College of Visual and Performing Arts
Art Education
This bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) degree dual program with SU's School of Education emphasizes the importance of being an artist as well as a teacher. Studio art and art history courses, along with education courses and academic electives, will prepare you to be a professional teacher of art. You will learn how to plan lessons and develop interdisciplinary and multicultural curricula based on national and New York State learning standards for the visual arts. You will examine the practical, social, and political aspects of art education.
As a junior, you teach lessons developed in your methods class to children ages 5 to 15 in weekly workshops that prepare you for student teaching in local schools in your senior year. The SU Student Art Education Association, a chapter of the National Art Education Association, organizes art shows, trips to art museums and galleries, and seminars on such topics as teaching portfolios and job interviews.
After passing the National Teacher Exam (if you plan to teach in another state) or the New York State exams, you will be eligible for initial certification as an art teacher in grades K-12.A teacher placement service is available through the School of Education.
The School of Art and Design feels that drawing plays a vital and primary role in the creative life of an artist. Click here to read more about this common thread that weaves through our art and design programs.