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The earliest incarnation of the current

Department of Art and Design Education

was in the late 19th century, when Pratt

Institute opened its doors in Brooklyn,

New York. Opportunities to combine

theory and practice have been an integral

part of the program ever since. Now, as

then, teaching is viewed as a creative

process with studio work enhancing and

complementing instruction rather than

competing with it.

In 1897, art classes for children were

offered in cast drawing; sketching in

outline, color, light, and shade; and

freehand perspective. This was to be the

genesis of a unique student teaching

experience and resource for the commu-

nity. Beginning in 1902, the Saturday

classes were used as a vehicle for art teacher

training. The Saturday Art School became

a laboratory where learning how to teach

and researching issues of pedagogy are

chair

Amir Parsa

assistant to the chair

Jessica Masters

718-636-3681

art and design education

office

Tel: 718-636-3637 | Fax: 718-230-6817

[email protected]

http://www.pratt.edu/ad/ade

coordinator,

youth programs

Tara Kopp

Tel: 718-636-3654

youth programs office

Tel: 718-636-3654 | Fax: 718-230-6876

http://www.pratt.edu/youth

Art and Design Education

In 1994, Pratt inaugurated the Master of Science in Art and

Design Education, drawing students from the worlds of

art, design, and architecture. The curriculum expands upon

the philosophy and practices of our continuing undergraduate

and post-baccalaureate programs and was one of the first in

the country to include design education. We endeavor to be

progressive and dynamic and at the forefront of our field while

providing a stimulating, challenging, and supportive environ-

ment for our students, faculty, and staff. Our students are

passionate teachers and learners engaged in creative individual

and community practice as artists, educators, and researchers.