Jenna
What is the best way to find a job as an art teacher?
#art #teaching #artteacher #education #teacher
2 answers
Raashid Ahmed
Raashid’s Answer
Art teachers help students learn about the history of art and provide opportunities for students to create their own art by exploring their own artistic creativity. An art teacher should have a strong enthusiasm for art and enjoy teaching young people.
Art Teacher Job Description
Art teachers work primarily to bring knowledge of artistic and creative concepts, including color, shape, and texture, to students in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary learning environments. They help students understand artistic concepts in various types of visual communication, including drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, and design. Additionally, they must work to cultivate these skills while meeting the academic and emotional needs of each student as well as meet the grading and curriculum requirements at their school.
Art Teacher Requirements and Common Tasks
A bachelor’s degree in education with coursework in art, art education (a Bachelor of Fine Arts–BFA–in Art Education), or art history with a state-approved teacher preparation program is the basic requirement for becoming an art teacher at a public school. Prospective art teachers at the primary level typically pursue a bachelor’s in education while secondary art teachers typically obtain a bachelor’s in art or art history. Additionally, each state requires K-12 teachers to obtain a license or certification from the state by fulfilling the requirements overseen by the board of education. Licenses are usually not required for art teachers working in private institutions, but some private schools may prefer teachers with a state license or certification. For prospective teachers who did not complete a bachelor’s in art education, most states now offer alternative paths to obtaining state teaching certification, including pursuing a master’s degree in art education or a related subject. Professional artists without a formal degree may qualify for art teacher positions based on experience, but may still need to obtain a state license.
Once licensed, art teachers instruct on the basic principles of art and its history through hands-on interaction with their students. They must supervise student progress, assist students in cultivating their creativity, manage classroom discipline, grade papers, and prepare lessons. Furthermore, art teachers interact with management, other instructors, parents, and the community. The basic attributes of a successful art teacher include high levels of organization and time management, patience, reliability, and artistic talent.
How to Become an Art Teacher
People who wish to become art teachers must first choose which path they are interested in taking. There are numerous programs available at the bachelor’s degree level that are designed to lead to initial teacher licensure with a major in art. One of the important factors to consider is whether the teacher preparation program is approved by your state’s department of education and whether it will satisfy requirements for state teacher certification or licensure. The typical path to becoming an art teacher is as follows:
Earn a bachelor’s degree in art education that includes a state-approved teacher preparation program.
Complete a student teaching internship at the grade level(s) you wish to teach.
Pass your state’s required tests for art teachers.
Apply for your teaching certificate.
Begin applying to open art teacher positions.
Many states offer a K-12 certification in art that can lead to a career in teaching art from the elementary level through high school. Prospective art teachers may also decide to focus on art education at a specific grade level, such as middle school or high school. On any of these pathways, students in bachelor’s degree programs can expect to take two years of liberal arts and science courses, as well as art courses. After being admitted to the teacher preparation program at their university, which typically happens in the junior year, students will begin taking courses on methods of teaching specific to the grades they wish to teach. After passing the state tests for teacher certification and completing observations and student teaching, a graduate will be eligible to obtain state teacher certification.
For those who already have a bachelor’s degree in art but did not complete an approved teacher preparation program, there are also alternative paths to teacher certification in most states. Earning a master’s degree that includes a teacher preparation component is another common path to initial teacher licensure.
Art Teacher Salary and Job Outlook
Though the US Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t provide art teacher statistics, we use similar teaching categories as a proxy for data on the median salary and employment outlook. Job growth for elementary, middle, and high school teachers over the decade from 2018 to 2028 is projected at 3-4%, slower than the average for all occupations.1-3 The median annual salary for elementary school teachers in 2018 was $58,230, while middle school teachers earned a median of $58,600, and high school teachers earned a median of $60,320 per year.1-3
Teachers who acquire further training or a national certification may benefit from opportunities for higher pay. Positions in urban or rural environments may offer higher salaries due to the increased demand for quality teachers in those areas.
Helpful Skills and Experience
Skills and experience in both teaching and art will help individuals be effective in this career. Strong communication skills and in-depth knowledge of art history and art concepts will help a candidate stand out from other applicants.
Ellen Rosenthal
Ellen’s Answer
Hi Jenna!
So nice to hear about a young person interested in teaching art. I loved being an art teacher and I think you will find it to be a creative, exciting, and rewarding career sharing your skills and enthusiasm for art.
Usually, to get a job as an art teacher in a public school you need a degree in art education and a state certification or license to teach art in K-12. Its the same with any other subject in public education. But it all depends on the school district you are looking at. Some districts will hire you if you only have a degree in fine art, while some districts will require you to have a bachelors or even a masters in art education. I was hired in my county/district with an undergraduate degree in art history and a masters in art education, but I know of other teachers who had undergraduate degrees in art education and masters in fine art. In addition, each state has it own requirements to get a teaching certificate or license, and you often have to take a standardized teaching exam (like The Praxis). Go on to your state's government website and search for "teaching requirements" or something like that.
You can also think about teaching in private schools, which typically don't have such stringent requirements. Also, community art centers often have teaching opportunities.
So the best way to get an art teaching job is to identify the state you want to teach in and see what the requirements are. You could also contact a local university or college that offers degrees in art education for information. Some larger counties or school districts have "Fine Arts" offices you could also contact. Enroll in an art education course either full time or part time and get a degree. Usually the school or the state will set what type of art experiences you will need (for example, I had to take a class in ceramics), but also work on your art portfolio and be able to show a variety of art materials and approaches. If you can, get a job or a volunteer position working with children and teens.
Finally, go to the National Art Education Association (NAEA) website. You'll find lots of information there about art education and becoming an art teacher.
Best wishes!
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