Visual Art, K-12 Teacher Certification

Visual arts majors may pursue an emphasis in K-12 Teacher certification. It is designed to provide art majors the opportunity to acquire knowledge and experience in art while earning certification to teach in the state of SC.

Students graduating from Lander University with recommendation for teacher certification complete student teaching, coursework and testing requirements for recommendation for certification in South Carolina consistent with the College of Education’s conceptual framework. This framework provides direction for programs, courses, teaching and teacher candidate assessment.

1. Integrates content knowledge and skills of scholarly inquiry to teach all students;
2. Plans, provides and assesses learning experiences that are supported by research, knowledge of best practice and professional standards;
3. Communicates and collaborates with diverse populations (students, educators, families and community members) exhibiting professional behaviors and dispositions; and
4. Engages in reflection and professional development to foster student learning and inform instructional decisions.

Note: The information below provides convenient links to some of the courses required for this degree; however, it should not be used as a course registration guide. Please refer to the official Lander University Academic Catalog for the most accurate and up-to-date program requirements.

¹ For approved courses see the General Education section

• For formal admission to the visual arts with teacher certification major, see Student Eligibility on page 68-69 of the catalog.
• Students must earn a “C” or better in all program requirement courses.
• ¹A grade of “C” or better is required in these Teacher Education courses.
• ²A grade of “B” or better is required in these Teacher Education courses.
• Coursework must include at least 30 hours earned in 300 or above level courses, of which 12 hours must be in the major.
• See the 4-year major guide for recommended order in which to take courses

The Lander art program is one that emphasizes the philosophy that “those who teach must also do.” Therefore, our teacher training program provides the student with a solid background in the fine arts, with a variety of experiences from which to draw upon in the classroom, as well as being a source for developing personal interests.
Students enrolled in Secondary or PK-12:

Freshman Year: Take PRAXIS Core or provide proof of 1100+ SAT or 22+ ACT and earn a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher. Students who do not earn the minimum GPA of 2.75 by the end of their Freshman Year are moved from the program to the Visual Art major.

Sophomore Year: Apply for admission to major in Teacher Education; pass the Screening Interview; and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher. Students who do not maintain the minimum GPA of 2.75 are moved from the program to the Visual Art major.

Junior Year: Apply for student teaching; earn professional education GPA 3.00 or higher; and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher. Students who do not maintain the minimum GPA of 2.75 are moved from the program to the Visual Art major. Students must pass the PRAXIS II content area exam prior to taking EDUC 461 and are advised to take the exam during the summer between Junior and Senior year.

Senior Year: Pass Content Area Exams (PRAXIS II) prior to taking EDUC 461 complete PPAT Teacher Certification Assessment during Clinical Practice; earn professional education GPA of 3.00 or higher; and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher; submit Graduation Application; and complete FALS requirements. Students who do not maintain the minimum GPA of 2.75 are moved from the program to the Visual Art major. Students who do not meet all requirements will not earn teacher certification in visual art.