Application Process
The Application:
If applying to the Institute as a new BFA student, he or she needs to check off the appropriate section on the application for admission. When the application is processed and accepted, the Registrar will code these students as interested in Art Educator certification.
If applying to the Institute for the Art Educator Program and have already earned a degree it is important to note that this is not an official conversion program, however it is possible for you to earn your certification as long as it is completed alongside one of our BFA concentrations. Interested individuals should contact the Admissions office. It is very important that applicants with a degree seeking certification work with financial aid throughout the admissions process, as there are circumstances where federal aid is not available. The Institute also recommends individuals interested in obtaining their certification to research many programs in search of similar philosophies as this will determine the coursework needed to complete their programs.
Students already enrolled in the BFA program at the Institute must inform their advisor and the Registrar to be coded as interested in the program. This identification code does not commit the student into the program. It allows advisors to properly place students in courses appropriate for their concentration and art education requirements. BFA students may obtain applications for the Art Educator preparation program from their advisors or the Art Education office. It is best to schedule a brief meeting with the Art Education Chairperson when picking up an application packet. Application packets may be picked up at any point during the school year however, there are only two times they may be submitted per year; once in early Fall and once in early Spring. Students may apply for acceptance to the program as early as freshmen year.
All applicants must include the completed application, a personal essay, and at least two recommendations in order for the application to be evaluated. All applicants must possess a minimum 2.7 GPA* for candidacy. The applicant's GPA serves as an indicator of commitment to his or her own education. Applicants must also take and pass the Praxis I exam, submit at least two recommendations as evidence of the candidate's attitude, academic skills, artistic skills, work habits, personality and communication skills. All aspects of the application are important while the applicant's essay, recommendations and references are weighed heavily when evaluating applications. All applicants will be informed of the decision in writing. Applicants that are not accepted into the program have the right to appeal following the Institute's appeal process as stated in BFA student handbook.
*Candidates must apply a second time for the culminating fieldwork and must have a 3.0 GPA at that point in time.
The PRAXIS I Requirement
The State of New Hampshire mandates that educator candidates in every subject area pass all three sections of the Praxis I, a standardized exam originating from the College Board. The Institute requires that candidates take and pass the Praxis as early as possible. Candidates may not apply for their culminating fifth year until the Registrar has received Praxis scores. Candidates may take the Praxis Exam as many as six times per year, however we recommend you prepare for the Praxis in order to prevent mounting fees. The Teti Library has test preparation books on campus. These books may also be purchase at local bookstores or order directly from the Praxis web site. Students may take their Praxis I as early as their freshman year.
Students may take the exam on a computer by scheduling an appointment at a computer-testing site:
Concord: 603-224-8630 Nashua: Daniel Webster College 603-546-1500
Students may take the traditional paper test. Testing dates are limited and sites around Manchester are at UNH Durham, Keene State, and Rivier College. Students with identified academic accommodations may have their test times extended. Please visit www.ets.org/praxis to learn more.
MAINTAINING CANDIDACY
The mission and goals of Art Educator Preparation Program at the Institute holds its candidates to high standards for many reasons. The most important is that the Institute is responsible to the State Department of Education to provide future educators that have demonstrated the various qualities expected of a practicing educator. Some of these attributes include being...
...responsible, reliable and exhibit good judgment
...an advocate for children
...a life long learner in all subject areas
...respectful to everyone including oneself
... an active participant in the learning community
...able to effectively communicate (speaking, listening and responding)
...flexible and responsible
...organized
The Art Education Department will actively maintain communication with candidates and their faculty, advisors, cooperating teachers and appropriate administrative offices at the Institute to ensure the New Hampshire Bureau of Credentialing only receive skilled and creative artist educators who are also positive role models for children in K - 12 schools.
For more information please refer to the Institute's Art Educator Preparation Program Handbook.
