Art education is an essential component of a student’s growth, and becoming an art teacher is a rewarding career. Art teachers are responsible for shaping and molding students’ creative talents, which is a noble calling, and it can be a perfect career choice for those who have an interest in art and teaching.
If you have always had a passion for art and enjoy working with children, becoming an art teacher could be the right career path for you. In this guide, we’ll explore what it takes to become an art teacher, from education and certification requirements to salary expectations and job prospects.
What do you need to be an art teacher?
To become an art teacher, you need to acquire several qualifications, including education, certification, and soft skills. Here are some of the qualifications needed to become an art teacher:
Education Requirements
To become an art teacher, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree in education with a major in art education or a degree related to art and design. You will also need to have a strong foundation in art education, classroom management, and child development.
Different schools and colleges may have various requirements for this, so you must research the curriculum and course offerings of prospective institutions carefully. Check to make sure they offer programs that blend art, education, and teacher certification.
For example, in Illinois, students who aspire to become art teachers must earn a degree in art education that meets the state’s requirements. It’s essential to check the certification requirements for the state you’re in or plan to work in to ensure you’re choosing the right program to meet those requirements.
Additionally, you must take courses that cover art history, art criticism, the basics of color, and design and psychology.
Certification Requirements
Obtaining certification is an essential step in becoming an art teacher. To become certified, you need to get a teaching license, which typically requires a bachelor’s degree in art education, successful completion of a state-approved teacher education program, and passing a certification exam.
Each state has different requirements for certification, so you must learn about the specific certification requirements of the state you want to teach in. The certification process may include coursework, teacher preparation programs, and an exam.
Soft Skills
Becoming an art teacher requires a lot of passion, determination, creativity, and empathy. You must possess excellent communication skills, classroom management, and a positive attitude.
You must be patient, enthusiastic, and creative and have the ability to motivate and inspire students. Art teachers must have excellent problem-solving skills and must be able to assess students’ abilities and artistic skills to develop their artistic talents.
How to become an art teacher?
Becoming an art teacher requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Here are the steps you can take to achieve your goal of becoming an art teacher:
Step 1: Research Certification and Education Requirements
As mentioned earlier, each state has different requirements for becoming a certified art teacher. Do your due diligence in researching the specific requirements in the state where you plan to teach. You’ll need to research certification exams, degree programs, and teacher education programs that meet the state’s certification requirements.
Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education or Related Field
To become an art teacher, you must earn a bachelor’s degree in art education or a related field. Some colleges and universities may offer a Bachelor of Arts in Art Education, while others may have more specialized programs that combine earning a degree in art education with teacher certification training.
Step 3: Complete a Teacher Training Program
Once you’ve completed your degree, you’ll need to complete your teacher training program. The teacher training program will give you the experience required to teach students and handle art classes adequately.
Step 4: Obtain Certification
Once you’ve completed the teacher training program, you’ll be eligible to take the state certification exam, which you must pass to become a certified art teacher.
Step 5: Apply for Art Teacher Jobs
After obtaining certification, you can start looking for art teacher jobs. You can check with school districts, private schools, and other educational institutions to find and apply for job openings.
Art Teacher Courses
Art teacher courses aim to provide students with various skills and techniques to help them develop teaching skills. These courses can include topics such as art media and techniques, history of art, lesson planning, classroom management, art criticism, art education theories, and psychology.
Some institutions may offer courses such as human development, ethical teaching, cultural diversity, or preparing students for the workforce. It’s important to find the right courses that incorporate both education and art instruction to help prepare you for a successful career as an art teacher.
How to become an art teacher without a degree?
To become an art teacher without a degree, you can participate in the alternative certification pathway. The alternative certification programs allow individuals without a teaching degree to become certified. This pathway is usually intended for those who are switching to teaching from a previous career.
To qualify for the alternative certification route, you must meet specific state requirements, have a bachelor’s degree, and be able to demonstrate your knowledge of the subject you plan to teach.
Alternative pathways can run from a few months to a few years, depending on the state’s requirements. Although this method requires less time than obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree, it is usually more time-consuming than obtaining teacher certification through traditional routes.
Is getting a job as an art teacher hard?
The demand for art teachers depends on the number of schools in a region and the budget allocated by the local or state government. Like with any teaching job, competition will vary based on geographic region, experience, and education qualifications.
In summary, if you have completed your art teacher degree program, teacher certification requirements, and attended teacher training programs, you will increase your likelihood of securing an art teacher position.
Art Teacher Salary
Art teacher salaries vary widely based on the teacher’s location, experience, and level of education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for art teachers is $65,340 per year. The salary for an art teacher can range from $35,000 to over $90,000 per year, depending on the state and school district that employs them.
What is the best salary for an art teacher?
Art teacher salaries may differ, depending on the state and school district they teach in. The best salary for an art teacher is dependent on the region and the years of experience that they possess in teaching. Art teachers usually earn a good income, which should be commensurate with their degree and qualifications.
How to become an art teacher in Illinois?
To become an art teacher in Illinois, you will need to complete a bachelor’s degree in art education or a related field, teacher certification requirements, and attend a teacher training program. The certification process may also entail taking an exam. Once you have completed these steps, you can apply for an art teacher position in Illinois.
What do you need to be an art teacher in Illinois?
To become an art teacher in Illinois, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree in art education or related field, teacher certification, and complete a teacher training program. Illinois may require art teachers to demonstrate additional coursework in art education beyond other states.
How to become an art teacher in NY?
To become an art teacher in NY, you will need to complete a bachelor’s degree, teacher certification, and attend a teacher training program. You may also be required to pass an exam as part of the certification process. Once you’ve completed these steps, you can apply for an art teacher position in NY.
How to become an art teacher in Georgia?
To become an art teacher in Georgia, you will need to complete a bachelor’s degree program in art education, teacher certification, and attend a teacher training program. The certification process in Georgia typically requires you to take and pass an exam.
How to become an art teacher in California?
To become an art teacher in California, you will need a bachelor’s degree, teacher certification, and attend a teacher training program. To become a certified art teacher in California, you will now be required to pass an updated exam that currently covers the topics of art and design, educational theory, and teaching methods.
What do you need to be an art teacher in Kansas?
To become an art teacher in Kansas, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree in art education or related field, teacher certification, and complete a teacher training program. You may also be required to pass an exam as part of the certification process. Once you’ve completed these steps, you can apply for an art teacher position in Kansas.
Conclusion
Becoming an art teacher is a rewarding career that requires passion, empathy, and creativity. The educational and certification requirements for becoming an art teacher vary from state to state, but each state requires a degree, certification, and a teacher training program.
If you aspire to become an art teacher, do your research, find a degree program that meets your needs, and pursue teacher certification in your state. By taking these steps, you can establish yourself as a successful art teacher and inspire future generations of creative artists.