DSCTE Foundations (Teaching Artistry)

Foundations of Teaching Artistry & CTE is the inaugural course in UCLA Extension's six-course Artistry Career Technical Education (CTE) Credential Program, developed in partnership with the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture's Visual and Performing Arts Education (VAPAE) Program. This innovative curriculum integrates contemporary teaching artistry with California Career Technical Education (CTE) credential requirements to prepare practicing artists to become effective, credentialed educators in K–12 public schools.

Through an interdisciplinary approach, candidates explore the foundations of arts education, culturally responsive and equity-centered pedagogy, creative learning theory, social-emotional learning, and the role of teaching artists in today's classrooms. Concurrently, students develop a strong understanding of California CTE standards, professional responsibilities, educational law and ethics, curriculum development, and workforce-connected learning. Throughout the course, participants connect theory to practice by reflecting on their work in school settings and developing instructional strategies that foster creativity, inclusion, and student engagement.

As the first course in the six-course credential sequence, this class establishes the professional, pedagogical, and artistic foundation necessary for successful completion of the Artistry CTE Credential pathway. Students will begin developing their teaching philosophy, instructional practice, professional learning plan, and advisory network while preparing for continued coursework leading toward a California Career Technical Education Credential in the Arts, Media, and Entertainment (AME) sector.