Art Teacher Licensure, Post-Baccalaureate

Those who already possess a bachelor’s degree and wish to return to school 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 portions of the Massachusetts Test of Educator Licensure (MTEL) as a condition for entering the program.

This post-baccalaureate program has the approval of the Bureau of Teacher Certification, Massachusetts Department of Education, leading to a single level initial license in Massachusetts as an art teacher in grades Pre K-9 or 5-12. As an added benefit, interstate recognition makes art teacher certification earned at UMass Dartmouth reciprocally valid in many other states.

This program is designed for students with already-strong backgrounds in studio work who want licensure which allows them to work in schools, museums or social service agencies. Candidates must demonstrate studio competencies in areas specified by the State Department of Education (Standard I ) and pass the MTEL exams prior to applying for the state teaching license. While at UMass Dartmouth, licensure students take courses from the listed requirements for the major in Art Education that apply toward state licensure standards, including courses in studio art, the social theory and philosophy of education, human development and learning of art, and teaching methodology.

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.