Art Teacher Licensure, Post-Baccalaureate

The 21 credit Post-Baccalaureate Program for Art Teacher Licensure is designed primarily for students with a bachelor’s degree in studio art or related area and wish to receive art teacher licensure that allows them to work in schools, museums or social service agencies.

They may apply for acceptance to the teacher licensure program through the MAE degree. 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. To be admitted to the program applicants must pass both the Literacy and Content and Visual Art portions of the Massachusetts Test of Educator Licensure (MTEL). Applicants must demonstrate studio competencies in areas specified by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (Standard I); a portfolio is required.

While at UMass Dartmouth, licensure students take courses from the listed requirements 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.

Students must acquire a total of 75 hours of pre-practicum field work plus 20 hours of observation in Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) outside of class during which time students observe and assist in teaching at schools and other learning environments. Student teachers are placed in a school for their student teaching practicum, requiring 400 hours, with a licensed supervising practitioner in their selected grade level (PreK-8 or 5-12). 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

Interstate recognition makes course work in teaching reciprocally valid in many other states. Contact the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education regarding reciprocity requirements. 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.

Requirements

The Post Baccalaureate requires 21 credits.

PSY 101 - General Psychology Credits: 3
AED 500
AED 501
AED 505
AED 510
AED 515
AED 511 or 512 (6 credits)
PSY 2XX Psy Elective

Prerequisites

*PSY 2XX Psychology Elective (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 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. The department offers a MAE degree that includes 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 Catalog.