Art Education

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Art Education is an Illinois state-approved program designed from theoretical and practical approaches to teaching visual art in K-12 schools. Students who seek to become art teachers themselves are immersed in study through both the education and art departments to build a rich body of knowledge.

College of Arts & Sciences

School of Education

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Olivet’s art education students learn in closely knit classes designed not only to build skill in a variety of art mediums, but to apply those skills in building their own art curriculum for their future classrooms. The Department of Art and Digital Media strives to prepare future art teachers with sound artistic skill, practical teaching experiences, and a desire to serve others through the arts. Technology integration, the role of the arts in contemporary culture and contemporary teaching practices are emphasized.

Art Education Teaching License

ONU’s Art Education Program is guided both by state and national standards and meets the curricular requirements for a Professional Educator License with the state of Illinois. Minors in art education are offered to guide students in gaining a K-12 subsequent endorsement for their early childhood, elementary or high school teaching license. Each teaching program that is offered at Olivet has been individually approved for licensure and is a recognized education preparation program by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board (SEPLB).

Art Scholarship

We encourage every student to apply for a freshman Art Scholarship. Get rewarded for your talent!

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Art Education Program Requirements

Study traditional and digital art mediums, educational theory and practice, and participate in the Illinois & National Art Education Associations.
Observe and teach art in local elementary and high schools.
Create an original body of personal artwork for a senior thesis art exhibition.
Student teach for a semester before graduation in both an elementary/middle school and a high school.
Build the skills, connections and resources necessary for a successful launch into the field of Art Education.

Department of Art and Digital Media
Department of Education

Program Learning Outcomes:

PLO 1: Foundation: Students will successfully employ technical and creative skills for effective visual communication, including strong use of the elements of art and principles of design.
PLO 2: Technique: Students will demonstrate an understanding of content knowledge and apply strong techniques in a variety of traditional and digital art making processes.
PLO 3: Critical Thinking: Students will critically analyze global, historical, and contemporary theories in visual art, as well as the theological significance of aesthetics through research, critique, and collaboration.
PLO 4: Presentation: Students will create and defend individual and thematic bodies of work & an exhibition through writing, oral examination, and formal presentation.
PLO 5: Professional Practice: Students will apply knowledge of art by creating & teaching original curriculum in art classrooms at local schools.
PLO 6: Professional Readiness: Students will demonstrate strong teaching, classroom management practices & assessment strategies in alignment with the ONU Department of Education through the Student Teaching Practicum in art classrooms at local schools.

Student Teaching

The student teaching assignment gives experience in taking on the responsibilities for directing the learning activities of a group of students in a “real-world” classroom. The minimum time for student teaching is 60 full official school days. Students are supervised by a classroom teacher, the principal of the school and the University supervisor. A faculty member will also observe the student teacher on-site.

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