UC Irvine Launches Certificate in Teaching Artistry to Prepare Artists for Expanding Education Careers

The new program aims to support the growing demand from arts organizations, schools and community partners

Irvine, Calif., Feb. 14, 2026 – The UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts, in collaboration with the UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education, has launched a new Certificate in Teaching Artistry program designed to equip practicing artists, students and creative professionals with the skills to effectively teach their artistic disciplines in educational and community settings.

Developed jointly by the School of the Arts and Continuing Education, the program provides structured training in pedagogy, lesson planning and equitable frameworks for teaching across varied communities and learning environments. Participants may complete the full certificate or enroll in individual courses to enhance specific skills, with stackable options supporting progression toward the certificate.

“At the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, we believe artistic and educational excellence are deeply connected,” said Tiffany López, Claire Trevor Dean of the Arts.  “Teaching artistry requires more than talent. It requires intention, reflection and an understanding of how people learn. This certificate affirms our commitment to preparing artists who can engage communities with creativity, rigor and care.”

The Certificate in Teaching Artistry responds to growing demand from arts organizations, schools and community partners seeking artists who are prepared to teach as effectively as they create. As creative professionals build multifaceted careers that blend artistic practice, education and community engagement, the program strengthens that pathway with practical, inclusive teaching frameworks.

“This program is an excellent demonstration of what happens when experts in teaching the arts and experts in teaching adults co-create a program that is meaningful, impactful, and right sized for professional learners,” said Kristine Collins, dean of the Division of Continuing Education. “We are so proud of the professionals who will take this program to enhance their teaching, they will no doubt have widespread impact on a range of students.”

Designed for Flexibility and Depth

The certificate consists of four required courses, each offering 30 hours of instruction delivered through a combination of live online sessions and asynchronous learning. Learners who complete all four courses, totaling 12 units, earn the certificate. Those seeking targeted professional development may enroll in individual courses without pursuing the full certificate.

Participants will:

• Strengthen their ability to teach artistic concepts clearly, confidently and creatively
• Adapt instruction for diverse audiences in school, community and organizational settings
• Gain foundational training in pedagogy, lesson planning and classroom facilitation
• Develop inclusive teaching strategies grounded in universal design principles
• Enhance professional marketability for roles in arts organizations, educational institutions and community programs

The program is designed for practicing artists, undergraduate and graduate students, and professional creatives interested in teaching in in-school, after-school, studio and community environments. Because structured teaching artist certificates remain relatively rare and the coursework is delivered online, it is designed to serve learners regionally, nationally and internationally.

Eligibility and Enrollment

Artists and students interested in pursuing the Certificate in Teaching Artistry may register directly for courses through the UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education. Those who complete the required coursework will be awarded a certificate from UC Irvine.

Learners who prefer to strengthen specific skills may enroll in individual courses without committing to the full certificate pathway.

For detailed information about the new Certificate in Teaching Artistry, please visit https://ce.uci.edu/programs/education/teaching-artistry

About the UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts

The UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts is where scholarly research and creative activity converge. As the only comprehensive arts school in the University of California system, it includes four departments: art, dance, drama and music. The school offers 15 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and two minors that combine rigorous artistic training with a world-class liberal arts education. Named for Academy Award-winning actress Claire Trevor, the school presents more than 200 public performances, exhibitions and lectures each year. Students and faculty engage in studio practice, performance, academic study and interdisciplinary research, often collaborating across campus and within the community. Recognized nationally for its excellence, access and affordability, the school prepares the next generation of creative leaders who shape culture, drive innovation and make a difference in the world. For more information, visit www.arts.uci.edu.

About the UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education

UCI Division of Continuing Education (UCI DCE) was established in 1962 and has served the lifelong learning and career development needs of individuals, organizations, and the community on a local, regional, and global scale. Through a wide range of educational opportunities, including certificate and specialized studies programs, short courses, and strategic partnerships, UCI DCE provides learning pathways for those seeking career advancement or personal enrichment. For more information about UCI DCE, including its new strategic plan, vision, mission, and values, visit ce.uci.edu.

About the University of California, Irvine

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more on UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.