Dance Teaching Artist Praxis (Graduate Certificate)

Program Overview

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The Dance Teaching Artist Praxis Certificate program empowers individuals to become dance teaching experts. It combines studio-based courses, seminars, and experiential learning to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials to teach dance in K-12 settings or prepare future dance teachers. Graduates are prepared for diverse careers in dance education, including teaching, research, and community engagement.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview

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Objectives:

• Equip students with practical and theoretical knowledge, skills, and credentials to deepen their understanding of dance pedagogy.
• Prepare students to obtain a Provisional Arts Education preK-12 certificate in dance from the Arizona Department of Education.
• Provide students with the qualifications and credentials required for developing and teaching university teacher preparation courses and training programs.
• It empowers them to become dance teaching experts and work as dance educators in K-12 settings or prepare future dance teachers.
• Students engage in a mix of studio-based courses, seminars, and experiential learning opportunities.
• This program allows students to fulfill the coursework requirements for the Provisional Arts Education preK-12 certificate in dance.

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Outline

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Content:

• The program focuses on dance pedagogy and teaching practices across various contexts.
• It covers topics such as Somatic Movement Inquiry, Teaching Praxis, Curriculum Design, and Residency/Student Teaching in Secondary Education.
• Students also complete a written portfolio culminating experience in their final semester.

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Structure:

• The program consists of 28 credit hours of coursework and the portfolio experience.

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Assessment

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Assessment Methods:

• The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including written assignments, presentations, and practical teaching experiences.
• The culminating portfolio also serves as a significant assessment component.

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Assessment Criteria:

• Assessments evaluate students' knowledge, understanding, and application of dance pedagogy principles.
• They also assess students' ability to design and implement effective teaching practices for diverse learner populations.

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Teaching

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Teaching Methods:

• The program employs a blend of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and individualized feedback.
• Studio-based courses provide hands-on learning experiences.

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Faculty:

• The program is led by experienced dance educators and researchers with expertise in various areas of dance pedagogy.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program emphasizes experiential learning, providing opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
• It also focuses on developing students' reflective practice skills and fostering critical thinking about dance education.

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Careers

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Career Paths:

• Graduates may pursue careers as:
• Community arts facilitators
• Community engagement and social activist artists
• Dance education researchers or scholars
• Dance studio owners
• K-12 dance educators
• K-12 performing arts administrators
• Performing arts curriculum and program developers
• Social engagement practitioners
• Somatics educators
• Teaching artists
• University dance professors and teacher preparation specialists
• Wellness instructors

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Opportunities:

• Graduates are prepared to work in diverse settings, including public and private K-12 schools, higher education institutions, local, national, and international dance communities and organizations, and dance studio settings.

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Outcomes: