Art Teacher Career Guide (2024)

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. In this guide, you will find information about what art teachers do, how to become one, and the salary and job outlook for art teachers.

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.

Teacher Quote: “Students must be able to think creatively and synthesize information across disciplines, combining it in innovative ways. They learn analytical reasoning, effective communication, and collaboration by developing knowledge, skills, and competencies through an active and participatory engagement with the arts.” –Gene Diaz and Martha Barry McKenna, Preparing Educators for Arts Integration: Placing Creativity at the Center of Learning

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.


Art Teacher Career Guide (2)

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:

  1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in art education that includes a state-approved teacher preparation program.
  2. Complete a student teaching internship at the grade level(s) you wish to teach.
  3. Pass your state’s required tests for art teachers.
  4. Apply for your teaching certificate.
  5. 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.

Art Teacher Career Guide (3)

Additional Resources

  • National Art Education Association: A leading professional association for visual art educators from the elementary school to college level. The NAEA also provides lesson plans and a job board for members.

Frequently Asked Questionsr

Question: Do you need special training to become an art teacher?

Answer: In some states you can apply for an art endorsem*nt to add to your teacher certification. The requirements vary but may require additional coursework in art and a portfolio.

Question: How much do art teachers make?

Answer: The BLS doesn’t report them median or average salary for art teachers, but the amount depends on many factors, including the grade level taught. The BLS does report that elementary teachers earn a median of $58,230, middle school teachers earn a median of $58,600, and high school teachers earn a median of $60,320 per year.1-3 Other factors that may impact the salary of art teachers include years of experience, type of school, and geographic location.

Question: Can you become an art teacher without a degree in teaching?While there are exceptions, most schools require state teacher certification. Some private schools may accept demonstrated competency as a substitute for teacher certification.

Question: Besides public and private schools, what are other employers of art teachers?

Answer: There are many organizations that offer art classes and may provide a source of full or part-time employment. These include churches, community centers, daycare centers, senior centers, and non-profit organizations like the YMCA.

Question: What degree do you need to be an art teacher?

Answer: Typically, a bachelor’s degree is required to become an art teacher, usually in art or art history or a related subject. If you aim to teach at a public school, teacher certification is also typically a requirement, which requires the completion of a teacher preparation program in addition to (or along with) your degree.

References:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Middle School Teachers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, High School Teachers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm

Art Teacher Career Guide (2024)

FAQs

Why do you want to be an art teacher answer? ›

Art teachers play an important role in guiding students through self-expression and relating to the world around them. Therefore, working as an art teacher can be a highly fulfilling venture through which professionals can inspire students and help them hone their creative skills.

What qualifications do I need to be an art teacher? ›

Art teachers are graduates who go on to undertake teacher training. There are various art and design related degrees that you can pursue, or you can study an education-based subject that can accommodate your interest in art. Art teachers typically undertake a bachelor of fine arts (BFA) or a master of fine arts (MFA).

What is the most important competency that an art teacher should possess Why? ›

Creative ability, capacity for critical reflection and capacity for growth and innovation are the key competencies in art education. External awareness is equally relevant, as it stresses the importance of current developments in professional practice.

Why are art teachers important? ›

Art teachers can help students become more well-rounded and capable individuals by teaching them to develop original ideas through creative projects and practices.

Can I teach art without a degree? ›

Degree Requirements

To teach art in California, you will need at least a bachelor's degree. Although the certification requirements don't specify that the degree needs to be in art, you will have to demonstrate your subject knowledge of art as part of getting your teacher credentials.

Is it hard to get a job as an art teacher? ›

Art teacher jobs are often very competitive and appointing a new teacher into a department can be a difficult decision.

Do you have to be good at art to be an art teacher? ›

It's perfectly fine. Despite publishing hundreds of lesson plans that explain the process of teaching art to kids, it really does come down to you. It really doesn't matter if you can draw or paint well, but if you can explain how to do a lesson, the kids will get it.

What are the values of art education? ›

In sum, training in the arts can help create a society more grounded in things that lead us to greater meaningful creativity, clearer understanding of self and other, and the skills to put those understandings into useful action.

