Visual Arts Certificate for Teachers
NSCAD University’s Visual Arts Certificate for Teachers has been designed specifically for teachers interested in strengthening their knowledge of the history and theories of visual art and in honing their studio skills and knowledge of teaching methods. Approved by the Nova Scotia Department of Education, Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission and NSCAD University’s Academic Council, the Visual Arts Certificate for Teachers meets Nova Scotia’s provincial requirements for one level of Advanced Teacher Certification.
The certificate is offered to both art specialist teachers and non-specialist teachers.
Division: Art History and Contemporary Culture
Degree: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Program: Visual Arts Certificate for Teachers, Art Specialist or Non-Art Specialist
Admission Deadline: Applications are accepted for this program on an ongoing basis. The program can start in the fall, winter or summer semesters.
Art specialist teachers will upgrade their studio skills and pedagogical practices in the visual arts and further their knowledge of art historical and critical studies. An art specialist teacher is defined as a graduate of both a recognized bachelor of fine arts degree program or equivalent and of a recognized bachelor of education program with a first teachable in the visual arts. Applicants must have at least one full year of visual arts teaching experience within a public or approved private school setting.
Non-art specialist teachers will gain some experience and understanding of art-making, its application to the classroom, and the role of the visual arts in contemporary culture. A non-specialist teacher is defined as a graduate of both a recognized bachelor’s degree program (or equivalent) and of a recognized bachelor of education program. Applicants must have at least one full year of teaching experience within a public or approved private setting at the elementary or secondary level.
What Our Visual Arts Certificate for Teachers Students Can Expect
- To reflect the breadth of visual arts subjects suitable for classroom teaching, the Visual Arts Certificate for Teachers draws from a wide variety of courses, with 30 credits selected from liberal arts (foundation, contemporary culture, art history and film history), art education and studio practice (foundation and studio).
- Art specialist teachers will upgrade their studio skills and pedagogical practices in the visual arts and further their knowledge of art historical and critical studies.
- Non-art specialist teachers will gain some experience and understanding of art making, its application to the classroom, and the role of the visual arts in contemporary culture.
Featured Courses
Guided Methods I
Guided Methods I: This course bridges the gap between studio courses in fine/media art, craft or design and the public-school context. It requires students to develop classroom materials from these studio explorations. Students meet with the instructor to develop a proposal for a portfolio of curriculum materials. When approved, teaching strategies are developed and monitored by the instructor. A final portfolio is submitted at the end of the semester.
Guided Methods II
Guided Methods II: This course provides students with an opportunity to broaden their ability to develop classroom materials based on their studio explorations. Students will work with the instructor to develop a portfolio of curriculum materials and teaching strategies.
Teaching the Visual Arts
Teaching the Visual Arts: This course introduces students to basic art skills and sensitivities, developmental aspects of visual art education and pedagogies relating to art education. Students may be teachers working at the elementary or secondary level.
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APPLICATION Requirements
GENERAL CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS:
30 credits selected from the following three types of courses:
- Liberal Arts (Foundation, Critical Studies, Art History and Film History)
- Art Education
- Studio Practice (Foundation and Studio)
Completion of the 30 credits shall normally be within three years but must be done within five years of the initial date of enrolment. A “B” average or above is required.
ART SPECIALISTS:
An art specialist teacher is defined as a graduate of both a recognized Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program or equivalent and of a recognized Bachelor of Education program with a first teachable in the visual arts. Applicants must have at least one full year of visual arts teaching experience within a public or approved private school setting.
Program Requirements for art specialists—30 credits including:
- 6 Credits Art History and Critical Studies (AHIS and CSTU) at 3000 level or above
- 18 Credits of Studio Practice (S) at the 2000 level or above
- 6 credits of Art Education: EDAR 5630: Guided Methods I (3 credits) and EDAR 5650: Guided Methods II (3 credits)
NON-SPECIALISTS:
A non-specialist teacher is defined as a graduate of both a recognized bachelor degree program (or equivalent) and of a recognized bachelor of education program. Applicants must have at least one full year of teaching experience within a public or approved private setting at the elementary or secondary level.
** Teachers with no formal art training are strongly encouraged to meet with the chair of Foundation before registering in studio courses.
To Apply
Applications are accepted for this program on an ongoing basis. The program can start in the fall, winter or summer semesters. Please apply no later than one month before the start of the semester in which you wish to commence the program.
Completed applications are dated and reviewed in chronological order by the Certificate Admissions Committee. The Certificate Admissions Committee is the sole judge of decisions regarding admission to the certificate program.
Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Requirements
Following program completion, students will submit a letter of application for a change in teacher certification classification to the Registrar, Teacher Certification and Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. A supporting official transcript confirming completion of all courses, proof of the certificate award and required fee must accompany the letter of application. The Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development does not permit double-counting courses to fulfill the requirements of an upgrading program. Any course work credited toward other postsecondary programs may not be used to meet the requirements of the Visual Arts Certificate for Teachers.