Art Education

Art Education

Art Education Program


The aim of the Art Education program is to provide our students with the education and diverse teaching experiences that support their development as reflective, compassionate, innovative, and engaged K-12 Art Educators. There are three major components to our program. The Art Education curriculum encompasses extensive Studio Art competencies as well as studies in Art History that explore art making traditions from around the world and across the ages. Art Education courses cover a variety of teaching practices and methods of curriculum development that include interdisciplinary, multicultural approaches to teaching and emphasize relevance to the lives of K-12 students and the realities of our contemporary world. In-class learning is augmented with firsthand teaching experiences in local and regional schools and includes teaching people of all ages in community-based arts programs. Upon graduation from our program, students earn Wyoming licensure for teaching K-12 Art.

The Art Education program is housed in the newly built Visual Arts facility with state-of-the art studio classrooms, up-to-date equipment, and expansive gallery spaces. In addition, the program maintains several partnerships that enhance the learning experiences of our students. These include:

  • The Visiting Artist Program in the Art and Art History Program bringing artists from around the country to campus for talks and studio visits.
  • Access to the extensive resources of the University of Wyoming Centennial Complex that include those of both the University of Wyoming Art Museum and the American Heritage Center.
  • Established connections to K-12 teachers around the state who generously mentor our student teachers and support other aspects of our program.

Student work with their teacher on a craftA group of student work inside a colorful space doing art.A clay creation made by an art student.A student teacher in a black and white shirt works with art students.Two art students draw on some paper.

The Art Education Program at the University of Wyoming fosters a learning environment that is student-centered and inquiry-based, emphasizing collaboration, mutual respect and diversity. Our students are encouraged to seek a balance between their art making and teaching practices in a way that sustains their identity as artist-teachers and enables them to fully support their future K-12 students’ art learning and excitement about the visual arts. For more information about the program, please contact Visual Arts.

 

 

 

Opportunities

Conferences

Students join the National Art Education Association (NAEA) and are encouraged to attend the annual conference.  The NAEA membership also includes Wyoming Art Education Association (WAEA) membership.

Art organizations

Within the Art and Art History Program, students have the opportunity to be a part of art organizations

Senior Studio

Senior Studios can be acquired by application and are for advanced students enrolled in at least one credit hour of upper level courses in the Art and Art History Program to work on their creative research safely and independently. 

Post undergraduate assistantships

One of the most successful programs we have is the Post Undergraduate Assistantship. Senior graduating students can apply for a Post Undergraduate Assistantship for the year following graduation.

Program Information

For the B.A. in Art Education major requirements, visit the Undergraduate Major

 

Faculty


Stefan Robinson

Visiting Assistant Professor, Art Education

 


 

Courses Offered

ART 3430. Methods I -- Art Education Studio. 3. Students investigate ways to translate art making practices and media into K-12 arts curricula and develop effective approaches to teaching these to the K-12 learner. Students create and teach lesson plans based on what they learn through their explorations; they also create their own artwork inspired by their studio investigations. Prerequisites: fulfillment of all requirements for the "Application for the Art Education Program Checklist" and junior standing.

Art 3490. Philosophy, Theory and Issues. 3 Students explore the foundational elements involved in the history and philosophies of Art Education and the key issues that shape contemporary  approaches to teaching in the field. These investigations are undertaken to support students’ developing teaching philosophies and inform the connections between their teaching and creative practices. Prerequisite: must pass ART 2000 with a “C” or above and junior standing.

ART 3550. Art Education Practicum. 1-3. Practicums are integral to an art education student’s development as a teacher. They offer opportunities for immersion and hands-on teaching experiences in art classrooms guided by experienced teachers in the field and the UW faculty. Students develop skills and teaching strategies that complement classroom learning and strengthen their teaching practices. Prerequisites: ART 3430; ART 3490; junior standing. Offered satisfactory/unsatisfactory only.

ART 3990. Topics in Art Education. 3. This course is designed to cover a wide range of themes, issues and practices in the field of Art Education including interdisciplinary and multicultural learning opportunities. Students will engage with contemporary issues in the field and expand their understanding of the vital role of the arts in our society. Prerequisite: junior standing.

ART 4440. Methods II Artistic Growth Students incorporate their understanding of the stages of artistic development with essential components of curriculum design to create lesson plans that engage the K-12 student in student-directed, holistic learning in the visual arts. Another component of the course is professional practice that includes classroom management and preparing professional portfolios. Prerequisites: ART 3430; ART 3490; senior standing.

ART 4460. Curriculum Design. 3. Students develop a thorough knowledge of all the components of curriculum design in Art Education and will create a unit of instruction that includes a focus on enduring understandings, clarity of learning objective, assessment for the visual arts, instructional strategies, differentiation, and alignment with standards. Prerequisites: ART 3430; ART 3490; senior standing.

ART 4810. Residency for Elementary. 6. This is an eight-week residency for teaching art full time at the secondary level. Students team-teach with an experienced mentor teacher, taking on considerable responsibility for all aspects of teaching art.

Upon successful completion of this course and ART 4820, students are eligible to be certified in Wyoming to teach K-12 Art. Prerequisites: ART 4440 and ART 4460.

ART 4820. Residency for Secondary. 6. This is an eight-week residency for teaching art full time at the elementary level. Students team-teach with an experienced mentor teacher, taking on considerable responsibility for all aspects of teaching art.

Upon successful completion of this course and ART 4810, students are eligible to be certified in Wyoming to teach K-12 Art. Prerequisites: ART 4440 and ART 4460.