The Arts in Education initial license program is designed for students who want to become dance, theatre or visual art teachers in K-12 public and private schools. Our goal is to foster the development of innovative and effective teachers that go on to imbue their classrooms with inclusive and creative aesthetic literacy. In the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, arts in education students
enter a 13-month program integrating educational theory with classroom practice. We prepare students to:
- understand student learning
- work with diverse learners
- use a variety of instructional strategies
- create positive learning environments
We work to build exceptional teaching skills in communication, lesson planning, assessment, reflection and professional development, and collaboration, ethics, and relationships. Beginning teachers will be ready to implement a contemporary, comprehensive performing or visual art education program based on current theory and practice in the field. Students in each emphasis area begin classes together and continue through their course of study as a single group, building a valuable sense of community. Throughout their student teaching, prospective teachers work closely with experienced teachers, observing firsthand the daily rewards and challenges of the profession. This program includes two components: initial licensure and M.Ed. After successfully completing initial licensure requirements, students are recommended for state licensure to teach dance, theatre, or visual arts for grades K-12. degree in teaching after completing an additional three credit graduate-level course. This requirement may be completed during the licensure program, or within the five-year period for degree completion. Students have five years to complete their degree, beginning with the first course(s) used in the program, and must maintain a 2.80 grade point average (GPA) for M.Ed.
