Department of Art Education

Faculty and Fields of Interest

Siegesmund, Richard Art Education Part-Time Lecturer (2021) BA 1973 Trinity College: Graduate Study, Painting and Printmaking, University of Hawaii, Manoa, 1973-75, Under the direction of Lee Chesney/MA Art Education, Stanford University 1995: PhD Stanford University 2000, Under the directio of Elliot Eisner.

Smilan, Cathy A (Graduate Program Director) Associate Professor of Art Education (2007). BA 1983 SUNY Albany, MA 1996 SUNY Stony Brook, EdD 2004 Florida Atlantic University. Specializations: Art education, program evaluation, research, art integrated curriculum and professional development, museum partnerships, ceramics, fiber/mixed media

The graduate Art Education program offers both traditional and innovative opportunities for the professional art teacher. The program offers choices for graduate studies tailored to individual interests and career goals. For those whose objective is to teach in public schools, the program provides theoretical and practical experience. Graduates may earn their post-baccalaureate initial license through the MAE Post Baccalaureate, and the professional license through the MAE program. This is in compliance with Massachusetts state licensure requirements.

The program also offers studies in Art Education for those wishing to teach in community settings such as day care centers, hospitals, welfare agencies, museums, alternative schools, geriatric centers, or vocational rehabilitation centers. The program emphasizes professional development and lifelong learning for teachers who already hold teaching licenses in the arts or related fields. Artists/teachers are supported in studio courses designed to recognize and enhance their particular skills. The MAE program is dedicated to increasing graduates’ capacity to question issues related to teaching, thinking, learning and producing in and through the arts.

The program is structured to address the broadly conceived themes of human development and creative expression, curriculum and leadership, and community partnerships. Toward the goal of advancing the reform of education through the arts, the graduate program requires all students to demonstrate off-site Partnership and Action Research Experiences. A self-directed capstone experience developed to further investigate art making and teaching practice is the culminating course.

For students seeking first-time post-baccalaureate initial license in Visual Art teaching, CVPA offers a 54-credit joint program. Twenty four (24) credits are earned through post-baccalaureate courses, which include a full-time student teaching experience, and 30 additional credits leading to the Master of Art Education degree.

Requirements for Post-Baccalaureate Art Teacher Licensure

Returning students who possess a bachelors degree in a studio or related area and wish to receive art teacher licensure may apply to the teacher licensure program through the 54 credit MAE degree + Post-baccalaureate program. The post-baccalaureate program is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MDESE), 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 art teacher licensure or certification coursework earned at UMass Dartmouth reciprocally valid in many states. Contact the State MDESE 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 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Standard I and pass the MTEL exams prior to applying to the 54 credit MAE program. Courses and field work provide students the opportunity and skills to develop effective strategies for working with learners in a variety of settings.

During the pre-practicum field experience, UMD preservice teachers observe and assist in teaching students at their selected grade level (PreK-8 or 5-12) in public schools. Students are required to complete a total of 105 hours of off-site classroom/teaching observation during their pre-practicum field work (15 hours for each of the 5 core AED classes and 30 hours for SEI micro-endorsement).

The Post-Baccalaureate requires 24 credits that are added to the 30 credit MAE program for a total of 54 credits. The Post-baccalaureate is not a stand alone program. PSY 201 (Child Psychology, 3 credits) or PSY 215 (Adolescent Psychology, 3 credits) – depending on licensure level – and its prerequisite PSY 101 (3 credits) should be taken before entry. Additional credits may be needed if a Post-Baccalaureate licensure candidate lacks prerequisites or depth of studio preparation.

To summarize, the MAE program serves many interests and career goals. It provides educational opportunities for both experienced professionals and novices in art education and related fields.

Admission Requirements

We seek candidates for admission who demonstrate strong potential as artist/teacher/researcher. Those accepted to the Art Education MAE program will have a bachelors degree in art education, studio art or related field (or the equivalent, based upon faculty review). Applicant’s transcripts and coursework are evaluated by the Department to determine if the required education courses and studio work have been completed to ensure proper placement in either the Post-Baccalaureate (24 credits + 30 in the professional = 54 credits) or the professional (30 credit) portion of the MAE program.

Applicants for admission must submit the required application materials to the Graduate Office. Additional or specific requirements include:

Minimum 3.00 cumulative average in undergraduate studies
Two letters of recommendation from previous professors and/or employers. Letters should be solicited from individuals capable of evaluating the applicant’s potential for academic success, commitment to teaching, or quality of art work

Statement of professional goals and program intent
Current resume or curriculum vitae
A portfolio of 20 images of recent work must be submitted to https://umassd.slideroom.com.
Passing scores on the Communications and Literacy Skills (01 - both sub-tests) and Content (Visual Art - test 17) Massachusetts Test of Educators Licensure (MTEL) are required and must be received by the application deadline. Applicants who are licensed in another state or not seeking Massachusetts Licensure are required to make a written statement that the applicant will not seek Massachusetts licensure through our MAE program are required to make a written statement that the applicant will not seek Massachusetts licensure. The National Praxis Exam is submitted in lieu of MTEL for admission to the progrm.

We accept students on a rolling admissions basis. However, applicants are urged to submit completed applications before November 15 or March 15 for consideration for entrance in the following academic semester.

Professional Licensure

Within five years of employment as teachers in Massachusetts, holders of an initial license must qualify for professional licensure. Professional License is gained by either earning a master’s degree from a state approved program, such as our MAE degree, that includes substantial clinical field work or by completing a state-approved School District Plan for professional development. Our MAE program provides ample opportunities for practicing teachers to develop professional career goals while they earn credit toward their Professional License. As an added benefit, interstate recognition makes art teacher licensure earned at UMass Dartmouth reciprocally valid in many other states. Students should consult the Department of Education in the state to which they wish to transfer the Massachusetts license.

Details about these requirements and the licensure program are available from the Chairperson of the Art Education Department. The undergraduate catalogue also includes a curriculum and full list of courses.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is available to some full-time graduate students on a competitive basis. Full-time students may have teaching assistantships within the College of Visual and Performing Arts, or they may be employed in other university departments.

Assistance such as loans or work study may be available to you. Please consult the chapter on “Expenses and Financial Assistance.”

Contact

Dr. Cathy Smilan
Graduate Program Director, Art Education
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
285 Old Westport Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747-2300
508 910-6594
csmilan@umassd.edu