The art education program strives to meet the National Art Education Association’s Standards for Art Teacher Preparation by employing an artist-teacher model. First prepared as artists, students are competent in creating artwork in both two- and three-dimensional art forms based on a sound foundation in art history, criticism, and aesthetics. The art education program engages the student with knowledge about teaching and learning through the presentation and practice of skills in multiple pedagogical approaches. The program blends theory with practice in field-based courses that provide real-life experience in area schools. Nazareth College prepares art teachers who take a constructivist approach to teaching by creating meaningful, conceptual art experiences for their students, reflecting critically on their teaching practice, and promoting the role of visual art in the educational process. The art education program is accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council.
Undergraduate art education majors must maintain an overall minimum GPA of 2.7, and an average GPA of 3.0 in the art education major (AED, AHI, ART). Students’ GPAs are monitored each semester.
In addition to the art education program courses, students must complete the New York State certification examinations required for certification:
1.Liberal Arts & Sciences (LAST)
2.Assessment of Teaching Skills – Written (ATSW) (Because art certification is B-12, students may take either the Elementary or the Secondary version of the exam.)
3.Content Area – Visual Arts (CST)
4.Transfer students must complete a minimum of five studio art courses at Nazareth College.
Undergraduate students are accepted to the art education major at the time of acceptance to Nazareth College. Studio art majors may apply to the art education program at any time after completing the art core by using a declaration of major form, which is available in the Academic Advisement Center.
Upon completion of the B.S. degree program, undergraduate art education majors are eligible to apply for NYS Initial Certification, Art - B-12.
Requirements for New York Initial Teacher Certification
All teacher candidates must successfully complete the following to meet the requirements for New York teacher certification:
• Academic and education program with a GPA of 2.7 or higher
• All education course work with a grade of C or higher
• New York State teacher certification examinations
A minimum of three exams need to be passed:
• Liberal Arts and Science Test (LAST)
• Written Assessment of Teaching Skills (ATS-W)
• Content Specialty Test (CST)
See www.naz.edu/dept/edu/certification.cfm for details, suggested timelines for these exams and costs.
Teacher candidates use the NYS TEACH system to apply for Initial certification(s) and need to pay the fees in effect at the time they apply. New York requires all teacher candidates to have fingerprint/background check on file with TEACH and pass all appropriate New York State Teacher Certification Examinations www.nystce.nesinc.com. New York State Education Department maintains a website with certification requirements: http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/
During a teacher candidate’s final semester information on the application process will be sent via email. Additional support may be obtained by contacting the Nazareth College Teacher Certification Office at 389-2592 or 2591 or e-mail gpotemp2@naz.edu or chill0@naz.edu, www.naz.edu/dept/edu/certification.cfm
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