5 answers
Carrie
Student
Southgate, Michigan
1
Question
Asked
1627 views
How do I become an art teacher What qualifications are needed? What should I major in?
I have an AA in Liberal Arts. I really want to teach or be a therapist. I can't choose which one I should do. I didn't know where to begin to compare them.
Login to comment
5 answers
Nicole Pukylo Martin
Registered Nurse -Health Information Line
2
Answers
Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Carrie, excellent question!
As a nurse, I can tell you this world NEEDS more therapists. Career wise the demand is there to have a dependable occupation for life. Art can also be used as a form of therapy for some people so maybe focus on becoming a licensed therapist but have a sub-focus using artistic modalities. That could be musical, painting, or writing expression.
Per Psychology Today.com
Counseling tends to be shorter term, goal-oriented, and it addresses concrete, specific life challenges. By contrast, therapy tends to be longer term, more exploratory and holistic, and it treats mental illness. Counselors often specialize in a specific area, such as marriage, addiction, grief, or abuse.
I would start your training with a Psych degree. Take prerequisite classes at a community college to decrease cost. Then focus on a school that really stands out and is worth spending extra money on.
On your path to discovering what you truly what to do with your career, you'll need to ask yourself some tough questions and really dig down to what makes you happy and how you would like to help this world.
I hope this was helpful! You'll do great things in whatever you choose!
As a nurse, I can tell you this world NEEDS more therapists. Career wise the demand is there to have a dependable occupation for life. Art can also be used as a form of therapy for some people so maybe focus on becoming a licensed therapist but have a sub-focus using artistic modalities. That could be musical, painting, or writing expression.
Per Psychology Today.com
Counseling tends to be shorter term, goal-oriented, and it addresses concrete, specific life challenges. By contrast, therapy tends to be longer term, more exploratory and holistic, and it treats mental illness. Counselors often specialize in a specific area, such as marriage, addiction, grief, or abuse.
I would start your training with a Psych degree. Take prerequisite classes at a community college to decrease cost. Then focus on a school that really stands out and is worth spending extra money on.
On your path to discovering what you truly what to do with your career, you'll need to ask yourself some tough questions and really dig down to what makes you happy and how you would like to help this world.
I hope this was helpful! You'll do great things in whatever you choose!
Thank you for giving me advice.
Carrie
Priscilla Rall
Retired Art Teacher
11
Answers
Frederick, Maryland
Updated
Priscilla’s Answer
As a retired art teacher, I would recommend getting a BFA along with a teaching certificate, including student teaching. Learn all you can about art history, checking out local art museums and seeing if they offer any teacher workshops, usually about a new exhibit. They also give you nice teaching materials. In my county in Maryland, there was no specific curriculum, so I intergrated my lessons with the social studies . I had to supply all of my own art history materials and design all my lesson plans. Be warned that the criteria and format of lesson plans change every other year! I taught middle school that was fully inclusive, so I made sure that I could adapt my lessons to all abilities. That in itsrlf is a kind of art therapy. You should take a ceramics class, but not with a wheel, just hand built pottery or sculptures, forget about glazes, too much time. Good luck, figure out what grade levels you enjoy teaching. Subbing is a good way to get experience and learn from both weak and strong teachers.
Thank you, Priscilla for the advice.
Carrie
Tashnim Husain
3D Modeler & Graphic Designer
46
Answers
Dhaka, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh
Updated
Tashnim’s Answer
Here's the roadmap to becoming an art teacher:
Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree: This is the minimum requirement. There are two main routes:
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art Education: This combines art skills with teacher training coursework.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Education with a major in Art: Focuses on education theory with a specialization in art education.
Teacher Certification: Each state has its own requirements, but most involve passing exams and completing a teacher preparation program.
Majors to Consider:
Art Education: This is the most direct path, combining art skills development with teaching pedagogy.
Studio Art (with Teacher Certification Program): Strong foundation in art creation, with additional coursework to qualify for teacher certification.
**Art History (with Teacher Certification Program): **Focuses on art history and appreciation, alongside teacher training.
Additional Considerations:
Portfolio: Build a strong portfolio showcasing your own artwork. This demonstrates your artistic abilities to potential employers.
Student Teaching: Most teacher education programs involve student teaching placements. This provides invaluable practical experience in a classroom setting.
