Bachelor of Science [B.S] [Art Education] From University of North Alabama

While each state will have its own process for obtaining a Teaching Certificate, below is the process implemented by the state of Alabama.

Complete the Appropriate Art Education Degree Program

The class B certification is the most common certification sought by new teachers. The process involves obtaining a bachelor?s degree, completing the Teacher Education Program (TEP), and applying for state certification.

Before selecting the appropriate certification program, students will need to decide at which level of education they plan to teach.

?The Alabama State Department of Education certifies art educators at one of three levels:

• Middle School (4-8)
• Secondary (6-12)
• Elementary-Secondary (P-12)

Qualifying for the TEP component of the degree program requires the following:

• Maintaining a C+ average
• Receiving a passing score on a written exam
• Receiving a passing score on the TEP interview
• Completing Speech with a grade of C or higher
• Completing 29 semester hours of professional studies
• Completing 33 semester hours in the teaching field
• Completing Orientation to Teacher Education
• Completing nine additional semester hours of math
• Completing one additional semester of science
• Proving basic music skills either by testing or taking an additional course

Pass the Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program (AECTP) and Praxis II Test

To become certified as an art educator in Alabama students must successfully pass the Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program, which will test their basic writing, math, and reading skills.

Apply for Certification with the Alabama Department of Education

Once you have completed your education, students will then need to meet a background check and clearance requirement, and prove they have passed their tests prior to the issuance of their certificate.

Pursue Continuing Education and Renew License

Certified individuals must reinstate and renew their certificates within five years (60 months) of initial issuance.

Students pursuing the BSED double major will fulfill 54 hours of teaching field studies in Art and 29 hours of professional studies in education. The 54 hours art curriculum, as outlined for the BS degree program, includes courses in studio art, art history, and a course in methodology and materials in art.