About the Program
The art education program at SUNY Buffalo State, established in 1930, is among the oldest state-sponsored preparatory programs for art teachers in the United States.
Because art education majors take fine arts and design courses in addition to art education courses, students develop a broad, diverse understanding of both art and the theory and practice of art education. School districts across the United States value SUNY Buffalo State art education graduates for the scope and depth of their education.
The art education program prepares students for initial certification to teach pre-kindergarten through grade 12 art in New York State schools.
- The program develops art education professionals who are knowledgeable about the subject of art;
- who think systematically about the act of teaching;
- who are committed to teaching students about art in meaningful and critical ways;
- who consider teaching to be a dynamic and continuing process of development and growth;
- who recognize and respect individual differences in their students and adapt their teaching strategies to fit individual student needs;
- who are sensitive to issues related to diversity in class, ethnicity, and gender in contemporary society;
- who are active in the professional, cultural, and art communities; who understand and are prepared to utilize current technology and media in the public school art programs;
- who understand and promote the value of art in contemporary cultures;
- who are prepared to address the unique learning needs of pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students in an urban, suburban, and rural environments.
