Art Education Department

Students come to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s (SAIC) Art Education department to gain the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to manifest their deeply felt vocations as artists and educators, to enhance their own creative potentials, and to collaboratively build resilient, creative, democratic communities.

We are a community of artists, educators, organizers, designers, curators, teachers, administrators, archivists, and activists. We are engaged in the ongoing work of bringing into being, cultivating, restoring, and sustaining cultures of joy, justice, care, and critical generosity.

The Art Education programs are uniquely situated within the vital and diverse cultural and artistic communities of Chicago, providing a wealth of experiences and opportunities for mentorship in museums, schools, and community settings.

SAIC offers three Art Education degree programs

1. Master of Arts in Art Education (MAAE): The MAAE leads to art education careers in museums, community settings, art organizations, and socially engaged arts practices.

2. Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): The MAT leads to art education careers, including licensure to teach Visual Arts PK-12 in Illinois public schools.

3. Bachelor of Fine Arts with Emphasis in Art Education (BFAAE): The BFAAE art teaching degree prepares students for art education careers, including licensure to teach Visual Arts PK-12 in Illinois public schools.

Courses for Studio Art Majors and Students Enrolled in Other Programs

Graduate and undergraduate Studio majors and students in other programs are welcome to take selected Art Education courses that intertwine artmaking, socially engaged pedagogical practices, and teaching skills to support working as an artist educator or teaching artist. 

Follow Us

Contact Us

Main Office

Sharp Building, 37 S. Wabash Ave., suite 713

Phone: 312.759.1584

Art Education Department Chair

Sarah Ross sross1@saic.edu

Placement Coordinator

Andrea Hill Fitzgerald ahillfitzgerald@saic.edu

Illinois State Board of Education ISBE Coordinator

Paul Mack pmack@saic.edu

Teacher Education Director

Nan Stein nstein4@saic.edu

Licensure Specialist

Valerie Vasquez vvasqu@saic.edu

Senior Administrative Director

Kathleen McGrath kmcgrath@saic.edu

Administrative Assistant

Kristi Moynihan kmoyni1@saic.edu

BFA with Emphasis in Art Education Program Director

Nan Stein nstein4@saic.edu

MA in Art Education Program Director

Andres Hernandez aherna2@saic.edu

MA in Teaching Program Director

Adam Greteman agreteman@saic.edu