Art Teacher Licensure, Post-Baccalaureate

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The 21 credit Post-Baccalaurate Program for Art Teacher Licensure is designed primarily for students with a bachelor’s degree in studio art. The program leads directly to Initial Licensure as an art teacher in grades PreK-8 or 5-12; it also constitutes admission to the 33 credit Master of Art Education program, which leads to Professional Licensure. Licensure enables work in schools, museums or social service agencies. Additionally, interstate recognition makes course work in teaching reciprocally valid in many other states.

To be admitted to the program applicants must demonstrate studio competencies in areas specified by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (Standard I); a portfolio is required. Applicants must also pass the both the communication and literacy, and visual art content portions of the Massachusetts Test of Educator Licensure (MTEL).

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 the social theory and philosophy of education, human development and learning of art, and teaching methodology. They acquire 75 hours of pre-practicum field work during which students visit schools and other learning sites as well as 400 hours in the student teaching practicum.

As noted above, UMass Dartmouth’s post-baccalaureate program has been approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Requirements

The full program requires 21 credits and the following. Additional credits may be needed if a certificate student lacks prerequisites or depth of studio preparation.

PSY 101 - General Psychology 3 credits
PSY 201 - Child Psychology 3 credits

Note

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has adopted a new teacher licensure process. The one-stage life-time certificate is now replaced by a two-stage process in which an initial licensure is earned, followed by professional licensure. 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. A Master’s degree that includes clinical experience and education coursework is required for professional licensure. The department offers this degree through its Art Education graduate program, including coursework and experience designed to enable students to qualify for the professional license. Those interested should consult the department about the Art Education master’s degree options, and consult the university’s Graduate Catalogue.