Art and Design Education
Pratt’s BFA and BFA/MA in Art and Design Education with initial New York State
teacher certification (visual arts, all grades) prepare students to approach teaching as a
creative process modeled upon and nourished by intensive studio preparation in the
context of contemporary art and design. First-year students take the Foundation Studio
Core curriculum, along with core Art History (AH) and Liberal Arts (LAS) courses, and
begin the curriculum art and design education in the fall of the second year. While
continuing with their required AH and LAS coursework, second-year students pursue
more focused courses in art and design education, as well as in their chosen studio-
core. In addition, fieldwork and student teaching experiences help students integrate
their studio core discipline knowledge with art and design education theory and
instructional practices. Within the BFA and the BFA/MA degrees in Art and Design
Education, students can opt to pursue two different paths: one in art and design
education with initial New York State teacher certification (visual arts, all grades) and
one in community art and design education.
The BFA/MA or five-year program provides students with opportunities to explore
related areas in the field of art and design education such as museum education or
community- based art and design education in the fifth-year. Grounded in theories and
practices in art and design education, students in the five-year program also complete
thesis research on curriculum. Students need to remain in good academic standing to
continue in the five-year program.
Graduates are proficient in their written and spoken communication about art and
design education in the context of contemporary art and design and qualified to pursue
creative and professional lives as visual arts teachers, art administrators, community art
educators, teaching artists, museum and gallery educators and more. Pratt’s location in
New York City’s thriving art and design education community offers ample opportunities
for students to network through fieldwork, student teaching, internships and summer
opportunities in the city’s schools, museums and community-based organizations.
Chair
Aileen Wilson
awilson2@pratt.edu
718.636.3637
Assistant to the Chair
Jonell Joshua
jjoshua@pratt.edu
718.636.3681
Academic Adviser
Erich Kuersten
718.399.4529
Art and Design Education Office
Tel: 718.636.3637
https://www.pratt.edu/art/art-and-design-education/
Faculty
Faculty Bios
The mission of Art and Design Education is the preparation of artists and designers as accomplished educators who can work effectively with pupils in diverse cultural contexts and apply interdisciplinary perspectives in a variety of educational settings, including schools, museums, and community organizations. Students work collaboratively with their peers, community members, and professionals in the field, while they learn to develop lessons and construct environments that promote critical inquiry and creative practice. Through individual and community practices students become engaged artists, educators, and researchers. When students complete their degree program they will:
- Integrate studio knowledge and skills—grounded in contemporary art practice—into the art and design curriculum
- Articulate, apply and reflect upon knowledge of pedagogy and instruction in art and design education.
- Apply knowledge of learners, belief in their ability to learn, and cultural awareness to planning and instruction.
- Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively within school and community contexts to promote culturally relevant pedagogy and equitable learning opportunities