Undergraduate Program in Art Education
The undergraduate program in Art Education is built on a strong foundation in art studio and art history, preparing students for careers in public school art teaching from primary through 12th grade. There are no major or minor options in Art Education, but rather an Area Concentration in art that is complemented by required coursework in professional education and the University Studies program. Admission to the program is selective and involves basic skills texts, a minimum grade-point average, an entrance interview, samples of writing, and a series of portfolio assessments.
After completion of 60 hours of course work (including EDP 202) students may apply for admission into the Teacher Education Program (TEP) through the College of Education. Admission into the TEP is required for student teaching and teacher certification. Certification also requires successful completion of the National Teachers Exam (NTE) and a one-year, paid internship.
B.A. Degree Requirements
For more information on TEP, NTE, certification and internship, as well as the other specific requirements for the B.A. in Art Education and complete descriptions of Art Education courses see the University’s current Undergraduate Bulletin.
The Art Education Faculty has prepared guidelines and sample documents for the TEP interview process that are available on this website.
Guidlines & Procedures for the Teacher Education Program
GUIDELINES FOR THE ART EDUCATION TEP INTERVIEW
The purpose of the Teacher Education Program (TEP) interviews is to provide an opportunity for the Art Education Program Faculty to become familiar with each candidate’s goals and commitment to the art education profession. The Program Faculty reviews the TEP applications and interviews each candidate. A recommendation of acceptance, acceptance with provisions, or rejection is then made for each applicant and forwarded to the College of Education’s Teacher Certification Office. Each applicant receives an official notification of entrance or non-entrance into the Art Education TEP Program within ten days of the completed interview. Information considered during the review process includes:
- - Total academic record. A minimum overall grade point average of 2.5 is required.
- - Performance on required tests measuring proficiency in writing, reading and math (see attached test requirement information sheet).
- - Record of completed pre-professional course work and experiences and awards.
- - Recommendations from three individuals familiar with the candidate’s qualifications (candidates turn the recommendations into the Certification Office as part of the TEP application packet).
- - Commitment to the art education profession and writing ability. Bring 5 copies of a one-page philosophy statement that addresses the reasons why the art education profession is important to you and how you feel you can contribute to the profession.
- - Demonstration of art competencies. Bring a portfolio of 10-12 quality slides of your work, actual art pieces, photographs and/or reproductions. The work may be art created in a class or independently. It is recommended art work be professionally presented. Papers and projects can be a part of the portfolio.
- - Proficiency in human relation skills and a commitment to a quality art education for schools.
- - An understanding of the Kentucky Code of Ethics and art education certification process.
Dress and conduct yourself as you would for any important career interview—this is a career interview. Be on time and prepared to answer questions concerning your goals, art education background, views, current state and national directions in art education, KERA, etc.
If you have questions, contact Marty Henton, 257-2252.
TEP INTERVIEW PROCEDURES
Each candidate is provided approximately 20 minutes for the interview. He/she should be appropriately dressed and prepared for the interview. Candidates receive information as to what they will be expected to bring for the interview.
Prior to each candidate’s interview, the Faculty reviews the candidate’s documents and discusses any concerns that may arise.
THE INTERVIEW
The candidate and Faculty members are introduced to each other. Approximately 5-7 minutes are spent asking the candidate questions regarding the candidate’s interest and commitment art education and understanding of the profession.
PRESENTATION OF ART PORTFOLIO
* For approximately 5 minutes, each candidate displays his/her artistic skills and abilities through slides, videos, photographs, and/or actual works. During the portfolio presentation, Faculty are encouraged to speak freely with the candidate regarding any aspect of the candidate’s artwork.
- - The remaining few minutes of the interview are devoted to any questions the candidate or Faculty may have.
- - The candidate is informed that the interview has now ended and that he/she will receive from the University’s Certification Office an official notification of the candidate’s TEP status within the next ten days.
- - The candidate leaves the room and Faculty begin discussion of the candidate’s TEP application status. The Program Faculty votes to accept, accept with provisions, or reject the candidate’s application into the TEP Art Program. The Program Faculty Chair records all pertinent information from the interview onto a TEP form that will be sent to the Certification Office. This form is shared with the members of the Program Faculty.
Faculty prepares for the next candidate.
Sample Philosophy Statement
& Admission Portfolio Info
SAMPLE Philosophy Statement
I first began drawing with my parents before I could hold a crayon alone. They helped me hold the crayon upright so I could scribble to my heart’s content. Eventually I would go for the crayons on my own. I believe art education is an important component of any educational program or school curriculum, because not every parent provides his or her child with “crayons.” Art education in schools provides every child that walks through the school’s doors an introduction to art. That’s what my crayons were to me, a beginning.
In every room full of students at least one will grow up to pursue a career in the arts, whether as a fine artist, or the layout designer for a newspaper. So many things we do today include an aspect of art, so I believe that just as the three ‘R’s are taught in schools, so should art education.
As an art teacher I can provide students with a fun environment and exposure to art. Having worked with children for years, I realize that every child is different. They all have different learning styles, different interest, and different attention spans. With the training I have received and what I will receive in future education classes I believe I will be able to cater to all these needs and allow the students to create art they like, under my direction and supervision.
The art classroom is a place where curriculum can be varied and exciting. Children can be introduced through small art projects to other countries and cultures. One such project can be based on the Chinese New Year, making colored paper lanterns. Instead of reading about these cultures, as in a regular classroom, they can experience part of them hands on in art class.
These are many reasons to include art as a part of every student’s curriculum, and there are many avenues for learning that can be taken. With art there are endless possibilities that can enrich students lives.
Jane Doe
ADMISSION PORTFOLIO:
INFORMATION SHEET FOR TEP CANDIDATES
As part of the TEP Interview, Art Education students are required to prepare an admission portfolio which they with them to their admissions interview.
This portfolio should be comprised of the following items:
- - A portfolio of 8-10 pieces of art (slides are fine)
- - A statement of your professional goals (1-2 pages)
- - A resume listing your education and emphasizing your experiences working with children.
Please note: Your admission portfolio is the first step in a three level portfolio process. The semester before you student teach, you will be asked to present your Progress Portfolio. Your final Student Teaching Portfolio will also be reviewed.