How would you handle students who don't like art? ›

Treat the student with respect.

The student's behavior will escalate in response and cause a much more difficult situation for all involved. Instead, take a deep breath and maintain your cool. Next, ask what's going on and listen. Try to be non-confrontational.

What do you think are the competencies of an art teacher? ›

Teachers believe that the most important competency is “knowledge and skills to work in a team, to be involved in the entire life and work of the school”, while the least important competency is “knowledge and skills to engage in disseminating ideas about the importance of art education among other teachers, parents ...

Who is an ideal art teacher? ›

Example: "A good art teacher is someone who can bring out the best in their students. They take the time to know each student individually and intuitively know how to inspire and guide them. They encourage them to experiment, try out different materials and techniques and let them make their own discoveries.

What do you do as an art teacher? ›

Introduction. Art teachers instruct students how to produce, appreciate, and understand the fine arts. Like teachers in other fields, they develop teaching outlines and lesson plans, give lectures, facilitate discussions and activities, keep class attendance records, assign homework, and evaluate student progress.

What are the factors that affect how teachers teach arts? ›

Factor analysis revealed four attitude factors related to arts use: importance of the arts, self-efficacy and self-image, support, and constraints. Teachers regarded the arts as a singular concept as opposed to separate art forms, each with specific skills and activities.

What should an art teacher portfolio look like? ›

The documents that are commonly in a teaching portfolio for art educators include a resume, a teaching philosophy, lesson or unit plans, personal artworks, and student artworks. Other items may also be included in a portfolio, but they need to add a signifi- cant piece to the picture of a well-prepared art educator.

What do you say in an art interview? ›

Practice talking about your portfolio

Remember, don't just talk about what you've done, but the why and the how as well. This is where you can talk about what/who has influenced you, the techniques you've used, and what you learnt during the creative process.

What is an art teacher called? ›

Art Teachers are also known as: Art Professor Art Instructor.

What is art education in your own words? ›

Art education is defined as the involvement in artistic and creative activities, such as dance, theater, music, painting, or sculpture. It can be part of both the curriculum and extra-curricular activity.

What skills does art develop? ›

Skills developed through participation in the arts are increasingly important in the workplace and therefore, key to a successful career.
  • CREATIVITY. ...
  • CONFIDENCE. ...
  • PROBLEM SOLVING.
  • PERSEVERANCE. ...
  • FOCUS. ...
  • NON-VERBAL.
  • RECEIVING.
  • COLLABORATION DEVELOPING.

How can I get a teaching job with no experience? ›

How to get your first teaching job with no experience
  1. Express your passion. ...
  2. Demonstrate your transferable experience. ...
  3. Show that you're tech-savvy. ...
  4. Advance your teaching knowledge. ...
  5. Project a growth mindset. ...
  6. Decide which grade you want to teach. ...
  7. Practice common teaching interview discussion points. ...
  8. Prepare for a demo lesson.

How do I get a job in art? ›

How to find art jobs
  1. Consider pursuing a degree. While not every art job requires a formal degree, pursuing one can present you as a stronger candidate to hiring managers. ...
  2. Create a portfolio. Once you decide on a niche, create a portfolio that highlights your best work as an artist. ...
  3. Start networking.
25 Apr 2022

How long does it take to get a teaching certificate? ›

How many years do you have to study to be a teacher? The minimum number of years to become a qualified school teacher is four years.

Is art teacher a stressful job? ›

High. Stress is not uncommon amongst art teachers, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.

What should I expect from an elementary art teacher interview? ›

10 Common Art Teacher Interview Questions
  • Tell us about yourself. ...
  • Why do you want this position? ...
  • Are you comfortable using technology? ...
  • What is your classroom management style? ...
  • How do you accommodate students with special needs in the art room?
14 Apr 2016

How do I become an art teacher in Australia? ›

Education and training

To become an art teacher, you usually need to study a degree in education majoring in visual arts education. Alternatively you can study a degree in visual arts or fine art, followed by a postgraduate degree in education. Most universities in Western Australia offer relevant courses.

