Overview

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• 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)

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. 

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-Residencevisit 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. 

Program graduates are eligible for certification from the Ontario College of Teachers.

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.