University of The Arts, Teaching Artist Certification Program

Course Descriptions
Foundations of Learning Theory
Year 1 – fall
This course explores the history and philosophy of
various learning theories as the precursors to presentday
classroom practices. Theoretical models from
pre-20th century through current brain based
research are examined in relation to the teaching of
the arts. Learning styles and teaching strategies are
analyzed as a means to enhancing effective practices
in the classroom.
Professional Practices for Artists +
Designers
Year 1 – fall
This course focuses on the practical and business
skills needed to support and sustain a working
professional artist. It addresses specific demands
outside of working in the studio and making art. In
addition to examining current trends and transitions
in the field, students develop traditional presentation
materials, which are central when applying to most
opportunities. This includes writing artist statements
and cover letters, shooting digital images and other
variables of a presentation packet. Through lectures,
student research projects, trips to venues and class
discussions, study galleries and alternative venues
(mostly through local examples), grants and residencies,
commissions, taxes, contracts, record keeping, and
basic do’s and don’ts. Guest speakers from the local
arts community are scheduled to discuss different
aspects of the business of art.
Methods + Teaching Practicum
Year 1 – spring
Develop knowledge of state and federal arts and
humanity standards, a familiarity with PreK-12 core
curricula, and an alignment of arts skills within the
curriculum. Build an understanding of best practices
in community settings, including the culture of the
community and working across generations. Learn
how to build and implement an array of methodologies
and instruments to assess student learning through
strategies appropriate for residencies. This course
focuses on how to design, implement and assess arts
residency programs.
Child Development/Human Behavior
Year 1 – spring
The purpose of this course is to provide teaching artists
with a basic understanding of developmental theories
and concepts as they relate to patterns of change in
learners across the life span. Cognitive, language,
social/emotional, and motor domains are examined.
Consideration is given to the application of learning
theories within instructional settings from PreK-12
classrooms to community sites and to the ways teaching
artists can create environments that promote effective
student learning.
Arts Integration + Collaboration
Year 1 – summer
This course focuses on integrating the arts across the
curriculum to drive learning in and through the arts. It
also develops the collaboration skills of teaching artists
to co-plan and co-teach with teachers/arts specialists
in PreK-12 classrooms and community sites. Guest
speakers, primarily PAEP rostered Artists-in Residence,
are featured as they present methods to incorporate
and apply arts across the curriculum. Models of
collaborative work developed between both classroom
instructors and professional artists in visual and
performing arts are studied in relation to academic
standards and effective student learning projects.
Teaching artists build on skills acquired in Methods
and Teaching Practicum.
Program Management + Program
Assessment
Year 1 – summer
This course teaches strategies for managing all aspects
of artist residencies including how to facilitate program
collaboration. Course content focuses on integrating
evaluation with project planning, assessing residency
programs, identifying challenges and barriers, and
developing strategies for success in PreK-12 classrooms
and community sites.
Capstone Thesis Project
Year 2 – fall
Demonstrate application of theory into practice.
Through field placements, teaching artists observe and
assist master artists in a residency setting. Artists then
design and implement a 15-session arts integrated
project under the supervision of a residency mentor
in a school or community site. Walk away with experience
and a model lesson plan that can be used in a
future residency.