Field Experiences

Extensive early field experiences in school and community settings, followed by two nine-week student teaching placements in elementary and secondary classrooms, give students many opportunities to implement their art teaching skills with students of various backgrounds, ages, and abilities in supervised settings. Students receive ongoing feedback from experienced art educators.

Arts Integration

Our program emphasizes integration of art with other subject areas. Particular attention is given to teaching and learning that integrates studio activities with culturally diverse histories and contemporary forms of visual culture. Students learn how to advocate for and support children and youth of all abilities.

In addition to top-notch studio preparation in a wide range of media, our students focus on urban issues and art education for social justice. Theory is integrated into practical early field and student teaching experiences. Throughout the program, assessment is aligned with the requirements for licensure under “PI-34,” the state law governing certification in Wisconsin. Students who demonstrate mastery of the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of professional educators during student teaching are recommended to the Department of Public Instruction in the State of Wisconsin for a PK4-12 teaching license.

Social Justice

Coursework focuses on issues of social justice and urban education as well as integrated, contemporary art-based curriculum and instruction. Through the Art Education Community Engagement Initiative, we have partnerships with schools and community groups that allow us to incorporate high quality field experiences before student teaching, to best prepare our students for the teaching profession. ArtsECO allows art education students to expand on these opportunities through scholarships to support their studies and internships in a variety of community settings.

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Post Baccalaureate Opportunities 

Students who have earned a Bachelor’s Degree in art or equivalent area (subject to faculty review) are eligible to apply for post baccalaureate studies in art education. Through these studies, students complete remaining undergraduate coursework and requirements leading to a recommendation for certification to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to teach art in grades K-12.

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