David Adadjo

David Adadjo grew up in New York’s Capital Region loving art and loving to draw. That’s what sparked his interest in a Graphic + Media Design BFA degree from Russell Sage College in Troy and Albany, New York.

“I liked having smaller class sizes and getting to know professors well,” he said of Sage’s BFA program. “And they got to know my work well. I enjoyed my undergrad time.”

Classes with Professor of Graphic + Media Design Matthew McElligott were a particular  favorite.

“He gave us these design challenges every week, and they were really, really fun. We wouldn’t know anything beforehand, there would be some guidelines, and we had a tight timeframe to complete it.”

From Graphic Design BFA to Art Education MAT

After graduating, Adadjo started substitute teaching in the East Greenbush Central School District while he interviewed for graphic design positions. His placements spanned grades and subjects but included art classrooms — and soon pointed him toward a career path in visual art that he hadn’t considered before. 

“I was like, wait, I enjoy working with kids,” he said. “Just thinking about my lifestyle, being able to have summers to travel. And working with kids is very, very rewarding, it’s very gratifying. So I decided, well, why not? Why not just go for it?”

Flexible Graduate Classes for Working Educators

And that’s how he found himself back at Russell Sage, pursuing his MAT in Art Education. The Master of Arts in Teaching program leads to New York State (NYS) initial Visual Arts Certification, pre-K through 12th grade. He’ll complete his master’s in four semesters, including one summer. 

Now in his first semester of the graduate program, Adadjo is taking two in-person evening classes and one asynchronous online class that fit around his substitute teaching commitments. 

“I have Methods in Art Education with Courtney Wrenn,” he said. “It’s helping me visualize what I’m going to do at the beginning of my career. We’re learning about lesson plans, and about different ages and their skill level, and where to meet them.”

“And I’m taking Responsive Classrooms with Professor Kelly Smith,” he continued. “She’s really good. We have a lot of thought-provoking, in-depth conversations about Education in general and Positive Education as well.”

Adadjo anticipates completing his MAT in December 2027, and while he hasn’t ruled out  pursuing a teaching position in a high school, he is leaning toward younger grades.  

“I enjoy working with the little guys. It’s a whole lot of fun,” he said. “I’m excited. I did enjoy graphic design. But I think working with the kids is a better fit for me.”

Explore Art + Design Pathways at Russell Sage

Interested in graphic design, digital media, and hands-on mentorship? Explore the Graphic + Media Design BFA program

Ready to earn your NYS teaching certification? Learn more about the MAT in Art Education