It is an exciting time to be an art teacher! In a nation that no longer produces ‘things’, we are realizing what we do best; embracing our ability to be creative and innovative producers of new ideas. The recognition of the importance of art in education is art classes that act as the schools Centers for Innovation. Our young artists design the future.
EKU programs in art education embrace the notion of the artist-teacher allowing future leaders to develop a strong sense of studio practice, while preparing to teach art in a K-12 public and private schools, museums and community settings. We strive to nurture effective artists and designers who become creative thinkers, and able advocates for the art and design education. Our mission is to prepare our future teachers to be life long creative learners, reflective practitioners, researchers in all creative branches of art, futurists, visionaries and agents of change.
In the BFA program students will foster a strong foundation in critical thinking, design exploration, innovative practice, and visual literacy.
The MA* (masters) program is geared towards working art teachers and students with varied art backgrounds who want to grow as a teacher-leaders.
*The Department’s graduate degree program administered by the College of Education leads to a Master of Arts in Education Degree.
The requirements for admission to the Teacher Education Program can be found on the College of Education website.
With nurturing support, resources, and exhibition opportunities from start to completion, our Art Education program will produce independent artists and confident art teachers, credentialed with art teaching certificates K-12. Art education equals jobs and our graduates successfully compete as public and private school teachers, find work as artists in community arts organizations, as art educators in museums, consultants in art, and leaders of art organizations.
Throughout the program students are involved in working with children and students of all ages in many clinical setting from schools to private art classes. The department maintains a close collaboration with local school districts and art organizations and involves each art education student in community arts projects, art sales and exhibits. Students work in exciting community based arts fairs, exhibits, , using art skills in hospital settings, with children and seniors, Participating in therapeutic situations and art enrichment programs. Each student works extensively in art studios, developing their potential in many areas of art and design, building impressive teaching portfolios for jobs and for Kentucky Teacher Certification that is accepted in most states.
Art education students attend state and national conventions, take field trips to major museums and participate in study abroad opportunities with their art education professor. Students are carefully mentored in a program of preparation for the art and art education examination, practicing for the PRAXIS, the National Teacher Examination. We have an exceptionally high rate of success in this project.