Resources:
https://ivytech.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Ivy_Tech_Careers/job/Adjunct-Faculty---Fine-Arts_JR0000102623
https://www.teachersoftomorrow.org/
Remember, being a passionate and inspiring communicator is key for art teachers. Your enthusiasm for art will be contagious and motivate your students!
Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree: This is the minimum requirement. There are two main routes:
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art Education: This combines art skills with teacher training coursework.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Education with a major in Art: Focuses on education theory with a specialization in art education.
Teacher Certification: Each state has its own requirements, but most involve passing exams and completing a teacher preparation program.
Majors to Consider:
Art Education: This is the most direct path, combining art skills development with teaching pedagogy.
Studio Art (with Teacher Certification Program): Strong foundation in art creation, with additional coursework to qualify for teacher certification.
**Art History (with Teacher Certification Program): **Focuses on art history and appreciation, alongside teacher training.
Additional Considerations:
Portfolio: Build a strong portfolio showcasing your own artwork. This demonstrates your artistic abilities to potential employers.
Student Teaching: Most teacher education programs involve student teaching placements. This provides invaluable practical experience in a classroom setting.
Resources:
https://ivytech.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Ivy_Tech_Careers/job/Adjunct-Faculty---Fine-Arts_JR0000102623
https://www.teachersoftomorrow.org/
Remember, being a passionate and inspiring communicator is key for art teachers. Your enthusiasm for art will be contagious and motivate your students!
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Carrie
Kim Arskii
Social Media Analyst
145
Answers
St. Augustine, Florida
Updated
Kim’s Answer
To become an art teacher, you typically need a bachelor's degree in art education or a related field. Some qualifications that may be required include completing a teacher education program, obtaining a teaching license or certification, and completing student teaching or a teaching internship. It's also important to have a strong background in art, including knowledge of various art techniques and art history. Additionally, gaining experience through internships or volunteering in art education settings can be beneficial. Remember to check the specific requirements of the school or district where you plan to teach, as they may have additional qualifications.
For art therapy qualifications, you need a master's degree in art therapy or a related field. It's great that you're considering this path! To become a registered art therapist, you'll also need to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours and pass a certification exam. It's important to research accredited art therapy programs and ensure they meet the requirements set by the Art Therapy Credentials Board. Additionally, gaining experience through internships or volunteering in art therapy settings can be valuable. Remember to explore the specific requirements and regulations in your area, as they may vary.
For art therapy qualifications, you need a master's degree in art therapy or a related field. It's great that you're considering this path! To become a registered art therapist, you'll also need to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours and pass a certification exam. It's important to research accredited art therapy programs and ensure they meet the requirements set by the Art Therapy Credentials Board. Additionally, gaining experience through internships or volunteering in art therapy settings can be valuable. Remember to explore the specific requirements and regulations in your area, as they may vary.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Carrie
Jennifer Jackson
Film Director
79
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Carrie,
Your passion for art and interest in becoming a therapist can be ingeniously combined by pursuing a major in art education with a focus on art therapy. This unique blend of disciplines can create a path towards becoming an art teacher who is also capable of leveraging the therapeutic benefits of art. By studying liberal arts, the you can gain a well-rounded education that will enrich their understanding of human behavior and society, providing a solid foundation for a potential career in art therapy. This compound field not only allows the you to teach art but also equips them with the skills to use art as a tool for healing and personal expression in a therapeutic setting. This interdisciplinary approach not only enriches your professional options but also allows for a holistic understanding of the human experience and the profound impact of art on emotional well-being.
Best of Luck,
Jennifer
Your passion for art and interest in becoming a therapist can be ingeniously combined by pursuing a major in art education with a focus on art therapy. This unique blend of disciplines can create a path towards becoming an art teacher who is also capable of leveraging the therapeutic benefits of art. By studying liberal arts, the you can gain a well-rounded education that will enrich their understanding of human behavior and society, providing a solid foundation for a potential career in art therapy. This compound field not only allows the you to teach art but also equips them with the skills to use art as a tool for healing and personal expression in a therapeutic setting. This interdisciplinary approach not only enriches your professional options but also allows for a holistic understanding of the human experience and the profound impact of art on emotional well-being.
Best of Luck,
Jennifer
Thank you!
Carrie