At the Exploration Phase of your portfolio, which culminates in course 0809-596: Inquiry and Expression: Humanities, you will be prompted to reflect upon essential questions that help tell the story of your journey toward becoming an art educator. You will also be asked to support your reflections by attaching or linking artifacts and benchmark assignments that demonstrate your growing understanding of your identity as a learner, artist and arts educator.

Benchmark requirements
0803 EAR 525-Establishing the Role of the Arts in Education: Historical & Philosophical Foundations of Art Education. Benchmark Assignment: Arts in Education Rationale Paper

0803 EAR 509-Artistic Development Across the Lifespan. Benchmark Assignment: Schooling Autobiography.


The Synthesis Phase starts when you have completed Inquiry and Expression and initiated your portfolio reflections. At the synthesis phase, which culminates in course 0803-850: Master’s Seminar in Art Education, you will be prompted to reflect upon additional essential questions that address the Ruth S. Ammon School of Education’s core values and incorporate your experiences in the field. You will be given the opportunity to reflect upon your growth as an art educator and to support your reflections by attaching or linking artifacts and benchmark assignments that demonstrate a mature engagement with the profession.

Benchmark requirements
0803 EAR 510-Assessment and Instruction in Art Education. Benchmark Assignment: Curriculum Project.

0803 EAR 850-Masters Seminar in Art Education. Benchmark Assignment: Philosophy of Artistry and Teaching.


The Reflective Practice Phase takes place during the student teaching semester. The portfolio at this level should demonstrate that you are able to "put it all together" and make a difference in the classroom as well as to reflect on your work and professional identity as an art educator.

Benchmark requirement
0803 EAR 820-Student Teaching in Art Education. Benchmark Assignment: Reflective Journal.