Art Education

Join a creative community and become a teaching-artist. Our program prepares you for an education career in elementary schools, middle schools, secondary schools, and community settings. We emphasize cross-discipline and inclusive curriculum practices. Community engagement is central to our work.

You will gain authentic teaching experiences through the Saturday Morning Art Workshops, the School of the Arts collaboration with United Action for Youth (UAY), and other community groups.

The Art Education program has been a thriving part of the academic offerings at the University of Iowa since 1971. We also produce scholars in art education, and supervisors of art in community settings, museums, state departments of education, and school systems. Our rigorous programs provide graduate and undergraduate students with an opportunity to continue inquiry and creative work in art history, education, community arts, and studio praxis. All of this happens on one of the most renowned and vibrant arts campuses in the nation.

Questions?

Programs with Teacher Licensure

BA Art Education

For those seeking to teach in grades K-12, this dual-degree program leads to a BA and licensure in art education.

MAT Art Education

For those holding a bachelor’s degree in Art, this program leads to a Masters of Teaching (MAT) degree and licensure in Art Education.

Programs (Non-licensure)

MA Art Education

Master of Arts in Art Education provides K-12 current teachers/creative artists with deeper knowledge to expand their focus area and become highly literate in the history and language of art.

Endorsements

College of Education added endorsement programs are state-of-Iowa approved, and available to current Teacher Education Program students and in-service teachers. Art endorsements are available in Elementary Education (K-8) Specialization in Art and Art Education (5-12).
Please contact your advisor for information regarding how to add an endorsement.

Licensure Only

Students with a BA or BFA in art may opt to complete the licensure requirements for teaching art in grades K-12 without pursuing a degree. For more information on licensure, contact ask-education@uiowa.edu.

Teacher Education

Our Teacher Education Program provides diverse experiences with supportive mentors to effectively prepare you for your future classroom.

To learn more about classroom experiences and the Teacher Education program, please visit

BE A TEACHER

Classroom Experience and Student Teaching

We believe you shouldn’t have to wait until your final semester of college to work with students and make sure teaching is right for you. In your program, you will be given opportunities to work in real classrooms with students from the moment you are admitted to the program.

Student teacher writing with elementary student.

Teacher Leader Certificate

The certificate encourages strong classroom leadership skills, helps you better understand the context in which our schools operate, and enables you to better innovate, improve, develop and discover your identity as an emerging teacher leader. Prepare to support your students’ social emotional learning needs and become a stand-out hire after graduation.

As an art education student, you will take classes on one of the most vibrant art campuses in the nation. Located directly across the street from the College of Education’s Lindquist Center, the new Stanley Museum of Art allows you to see world-famous exhibits, interact with artists from around the globe, and take classes in state-of-the art buildings.

Faculty and Research

You will have access to mentorship and inspiration from top-notch faculty members who are conducting research and contributing creatively to the world of art education.

To see associated faculty, please visit: Faculty Listing .

Areas of expertise include:

Art Integration
Community Engagement
Authentic Pre-Service Teaching Experiences
Creative Thinking
Artistic Voice
Talent Development
Socially Engaged Art

Admissions and Application

Please visit the degree pages for specific admissions information:

“The University of Iowa gave me the connections that I needed to be successful in teaching art. I am so grateful for those tools that were given to me to be a confident, successful educator.”

Andrea Campbell (MA, 2019)
Mount Vernon Community School District