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.

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:

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

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:

Non-art specialist teachers will gain some experience and understanding of artmaking, 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.

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.

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.