Artist in Community Education
Artist in Community Education (ACE) is designed for practicing artists in visual art, music, drama and creative writing who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Education degree and range of career possibilities as artist-educators.
ACE candidates explore arts-based teaching methodologies with hands-on activities.
ACE candidates bring a varied, rich and diverse skill set to class so each year has a unique make-up of arts expertise and experience.
ACE students acquire skills through specialized workshops offered in many art forms such as dance.
ACE candidates lead and participate in Faculty wide projects such as the annual musical.
ACE candidates acquire a grounding in Aesthetic Education as a framework for their understanding and explorations with arts education.
Collaboration is a key component of the ACE program.
ACE candidates explore other art forms within their studies to provide them with an understanding of all arts, beyond their own arts specialization.
ACE candidates explore connections between art forms such as a dance based on a visual floor collage.
ACE Co-coordinators Aynne Johnston and Stephen Elliott.
ACE has been educating talented arts-educators for the classroom, outreach and arts leadership careers for over 30 years.
Overview
- the first ACE class graduated over 30 years ago
- approximately 25 students selected to the program annually
- for both Primary-Junior and Intermediate-Senior teacher candidates
- Intermediate-Senior candidates must select their first teaching subject from one of four areas: Dramatic Arts; Music; English or Visual Arts
- the program begins one week prior to regular classes for orientation and Aesthetic Education
- elective courses are pre-determined and an alternative practicum is required
- emphasis is on learning from one another and exploring the positive role that artists and the arts play in our schools, our communities, and our society
- graduates include Dean Stephen Elliott, ACE Co-coordinator Aynne Johnston and faculty member Angela Solar
Courses
In addition to the required curriculum courses of the regular program, all ACE students participate in three related, arts focused courses that shape their experience while at the Faculty.
- Aesthetic Education (FOUN 448)
- Artist in Community Education (FOCI 222)
- The Artist in Society (EDST 425)
Practica
In the Fall term, ACE teacher candidates complete the regular in-school practicum required to qualify for teacher certification in Ontario.
In the Winter term, ACE teacher candidates are required to complete an alternative practicum. By selecting a placement in a non-traditional educational, artistic, or blended arts-educational setting, teacher candidates broaden their knowledge and understanding of the arts and arts education. With guidance and support, ACE candidates are expected to initiate, design and develop an individualized alternative practicum.
Previous candidates have acquired placements at, for instance, the National Arts Centre, the National Gallery, the Canadian Opera Company, the Stratford Festival, the Shaw Festival, Random House Publishing UK, Whitney Museum of Art NYC, the Lincoln Center Institute NYC, and historical re-enactment festivals in Italy.
Admission Requirements
Selection of Concurrent Education teacher candidates is based on the application made in December of year 4 (supplemental documents).
Selection of Consecutive Education teacher candidates is based on the application requirements in the 2013-14 Teacher Education Application Service (TEAS) Instruction Booklet as well as the supplemental documents submitted to the Education Registrar’s office.
See How to Apply.
For more information regarding admission, please contact the Education Registrar's Office.
Events and Extracurriculars
The synergy of talent in the class has no bounds. ACE events and extracurricular activities provide teacher candidates with further opportunities to initiate and experience arts-based projects and develop their professional network.
As they are based on the class experience and group goals, each year's event program has a shape and direction uniquely its own. However, the following are some traditional ACE events and activities:
- Field Trip: Previous trips have been to Ottawa and Toronto, including the National Art Gallery, the National Arts Centre, the Canadian Opera Company, Soulpepper and TVOntario.
- Studio Workshops: Hosted by artists-in-residence, Faculty members, ACE grads or classmates, "Notes at Noon" frequently features ACE musicians and "Art on the Walls" is an on-going exhibition throughout the year.
- Extravaganza: An end of year event showcasing ACE performance artists in the McArthur Auditorium and an exhibition by the visual artists in the Studio.
- Artists-in-Residence: Visit the Faculty each year representing various disciplines. Former artists-in-residence have included Michelle Silagy, dance artist; Shane Carty, voice artist; Holly Dean, calligraphic artist; Sabooge Theatre Artists; David Earle and Grace Miyagawa, dancers; R. Murray Shaffer, musician; Dan Yashinsky, storyteller; Ian Tamblyn, musician, and Alanna Kappell, encaustic, collage and watercolor artist.
Career Opportunities
The Education Registrar will inform the Registrar of the Ontario College of Teachers when a teacher candidate has successfully completed the program. Graduating teacher candidates who plan to teach in Ontario must formally register to become members of the College and be awarded the Certificate of Qualification and Registration as a teacher.
Given the different curriculum taught in each province, teacher candidates interested in teaching in other provinces need to ensure they have the requisite background to teach in that province.
Graduates are engaged in a variety of careers ranging from full-time classroom teaching to full or part time work in community or corporate-based arts organizations.
Contact the ACE Co-coordinators
Inquiries should be directed via email to Aynne Johnston.