What do art teachers do in the summer? ›

As a summer art teacher, you work in a summer school program, an art camp, or other summer vacation art programs. In these positions, you teach art techniques to students while also providing chances to get hands-on experience.

Why is it called a Bachelor of Arts? ›

Bachelor of arts (BA or AB; from the Latin baccalaureus artium, baccalaureus in artibus, or artium baccalaureus) is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate program in the arts, or, in some cases, other disciplines.

What is the purpose of art education? ›

Art instruction helps children with the development of motor skills, language skills, social skills, decision-making, risk-taking, and inventiveness. Visual arts teach learners about color, layout, perspective, and balance: all techniques that are necessary in presentations (visual, digital) of academic work.

What is the importance of arts? ›

Art can communicate information, shape our everyday lives, make a social statement and be enjoyed for aesthetic beauty.

How do you inspire art students? ›

Show students your artwork, which artists you're inspired by, and what your professional goals are - and get their feedback! Nothing makes an art student feel more valued than their teacher asking for their opinion. Subscribe to art magazines: Art News, Art in America, etc., and keep up-to-date on current art trends.

How do you motivate students who don't want to learn? ›

11 (more) tips to encourage unmotivated students
  1. Better student self talk. ...
  2. Stay motivated yourself. ...
  3. Work to your students' interests. ...
  4. Change layout regularly. ...
  5. Know what to say. ...
  6. Provide a “why” ...
  7. Encourage goal-setting. ...
  8. Be clear with instructions.
16 Jan 2020

How can I make my art class interesting? ›

6 Activities to Make Your Art Room Even More Fun
  1. Cloud Jars. This is truly a magical experience. ...
  2. Jeopardy. This works just like the TV game show, but with specific art categories (see image). ...
  3. Art Bingo. ...
  4. Shadow Drawing with Sidewalk Chalk. ...
  5. Sidewalk Chalk Paint. ...
  6. Light Prints/Photograms.
29 Jul 2014

Why do you want to be an art teacher answer? ›

Art teachers play an important role in guiding students through self-expression and relating to the world around them. Therefore, working as an art teacher can be a highly fulfilling venture through which professionals can inspire students and help them hone their creative skills.

Why do you love being an art teacher? ›

I can't imagine my life without teaching. I love the fact that I'm able to share my love of art with my students and help them grow as artists and creative thinkers. Teaching has added purpose and meaning to my life. Art teachers–all of us–fill a world that sometimes can be all to gray with vibrant color.

Why is art appreciation important in our lives? ›

Appreciating and Admiring Art

Art can stimulate thought and reason. That is why it is known to have brought a revolution in many cultures. It can stimulate ideas as it allows viewers to draw their own emotions in their thoughts and pull from their personal experiences as they encounter them.

What is the most important competency that an art teacher should possess Why? ›

Creative ability, capacity for critical reflection and capacity for growth and innovation are the key competencies in art education. External awareness is equally relevant, as it stresses the importance of current developments in professional practice.

What skills do art teachers need? ›

Personal requirements for a Teacher - Art
  • Artistic talent.
  • Enjoy creative work.
  • Enthusiastic, patient and tactful.
  • A commitment to ongoing professional development.
  • Creativity.
  • Good organisational skills.
  • Enjoy teaching and working with young people.
  • Prepared to work outside of school hours.

What qualifications do I need to be an art teacher? ›

Art teachers are graduates who go on to undertake teacher training. There are various art and design related degrees that you can pursue, or you can study an education-based subject that can accommodate your interest in art. Art teachers typically undertake a bachelor of fine arts (BFA) or a master of fine arts (MFA).

What does a primary art teacher do? ›

They teach art concepts and skills to students. Like other teachers, they refer to the curriculum guidelines and develop lesson plans and teach classes. They also use tests, assignments and projects to grade their students, and may meet with parents to discuss their child's progress.

