This program is certified at both the state and national level by the New Hampshire Department of Education and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Graduates who complete this teacher certification program are eligible for K-12 teacher certification in the state of New Hampshire. Because of New Hampshire’s membership in the Interstate Certification Contract, Plymouth graduates are eligible to earn a certificate or license in another Contract state upon application to that state’s department of education. For further information, please see the Teacher Education and Clinical Experiences section. The Art Education program endorses the Plymouth State University conceptual framework for teacher education: CHECK. The experiences required for this program are Commitment and Holism and are based on Experience, Collaboration and Knowledge of the disciplines of the Fine Arts.

All Art Education majors take a common 85-87 credit core, which includes 8-10 credits of advanced level course work in one of seven art disciplines: Art History, Ceramics, Drawing, Graphic Design, Painting, Printmaking or Sculpture. This opportunity provides a greater depth of experience in a single discipline. A portfolio is required for admission and transfer to the Department of Art. Portfolio guidelines are available on the Department of Art Web site or by contacting the Department Chair.

Art Education majors are required to complete a 50-hour observation component prior to student teaching. As part of this requirement, students will have the opportunity to work with an experienced public school art educator through the New Hampshire Art Education Mentor Network. Students may also participate in the After School Arts Program for area children or participate in Arts Smarts, an interdisciplinary outreach program involving the Art Department Karl Drerup Gallery and Exhibitions Program.

All teacher certification candidates who interact with students in public school settings through course-related field experiences, including Student Teaching, are subject to New Hampshire law that requires all persons who come into contact with pupils on a regular basis for a period of time to undergo a full disclosure criminal records check, including fingerprinting. The processing of the criminal records check is conducted at the site school before the field experience begins. The fee for this processing is the responsibility of the teacher candidate and is paid directly to the school district. Each new site will require a separate fingerprinting and background check.

Art Education majors are expected to apply for admission to Teacher Certification Candidacy at the beginning of their second year in the program. This application is initiated through the Office of Teacher Certification. Refer to the section of the Catalog on Teacher Education and Clinical Experiences for additional information. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50 is required for admission into this teacher education candidacy program; students are required to have a 2.70 GPA to enter student teaching.

Degree Requirements

Credits