So, you’re wondering, “How can I become an art teacher?” Becoming an art teacher is a rewarding path for those passionate about visual arts and eager to share that enthusiasm with students. The journey typically involves obtaining specific qualifications, including an art education degree and securing an art teacher certification, to teach art in schools. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to become an art instructor, covering the necessary art teaching qualifications, the intricacies of art pedagogy, art curriculum development, and how to find art teaching jobs at various levels, from elementary art teacher to high school art teacher.
Image Source: images.ctfassets.net
The Allure of Teaching Art
The role of an art teacher extends far beyond simply demonstrating techniques. Art teachers are instrumental in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression in young minds. They help students explore different mediums, discover their artistic voice, and appreciate the rich tapestry of art history. Whether it’s guiding a first grader in their first clay sculpture or challenging a high school student with complex design principles, the impact of an art teacher is profound.
Why Choose a Career in Art Education?
- Inspiring Creativity: You get to ignite the imagination of students and help them bring their ideas to life.
- Fostering Expression: Art provides a vital outlet for emotions and thoughts, and you’ll be facilitating this process.
- Developing Critical Skills: Beyond artistic talent, you’ll teach problem-solving, observation, and analytical skills.
- Sharing Passion: Your own love for art can become infectious, motivating a new generation of artists and art lovers.
- Making a Difference: You contribute to a well-rounded education, ensuring students experience the transformative power of art.
The Foundation: Your Art Education Degree
The cornerstone of becoming an art teacher is obtaining an appropriate academic qualification. This usually means pursuing an art education degree. This specialized degree program is designed to equip you with both a strong foundation in studio art and a deep understanding of teaching methodologies.
Types of Art Education Degrees
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with a concentration in Art Education: This is a common and highly recommended path. It provides rigorous training in various art disciplines (painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, digital art, etc.) alongside essential education coursework.
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) with a major in Art and a minor in Education: While a BA in Art offers a solid art background, a minor in education is crucial for demonstrating a commitment to teaching. You’ll likely need additional education coursework to meet certification requirements.
- Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Art Education: For those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in art (or a related field), an MAT program offers a focused path to teacher licensure. These programs typically include pedagogical training and student teaching experiences.
- Integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s Programs: Some universities offer accelerated programs where you can earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art education in a shorter timeframe.
Key Components of an Art Education Degree Program
A comprehensive art education degree will delve into several critical areas:
- Studio Art Practice: You’ll hone your skills in various artistic mediums, ensuring you have a practical understanding of materials and techniques. This is vital for effectively demonstrating and guiding students.
- Art History and Criticism: A strong knowledge of art history provides context and a framework for understanding different art movements, artists, and cultural influences, which will inform your teaching.
- Art Pedagogy: This is the science and art of teaching. You’ll learn about effective teaching strategies, classroom management, lesson planning, and assessment methods specifically tailored for art. This is a core aspect of art teaching qualifications.
- Child Development and Psychology: Grasping how children learn and develop at different age levels is crucial for adapting your teaching to suit your students’ needs, particularly when aiming to be an elementary art teacher.
- Curriculum Development: You’ll learn how to design engaging and age-appropriate lesson plans and units, aligning with educational standards. This is the essence of art curriculum development.
- Student Teaching/Practicum: This hands-on experience in a real classroom setting under the guidance of experienced mentor teachers is invaluable. It’s often a mandatory part of art teacher certification.
Securing Your Art Teacher Certification
An art teacher certification is your official license to teach art in public schools. The requirements vary significantly by state and country, but generally involve demonstrating competency in both art and education.
Understanding State-Specific Requirements
The first step after deciding to become an art instructor is to research the specific certification requirements for the state or region where you wish to teach. You can usually find this information on the website of your state’s Department of Education or equivalent licensing body.
Common requirements include:
- Bachelor’s Degree: As mentioned, a bachelor’s degree is typically the minimum educational requirement.
- Completion of an Approved Teacher Education Program: This means your art education degree program must be recognized by the licensing body.
- Passing Praxis Exams (or Equivalent): Many states require candidates to pass standardized tests that assess their knowledge of art content and teaching skills. For art education, this often includes the Praxis Art: Content and Design exam and potentially other general teaching exams.