What are the challenges faced in teaching art? ›

It was also further noted that many schools do not have qualified staff to teach art as well as adequate teaching facilities. The other challenge faced in art education is the lack of art materials, tools, and equipment. Lack of studio space was also another challenge identified (Barnabas, 2005).

What is a visual art teacher? ›

What Does a Visual Arts Teacher Do? The responsibilities of a visual arts teacher include teaching drawing, painting, and color theory to groups of students in a school or art studio, in which you provide private lessons.

What do you say in an art interview? ›

Practice talking about your portfolio

Remember, don't just talk about what you've done, but the why and the how as well. This is where you can talk about what/who has influenced you, the techniques you've used, and what you learnt during the creative process.

What questions will be asked in a teaching interview? ›

Teaching interview questions
  • Tips for answering interview questions. ...
  • Why do you want to be a teacher? ...
  • Why do you want to work in our school? ...
  • How will you manage challenges at work? ...
  • What experience do you have in schools? ...
  • What are the core skills and qualities that pupils look for in teachers?

What should be included in an art teacher portfolio? ›

The documents that are commonly in a teaching portfolio for art educators include a resume, a teaching philosophy, lesson or unit plans, personal artworks, and student artworks. Other items may also be included in a portfolio, but they need to add a signifi- cant piece to the picture of a well-prepared art educator.

What is the connection of art in education? ›

According to a 1993 Arts Education Partnership Working Group study, the benefits of a strong art program include intensified student motivation to learn, better school attendance, increased graduation rates, improved multicultural understanding, and the development of higher-order thinking skills, creativity, and ...

What your art means to you? ›

Art evokes emotions, whether they are happy or sad, disturbing or exciting. Art makes you feel, and art makes you think. Pieces of art can make you question not only the artist's interpretation or message, but also your own feelings.

Why do you like to make art? ›

A reason to create art is, because you want your art to make people think, to provoke action and make people talk about your specific subject. It is possible you create art in order for people to be moved by it. To provoke action.

What teachers should not say in an interview? ›

Your Next Teacher Interview: What to Avoid Doing
  • Misrepresenting yourself in any way. That means pretending to be someone you're not, inflating the truth, or flat-out lying. ...
  • Speaking negatively about past or current school experiences. ...
  • Blaming students. ...
  • You've got this!
5 May 2019

What is the hardest question for teachers? ›

We've spoken to our teachers to put together a list of some difficult questions they've had and how to answer them.
  • Tell me about yourself. ...
  • Can you tell me about a time you've failed? ...
  • If I walked into your classroom during an outstanding lesson, what would I see and hear?

How do I pass a teaching interview? ›

Have your own set of questions prepared.
  1. Convey your passion for teaching and students. ...
  2. Research the institution where you're interviewing. ...
  3. Express your willingness to learn. ...
  4. Share only positive stories about past students, employees and employers. ...
  5. Politely smile and remain positive throughout the entire interview.

Is it hard to get a job as an art teacher? ›

Art teacher jobs are often very competitive and appointing a new teacher into a department can be a difficult decision.

How long should my teacher portfolio be? ›

Teaching portfolios vary considerably depending on their specific purpose, audience, institutional context, and individual needs. However, the body of a portfolio is generally about 5-8 pages long and is followed by appendices, which usually make up about 8-15 more pages.

Do I need a teaching portfolio for an interview? ›

Build and bring your teacher's portfolio. Also called teaching artifacts, your teacher's portfolio includes examples of items related to the profession. Hiring managers may evaluate your portfolio to better understand your skills as a teacher.

What is the main objective of art education? ›

Objectives The objectives of art education are to :

assist learners to use artistic and aesthetic sensibility in day-to-day life situation; enable learners to achieve a balanced growth as a social being in tune with our culture through project work.

What is art education in your own words? ›

Art education is defined as the involvement in artistic and creative activities, such as dance, theater, music, painting, or sculpture. It can be part of both the curriculum and extra-curricular activity.

What do you understand by art teaching? ›

Art education means different things to different people, but the crux of it, is that it imparts knowledge and education in various fields of the arts like music, theatre, dance and visual arts.

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