There’s no denying it: teaching is an art form. And when it comes to teaching art, that art form is taken to a whole new level. Teaching art requires a special set of skills and resources that go beyond traditional lesson plans and textbook resources. In this blog post, we’ll explore the world of teachers in arts, the importance of teacher art, teaching as an art example, and various art teaching methods. We’ll also provide a wealth of art teacher resources, lesson plans, and teaching strategies to help both new and experienced art teachers succeed in the classroom.
What is Teachers in Arts?
Simply put, teachers in arts are educators who specialize in teaching the visual and performing arts. This can include anything from traditional fine art to digital media, music, drama/theater, and dance. Teachers in arts are responsible for designing and implementing creative lesson plans that engage and inspire their students. They also serve as mentors and advisors, helping students develop their artistic skills and find their own unique creative voice.
What is the Importance of Teacher Art?
The importance of teacher art cannot be overstated. In addition to nurturing creativity and self-expression, art education has been shown to improve critical thinking skills, enhance problem-solving abilities, and promote cultural awareness. As society becomes increasingly visually oriented, the need for artistic literacy becomes more important than ever. By providing students with a solid foundation in the arts, teachers in arts are equipping them with skills that will serve them well in every aspect of their personal and professional lives.
Teaching as an Art Example
Teaching art is not just about imparting knowledge – it’s about inspiring a love of creativity and expression in others. Perhaps one of the best examples of teaching as an art form can be found in the work of the legendary educator, artist, and author Howard Gardner. Gardner’s groundbreaking theory of multiple intelligences posits that there are many different ways of learning and understanding, and that every individual has a unique set of strengths and abilities. By tapping into these individual strengths and tailoring his teaching methods to each student’s needs, Gardner was able to inspire a generation of learners to reach their full creative potential.
Art Teaching Methods
There are many different methods of teaching art, each with its own advantages and challenges. Some of the most popular art teaching methods include:
Project-based Learning
Project-based learning is a student-centered approach that involves students in a long-term project that requires them to apply various skills and knowledge they have learned. This method provides an opportunity for students to work together, be creative, and learn valuable skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.
Inquiry-Based Learning
Inquiry-based learning is a teaching method that involves students asking questions and conducting research to find answers to their questions. This method encourages critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and independent thought. This approach is relevant in the visual arts as it is directly related to creativity and researching techniques, tools, and the history of art.
Visual Journaling
Visual journaling is a way of recording and expressing one’s thoughts, feelings, and ideas through visual and written media. This method enhances observation and self-reflection skills while expanding creative thinking. Students may use visual journaling during on-site sketching or thesis projects.
What is the Art of Teaching Called?
The art of teaching has various names, such as the art of education, the art of instruction, and the art of pedagogy. Regardless of its name, the art of teaching involves a delicate balance of creating engaging learning experiences while adapting to meet the needs of individual learners. Effective art teachers are continuously learning and growing with new teaching methods while still staying true to their teaching philosophy and artistic vision.
Art Teacher Resources and Lesson Plans
For new teachers in arts or for teachers who want to extend their resources, there are many options to choose from. Below, we’ve compiled a list of art teacher resources and lesson plans:
Art Resources for Primary Teachers
- Creative Kids Central: Lessons plans, instructional materials, and professional development resources.
- Art Teacher’s Toolkit: Art lessons and projects for classroom use.
- AOE Art Ed Library: The Art of Education Library provides an extensive library of art education resources.
- National Art Education Association (NAEA): Professional development opportunities, teaching resources, research, and advocacy for K-12 art educators.
Visual Art Resources for Teachers
- The Getty: Lesson plans and resources for visual art educators.
- MoMA Learning: Free art lessons and curricular resources for middle and high school.
- Smithsonian American Art Museum: Comprehensive classroom resources for K-12 students and educators.
Methods of Teaching Art Education PDF and Teaching Strategies in Teaching Arts Slideshare
- Art21: Offers an array of classroom resources, and Educator Guides providing contemporary artists’ work overviews and their processes.
- DOVA: Resources for primary and secondary schools. DOVA’s cultural education curated resources for visual arts can support diverse community engagements for different subjects – social studies, science, writing/literature, and music.
- Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS): Utilizes a pedagogical method that involves critically analyzing images with an interpretive approach.
How Will You use Art as a Teacher?
As an art teacher, your role is to promote creativity and individuality in your students. There are many ways you can use art to achieve this goal, whether it’s through incorporating new technologies like 3D printing or teaching traditional techniques like painting and sculpture. You might introduce students’ classes with commercial art projects to develop their design thinking or teach mass communication skills of printmaking, videography, and digital collage.
Ultimately, the key to successful teaching in the arts is to keep an open mind, stay flexible, and be willing to adapt to the individual needs and learning styles of your students. By providing a supportive environment where students feel safe to experiment and explore, you can help them unlock their full creative potential and discover the joy of artistic expression.
Conclusion
Teaching art is a challenging and rewarding profession that demands a great deal of creativity, passion, and skill. By staying up-to-date with the latest teaching methods and resources, and being willing to take risks and experiment in the classroom, you can help your students develop their full artistic potential and prepare them for a bright future in the arts. With the various names associated with the art of teaching, as a teacher in arts, developing strategies unique to your classroom opens your options when teaching students. With the resources and lesson plans listed above, you can be assured that you can access the tools necessary to be a successful art educator.