- Student Teaching Experience: A supervised period of teaching in a classroom is usually mandatory.
- Background Check: All prospective teachers undergo a criminal background check.
Types of Art Teacher Certifications
- Initial/Provisional Certification: This is typically granted upon meeting the basic requirements and is valid for a limited time. It often requires ongoing professional development or further coursework to maintain or upgrade.
- Professional/Permanent Certification: This is earned after gaining a certain amount of teaching experience and completing additional professional development requirements.
- Alternative Certification Programs: For individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree in art but not a traditional education degree, alternative certification programs offer a faster route to licensure. These programs focus on the pedagogical aspects of teaching.
Crafting Your Art Curriculum and Pedagogy
Effective art teaching relies on solid art pedagogy and skillful art curriculum development.
Principles of Art Pedagogy
Art pedagogy is about how you teach art. It’s not just about showing students how to draw or paint; it’s about creating a learning environment where creativity can flourish and where students develop a deep appreciation for art.
Key elements of effective art pedagogy include:
- Student-Centered Learning: Focusing on the individual needs and interests of your students.
- Inquiry-Based Learning: Encouraging students to ask questions, explore ideas, and discover solutions through their art-making.
- Differentiated Instruction: Adapting lessons and activities to meet the diverse learning styles and abilities of all students.
- Constructivist Approach: Believing that students build their own knowledge and understanding through active engagement and experience.
- Emphasis on Process Over Product: While the final artwork is important, the journey of creation – the experimentation, problem-solving, and skill development – is equally valued.
- Integration with Other Subjects: Connecting art concepts and activities to science, history, literature, and other academic areas can enrich learning.
Developing Your Art Curriculum
Art curriculum development involves designing a coherent and engaging sequence of learning experiences.
When developing an art curriculum, consider:
- Age Appropriateness: Tailoring content, materials, and complexity to the developmental stage of your students, whether you are an elementary art teacher or a high school art teacher.
- Learning Objectives: Clearly defining what students should know and be able to do by the end of each lesson, unit, and year.
- Art Elements and Principles: Incorporating lessons on line, shape, color, texture, form, space, value, and principles like balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity.
- Art History and Cultural Context: Weaving in historical periods, diverse cultures, and contemporary artists to provide context and broaden perspectives.
- Art Media and Techniques: Offering opportunities to explore a variety of mediums like drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, digital art, mixed media, and crafts.
- Assessment Strategies: Planning how you will evaluate student learning, which can include observational assessments, critique sessions, rubrics for projects, and student self-reflection.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Being prepared to adjust your curriculum based on student engagement, available resources, and emerging artistic trends.
Teaching Art in Schools: Different Levels, Different Approaches
Teaching art in schools presents unique opportunities and challenges depending on the age group you’re working with.
The Elementary Art Teacher
As an elementary art teacher, your focus is on introducing young students to the joy and basics of art.
- Curriculum Focus: Building foundational skills, exploring a wide range of materials (crayons, markers, paint, clay, collage), teaching basic art vocabulary, and encouraging imaginative exploration.
- Teaching Style: Playful, hands-on, process-oriented, with a strong emphasis on positive reinforcement and building confidence. You’ll often integrate art with storytelling and other elementary subjects.
- Classroom Environment: Creating a vibrant, stimulating, and safe space where young children feel free to experiment and make mistakes.
The Middle School Art Teacher
Middle school art teachers bridge the gap between elementary and high school, fostering developing skills and introducing more complex concepts.
- Curriculum Focus: Expanding on foundational skills, introducing more sophisticated techniques, exploring different art movements, and encouraging personal expression and conceptual development. Students might start specializing in particular mediums.
- Teaching Style: Balancing structured lessons with opportunities for independent exploration, fostering collaboration, and beginning to introduce critical thinking and self-assessment.
- Classroom Environment: Encouraging a balance of individual focus and group work, with clear expectations for behavior and studio etiquette.
The High School Art Teacher
A high school art teacher guides students in refining their artistic voice, developing advanced techniques, and preparing for potential college-level art studies or careers.
- Curriculum Focus: Advanced techniques in various media, in-depth exploration of art history and theory, developing portfolios, conceptual art, digital art, graphic design, and potentially preparing students for AP Art or IB Art programs.
