Educator professional knowledge, dispositions, behaviors, and skills build over time as students move from observing and assisting to micro-teaching in teams, gradually assuming the full role of the teacher.

Introductory courses (Intro to Teaching and Art and Human Development) are taken as Freshmen and Sophomores, set the stage for thinking about the role of art education in the schools and in the development of children and adolescents. 

Junior coursework includes two courses, Methods and Strategies for Teaching and Critical Literacy, to develop studio practice integration with educator professional knowledge and skills. 

Senior coursework includes two courses, a Practicum 1 teaching experience alongside a MICA faculty member and Intro to Special Education.

Fifth year coursework includes Internship 2, Literacy Integration, Educational Theory, and 100 days of Practicum experiences teaching in preK–12 settings. 

In addition to art education coursework, teacher candidates develop a graduate-level studio thesis exhibition. During the final phase of the program students complete job applications, develop interviewing skills, and assemble professional portfolios. The culminating event of the program is the Student Teacher Showcase, where accomplishments are evaluated by a visiting critic and presented to peers, family, and friends.

Planning ahead is a major key to successfully combining a studio major, academic requirements, art education courses, and any areas of interest, such as technology or art history, into a five-year time sequence. 

The BFA/MAT program can work with any undergraduate major, although it works best with those that provide some flexibility in choosing electives. Because courses are sequenced and offered in designated semesters, interested transfer students should meet with the undergraduate coordinator for Art Education as soon as they are admitted to MICA.