through the additional 21 credit Post-Baccalaureate program.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes in Art Education are aligned with the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) standards, with the national and state standards in visual arts education and with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s professional standards for licensure. The Bachelor of Art Education program is approved by the Bureau of Teacher Certification, Massachusetts Department of Education for licensure. Upon successful completion of the degree requirements in Art Education, students will demonstrate:

Artistic skill, critical analysis and aesthetic judgment;
Expertise in their own art production;
Depth and breadth of artistic knowledge;
Understanding of the philosophy, history, and fundamentals of elementary or secondary art education;
Understanding of human development, including child/adolescent development;
Understanding of learning styles and teaching strategies;
An individual philosophy of art education;
Skill in lesson planning, preparation and assessment strategies; and
Understanding of western and non-western traditions in art history and culture and the influences of these differing views.