Sara Scott Shields

Sara Scott Shields is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs in the Department of Art Education at Florida State University (FSU), part of the College of Fine Arts. She holds a PhD in Art Education from the University of Georgia, and earlier degrees from East Carolina University. Her career spans 14 years of teaching at secondary and college levels, with a focus on integrating visual journaling, contemporary art, and community history into civically engaged pedagogy. Shields has been recognized with national awards including the Southeastern Higher Educator of the Year (2019) and Florida Higher Educator of the Year (2018).

Education:

• PhD in Art Education, University of Georgia (Advisor: Dr. Tracie Costantino)
• MAEd in Art Education, East Carolina University (Advisor: Dr. Alice Arnold)
• BFA in Art Education and Ceramics, East Carolina University (Advisors: Dr. Nancy House and Seo Eo)

Research Focus: Shields’ work emphasizes civically engaged art education, leveraging visual journaling and arts-based research to foster socially just educational practices. She explores how art can bridge personal/community histories with contemporary issues, empowering students and educators to engage in civic discourse. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates qualitative methods, practitioner research, and curriculum design.

Recent Scholarship Trends: Her publications (2018–2025) highlight resilience during crises (e.g., pandemic impacts), youth-led artistic research, and digital-age pedagogical strategies. Notable works include frameworks for civically engaged art education and studies on graduate student identity in academia.

Awards & Contributions:

• National & regional teaching awards
• Leadership in art education policy
• Advocacy for equity in arts curriculum

Teaching & Mentorship: Shields instructs core art education courses such as Contemporary Issues in Art Education and Arts-Based Research. She mentors pre-service teachers in designing inclusive, community-oriented curricula.

Labs/Teams: Active in FSU’s Art Education Department, contributing to interdisciplinary initiatives and community art projects.