Professor Jan Feldhausen will receive the Foundations in Art: Theory & Education (FATE) Master Educator Award in March.
Feldhausen was nominated for the award by a colleague through her connection to AP Studio Art, a program that provides high school students with an opportunity and framework for working at the level of a college foundations (first-year) program.
"Jan stood out because of her firm grounding in pedagogy and her knowledge of art; she is always highly articulate and stays relevant with issues. Jan has …[a] phenomenal grasp of foundations teaching as a whole," said FATE Award Committee Chair Barbara Giorgio.
The annual achievement award recognizes major contributors in the field — individuals dedicated to foundations teaching with a capacity for innovation, willingness to share knowledge with colleagues and a strong commitment to the FATE organization.
FATE is a national association that promotes excellence in the development and teaching of college-level foundation courses.
"It is a distinct honor to be the recipient of the Master Educator Award from an organization for which I have so much respect," Feldhausen said.
Feldhausen has taught on the foundations level since 1982. In 16 years as Dean of Foundations at MIAD, she has worked closely with faculty on curriculum planning, teaching strategies and classroom management.
Feldhausen said her involvement with FATE has helped her stay current with technology use and student learning styles.
"It helped me grow as an educator," Feldhausen said. "I am now back in the classroom full-time and feel that I have come home."
Last fall, artist Feldhuasen presented an exhibition of sabbatical work comprising ink on paper and paper masks are part of the Joker/Jester series, which explored dichotomy themes through imagery appropriated from joker playing cards. She also presented on MIAD’s Foundations curriculum at the SECAC/MACAA College Art Conference in Richmond in October 2010.
Feldhausen will be recognized at the FATE/MACAA Biennial Conference in St. Louis, March 31 – April 2, 2011, where she will receive her award.