- Teaching Style: More focused on mentorship, critical feedback, independent project development, and fostering a strong understanding of artistic intent and meaning.
- Classroom Environment: Creating a studio-like atmosphere that encourages serious artistic pursuit, collaboration, and constructive critique among peers.
Finding Art Teaching Jobs
Once you have your qualifications, the next step is to find art teaching jobs.
Where to Look for Art Teaching Positions
- School District Websites: Most public school districts post job openings on their official websites.
- Online Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, K12Job.com, and specialized education job boards are excellent resources.
- State Department of Education Websites: Many states also have dedicated job portals for educators.
- University Career Services: If you completed your degree at a university, their career services department can be a valuable resource.
- Networking: Attend art education conferences, connect with fellow art educators, and inform your university mentors that you are seeking employment.
- Private and Charter Schools: These schools often have their own hiring processes, so check their individual websites.
- Arts Organizations and Museums: Sometimes, these institutions offer art teaching roles in their educational departments.
Preparing Your Application and Interview
- Resume/CV: Highlight your education, certifications, relevant experience (student teaching, volunteer work, studio assistant roles), and any artistic achievements.
- Portfolio: This is crucial for art teaching roles. It should showcase your own artwork, demonstrating your technical skills and artistic vision. It may also include examples of student work, lesson plans, and curriculum samples.
- Cover Letter: Tailor each cover letter to the specific school and position, expressing your passion for art education and how your skills align with their needs.
- Interview: Be prepared to discuss your teaching philosophy, classroom management strategies, your approach to art curriculum development, how you handle challenging students, and your vision for an art program. You might also be asked to present a sample lesson.
Continuing Your Professional Growth
The journey of an art educator is one of continuous learning and development.
Staying Current in Art and Education
- Professional Development Workshops: Attend workshops and conferences focused on new art techniques, teaching methodologies, and educational technologies.
- Further Education: Consider pursuing a master’s degree or specialized certifications to deepen your expertise in areas like art therapy, museum education, or educational leadership.
- Engaging with the Art World: Stay current with contemporary art trends, visit galleries and museums, and continue your own studio practice.
- Joining Professional Organizations: Organizations like the National Art Education Association (NAEA) offer valuable resources, networking opportunities, and professional development.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an Art Teacher
Q1: Do I need a specific art degree to become an art teacher?
A1: Generally, yes. An art education degree is the most direct route. However, a bachelor’s degree in a related art field combined with a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program or a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) can also qualify you.
Q2: How long does it take to become an art teacher?
A2: Typically, a bachelor’s degree takes four years. Adding any required graduate work or certification programs can extend this by one to two years. The student teaching component is usually integrated into these programs.
Q3: Can I teach art without a certification?
A3: In public schools, certification is almost always required. Some private schools or alternative educational settings might hire individuals with strong artistic portfolios and experience but without formal certification, though this is less common.
Q4: What are the most important skills for an art teacher?
A4: Key skills include creativity, strong communication and interpersonal skills, patience, adaptability, a deep knowledge of art history and techniques, art pedagogy skills, and the ability to manage a classroom effectively.
Q5: How can I improve my chances of finding an art teaching job?
A5: Building a strong portfolio, gaining diverse student teaching experiences, networking within the education community, and customizing your job applications are crucial steps to find art teaching jobs.
Q6: What’s the difference between an elementary and a high school art teacher?
A6: An elementary art teacher focuses on foundational skills and broad exploration for younger children, while a high school art teacher guides older students in developing advanced techniques, critical thinking, and personal artistic vision, often preparing them for further studies.
Q7: Is there a demand for art teachers?
A7: Demand can vary by region and school district. However, there is a consistent need for qualified art educators who can provide well-rounded arts education to students. Strong programs in art curriculum development and effective art pedagogy make candidates more desirable.
Q8: What if I have a degree in a specific art field, like graphic design? Can I still teach art in schools?
A8: Yes, often you can. You will likely need to complete additional coursework in education, student teaching, and pass state certification exams to gain your art teacher certification. Your specific art background can be a valuable asset, particularly for teaching art in secondary education where specialized areas are common.
By following these steps and committing to your professional growth, you can successfully navigate the path to becoming a qualified and inspiring art teacher, ready to share your passion for art and foster creativity in students of all ages.