if i have a bachelors in fine art, how could i get a teaching credential to teach art?

Question

okay: listen:

i am DYING to go to USC. they do not have an art education program. the only places that do that are near me is CSULB.

USC has a fine art program, and an education program.... is there any way that i can sort of um...put them together??

thanks!

Answer 1

yes. you have no need to do the education program at all. and personally, i think that going that route is slightly faulty if your goal is not teaching in a public school setting for the rest of your career.

you just have to take the certification tests. look up your state's teacher certification website--i will tell you the cost and times you can take the test(s). you will have to take several if you teach public school for the fact that you'll be certified in english, or history, or whatever. you can also get certified in your minor as well, whatever that may be.

myself, for instance--i am an english major with an american sign language minor. i have no plan of teaching, but if it comes down to it i will just take the tests. they aren't very hard--my best friend just passed them. anyway, i REALLY wanted to do asl as my minor--but if i had remained an english major with a focus on education, i would have had to take close to 50 more hours to graduate... so, i didn't want to do that.

anyway, kids are smarter and smarter these days--i think it is better to focus on what you are majoring and then do the continuing education (teacher workshops, etc.). also, with that, some schools you work at will reimburse you for taking a certain amount of classes above the graduate level. talk with an advisor--even if you don't go to that school, they are usually more than willing to communicate with you. just send the head of the appropriate department an e-mail.

Answer 2

The key is the state you want to be credentialed in. I would recommend looking up the state requirements and all teachers require CEUs (Continuing Education Units). Some states are more accepting than others, however, you may want to consider the private schooling systems. You have a vision...go for it.

Answer 3

Enroll where they offer a single subject credential program.