Post-master's Certificate in Teaching Art Education

Pursue a career in teaching art from kindergarten through grade 12 with the Post-master's Certificate in Teaching Art Education in Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture. This NASAD-accredited program offers a pathway for those holding the MFA degree, as well as those with an MEd degree and a fine arts background, to add art teaching credentials to their professional portfolio.  

This 21-credit hour certificate program focuses on urban art education and empowering communities through collaboration. Students learn foundational skills in classroom instruction, advancing their artistic knowledge and practices, as well as how to bring positive change to the places they serve. Students are evaluated by cooperating teachers and supervisors through two field placements in local schools. 

Art making, curriculum development, journaling, lesson planning, and a capstone exhibition of the work of their students are the key elements of the certificate program.. Students are evaluated by cooperating teachers and supervisors through two field placements in local public, charter and private schools. Tyler students take full advantage of the school’s location in Philadelphia and the city’s rich array of artists, communities, galleries, museums, and schools, opening up opportunities for artistic growth, research, networking, and employment.  

In order to become certified in Art Education, students must complete a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education along with successful completion of the state-required Praxis Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge examination and the Praxis Art: Content Knowledge examination. Students must also fulfill all the requirements for Pennsylvania State Certification in Art for kindergarten through grade 12. Temple University is a Pennsylvania state-approved teacher preparation program for K–12 art. Pennsylvania’s teaching certification is awarded to U.S. citizens only.   

Program Format & Curriculum

The Graduate Certificate in Teaching Art Education prepares students to teach art to elementary, middle and high school students through several course requirements and options: 

• Contemporary Issues in Art Education 

• History of Art Education 

• Instruction In Inclusive Classrooms 

• Motivation, Cognition and Learning Patterns 

Learn more about the coursework offered in this program. 

Students also participate in two semesters of student teaching at the elementary or secondary level. The certificate program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. This program is required to be completed in four years.   

Internships & Opportunities

An internship is required when seeking teaching certification as students gain hands-on classroom experience through field placements. Students are in the field one day per week and develop online teaching skills to complement their teaching practices. Tyler’s Art Education Department has a vast network of partnering teachers who focus on progressive, student-centered learning. Students also must present a capstone exhibition of their students’ work. 

Careers

Graduates of Tyler’s Art Education programs are among the most sought-after educators by public, charter and private schools, for the breadth of their academic knowledge and creative practices. The Teaching Art Education certificate program is dedicated to producing well-trained art teachers who have a passion for urban education and the skills to manage the demands of the classroom setting. 

Graduates are well equipped to successfully complete the Praxis® exams required for state licensure, and often find multiple employment opportunities upon graduation. Graduates go on to rewarding careers bringing artistic practices to various communities.