Posting Date: October 26, 2009
The Master of Arts in Teaching degree: A unique approach to art education
By Jarmea L. Boone |
During their summer classes, MAT students like Robert Lester had the opportunity to work directly with youngsters. Photo by Melissa Ray |
Another avenue has opened for teaching certification in the field of arts education: earn a Master of Arts in Teaching degree, the first of its kind in Metro Atlanta now offered at Kennesaw State University. The MAT program meets the increasing need for artists-professionals seeking an alternate route to teacher certification for pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Sandra Bird, associate professor of art education, wrote the first draft of the MAT degree in 2004. As the program progressed, the art education faculty worked collaboratively to bring the program together. In 2006, Diana Gregory, assistant professor of art education, took over the final task of getting the program approved by the university. The MAT program received final approval in fall 2008, and the first MAT class was set for summer 2009.
The program is unique in several ways. A new cohort begins each summer for the five-semester, 48-credit program, rather than in the fall or spring. Each semester is designed around a theme that relates to the overall focus of production, art history, art criticism and aesthetics. The cohort in summer 2009 explored the first theme with classes that included an extensive examination of child development, a one-on-one student-teacher practicum, an exploration of teaching philosophies, and a study course on art production, art history, art criticism and aesthetics. In the fall, the group will perform field experience, teaching at a local school.
The art education professors who developed the program are excited about its implementation and expect it to produce well-rounded, highly qualified and talented professionals. "One of the proudest accomplishments about this program is that we serve Georgia's greater northwest crescent with an advanced degree," says Gregory. "Before this, most of the students in the KSU art education program were working on a second bachelor's degree, rather than an advanced degree in the field of art education. Now we have given students a logical alternative."