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Becoming an Art Teacher would be a natural path for individuals who have an affinity for art and enjoy working with students.
The path an individual needs to take to become an Art Teacher varies for the age group they would like to work with.
Individuals can pursue an art teaching position at the elementary, middle school or high school and even the post-secondary levels.
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Education Requirements to Become an Art Teacher
Although the path to become an Art Teacher may seem like an enjoyable task, it also takes a lot dedication, persistence and hard work to secure a job in this position.
The first step for individuals who want to become an Art Teacher is to complete their undergrad studies.
Once beginning their college careers, students can focus on attaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) or a similar degree with some courses in the Arts or Art History.
Individuals who want to become an Art Teacher can choose from the following majors to focus on during their collegiate career:
- Photography
- Drawing
- Painting
- Ceramics
- Sculpture
- Art History
After acquiring their Bachelor’s or Bachelor of Fine Arts, an individual seeking a position in elementary, middle school or high school levels, must attain a teaching certificate.
This route is for individuals who not only have an interest in art, but also passionate about working with school aged children.
In addition, some individuals participate in an internship located within a similar school they would like to work for.
This route is similar to completing the first year of teaching.
Individuals seeking a position in the public school system must also seek licensure before being allowed to manage a classroom on their own.
An individual must continue their education and attend graduate school if interested in working with students who want to teach art to a more mature group in the post-secondary field.
Candidates have the option of acquiring a Master’s degree or a doctoral degree in the arts for those seeking higher level positions.
Art Teacher Job Description
No matter what age group an Art Teacher is working with, their main goal is to provide support and guidance to students learning about art.
Art Teachers must be good with working with other individuals and being able to help nurture their students’ natural artistic ability.
Because art is one way individuals can express themselves, Art Teachers can help students realize their emotions and therefore facilitating expressing themselves through art.
Some art can also help individuals express what they think about the world, their surroundings and life in general.
Art teachers use a variety of art forms to help their students achieve expressions.
Some examples can be painting but using different kinds of paints, textures and supplies.
The majority of Art Teachers work in public or private schools in elementary, middle, high school and post-secondary age groups.
Some Art Teachers may also teach adult art education for individuals not going to school full time.
Art Teacher Salary and Career Path
Individuals who want to work with younger students should expect an average salary of $57,770 per year in any secondary school.
Individuals wanting to work with even younger students should expect a different salary.
Elementary school teachers earn an average of $56,130 while middle schools teachers should expect an average annual salary of $56,280.
For those seeking work as Art Teachers in the post-secondary field the average annual salary is approximately $73,340.
Some Art Teachers also find jobs working at trade or technical schools and can expect the average annual salary to be $51,390, while Art Teachers working at junior colleges make an average annual income of $74,810.
Job expectations for elementary and secondary teachers should increase by 17% through 2020.
High school teaching jobs are expected to increase by 7% through 2020 and post-secondary teachers will see job opportunities increase by 17% throughout the same time.
Art Teachers have a variety of options when seeking employment.
Whether it is working with elementary aged students or adults interested in a new hobby and craft, potential Art Teachers can seek rest assured their skills are in demand.
In addition, Art Teachers can take satisfaction that they make a difference in people’s lives by nurturing their students’ natural skills and creativity.
