Introduction
Art teaching is a complex and demanding profession. What do art teachers need to be able to know and do? Art teachers today need to understand student learners, child development, artistic development, and how students differ in their approaches to learning.
Art teachers need to demonstrate knowledge of art and design, art and design history and visual culture. Art teachers need to demonstrate an understanding of new technologies for art education, such as e-portfolios and software programs. Art teachers need to demonstrate artistic skills in a variety of 2-D and 3-D art making. Art teachers need to understand how to plan art lessons that are challenging, appropriate, and that allow students to think critically and imaginatively. Art teachers need to demonstrate communication and leadership skills that can foster positive classroom learning environments. Art teachers should demonstrate dispositions of preparedness, reflective thinking, responsive listening, continuous learning, collaboration, and respectfulness. These skills are necessary for working with diverse groups of people, and teaching art in K-12 public school settings with diverse learners. To be a successful art teacher, you should be interested in art and want to work with young people.
The UW-Stout Art Education Program culminates in a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education degree with K-12 certification in art. The program is structured to provide you with opportunities to develop skills, knowledge, and dispositions for teaching art in the public schools. The degree program consists of coursework in general education, art and art history, and education.
Studio Requirements
The studio and art history courses are housed in the Department of Art and Design. These art and design requirements are designed to stimulate your creative process, develop analytical skills, communication skills, visual skills, and 2-D and 3-D art making abilities. Since technology is an important component in teaching and learning today, a computer imagery course is required. You will also be required to develop an electronic portfolio and other digital presentations for classes that utilize your technology skills.
Education Requirements
The education courses, including the art education courses, are housed in the School of Education. These courses are designed to provide you with a foundation in curriculum planning, assessment, and developing strategies for teaching diverse learners in an art classroom setting. Throughout your education coursework, you will be engaged in reflection upon your beliefs and attitudes about teaching and student learning. This will enable you to better understand how your life experiences, coursework and practicum experiences shape your beliefs about teaching and learning.
Assessing Your Progress
A mid-program review of your studio work and competencies by Art and Design faculty will provide you with an opportunity to assess your own progress in the area of studio art. The Senior Show -- a formal presentation of your studio work in a group exhibition setting -- is required for art education majors. Other types of reviews include the electronic portfolio review and interviews that are scheduled as you enter the art education program, as you apply for student teaching, and as you exit the program. These reviews occur with education and art education faculty.
Practicum and Student Teaching
In addition to your coursework, you will engage in practicum experiences throughout your program to meet Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction standards. You will observe art classrooms and teach art in structured and supportive settings with an experienced art teacher. You will engage in student teaching over a course of 16 weeks or one semester in your senior year. Remember that while this experience is the last course of your program, it is just the beginning of your art teaching career!
Beyond the Classroom
There is so much to be gained from your participation in extracurricular activities on campus: meeting new friends, having fun, building confidence, and gaining leadership skills. You are highly encouraged to become actively involved with various student organizations, such as The Fine Arts Association and the National Art Education Association Student Chapter.
Campus Resources and Programs
The University Library houses books, videos, films and periodicals on the subjects of art and art education. The John Furlong Gallery and the Student Gallery in the Department of Art and Design provide opportunities for art exhibitions throughout the academic year. Regular field trips to museums and galleries in Minneapolis and St. Paul provide opportunities to view current art exhibits and lectures. UW-Stout provides access to international study in numerous countries. Art education students are encouraged to participate in study abroad programs.
Starting Out
As a pre-art education student during your first year, you will be advised by the Advisement Center. Your first two semesters consist of a mix of general education, art, and art education courses.
Art education faculty will advise you with course and professional guidance throughout your program. The School of Education Office, the Counseling Center, and the Career Services office provide additional support for students.
Preparing for Art Education
Preparation for art education should include a sound liberal studies background and courses in fine art and design.