“I want to become an art teacher! Can I become an art teacher?? I want to become an art teacher!!!.” It is fine to follow your heart but then…. Have you figured out HOW TO BECOME AN ART TEACHER??
Dear reader, welcome to another heart to heart career guide session from me to you. Almost everyday, I get many emails talking about how excited people are to be pursuing a particular career. I must say that I am genuinely happy that you are beginning to have some clarity with regards to your career. However, excitement is nothing near the real deal. It is just a tiny tip of the iceberg.
In today’s career guide, the focus is for readers who want to pursue a career in Art. Not just any art career this time but “How to Become an Art Teacher.” If you know this is where your heart is and where your passion lies then you should hop in cos it’s going to be an adventurous ride!
Who is an Art Teacher?
Art teachers assist pupils in developing their artistic abilities by encouraging creative expression and instilling a sense of texture, shape, and colour in their students. The majority of an art teacher’s time is spent directing pupils through various projects in pottery, sculpture, painting, drawing, and other disciplines. Some professors also teach art history and introduce pupils to master painters’ works. Art teachers, like all other teachers, are responsible for inspiring pupils to not only improve their talents, but also to apply what they’ve learned in their daily lives, preparing them for a lifetime of learning. Art teachers, in particular, strive to encourage individuality and creativity both inside and outside the classroom.
Duties of an Art Teacher?
Many schools begin by introducing art to all students early in their schooling and then transition to offering art electives to those who continue to be interested. Art teachers assist student painters in refining technique and experimenting with diverse styles as they grow as artists.
The following are some of the tasks of art teachers:
- Curriculum development: Art teachers create curriculum that is tailored to the interests and skills of their students. Short-term projects with easy-to-use instruments, such as crayons, may assist younger pupils, while older students may spend more time on paintings or ceramics.
- Lessons and projects are used by art teachers to impart formal ideas such as line kinds, colour relationships, and symbols.
- Introducing technique: These instructors explain ways for assisting pupils in achieving better image and form representation. This could include brush strokes, shading, and sketching techniques.
- Developing enthusiasm and talent: They encourage all children to express themselves artistically as a creative and emotional outlet, but they also assist gifted pupils in reaching their full potential.
- Teaching art history: Art teachers use art history lessons to put artistic styles and ideas into context.
- Review: Teachers in higher-level art classes critique students’ work to highlight craft triumphs and areas for growth.
- Grades and reports: Art teachers develop grading criteria and provide parents with progress reports that outline student achievement. They may also meet with parents at any time during the year.
Steps to Becoming an Art Teacher?
In most states, the steps to becoming an art teacher are comparable. The first phase usually entails obtaining an accredited education through a teacher preparation program, followed by passing state tests and applying for a licence.
Getting a degree
Most students begin by earning a bachelor’s degree in art and enrolling in a teacher preparation program. Students may choose to pursue a master’s degree rather than a bachelor’s degree to further their education. They frequently do this for a variety of reasons, including the fact that several states now need highly certified teachers. Many students recognize that they will likely need a master’s degree when it comes time to renew their licence, so they fulfil that prerequisite early on. Another factor is income. If a teacher has a master’s degree, they are more likely to start at the top of the salary scale. In addition, most students find it far easier to finish their school before beginning a full-time job.
Exams in Art and Core Competencies
Specialized tests are unavoidable. These tests are a way for you to demonstrate that you are competent in all areas that will allow you to be an effective teacher in the state where you will be licensed. Every state has its unique set of criteria, although most of them require candidates to take the same or similar tests.
The National Evaluation Series (NES), Praxis, and others are among the testing series employed. Each one teaches fundamental reading, writing, and maths skills. A topic knowledge test in art is a second portion that most states require teachers to complete. This examination will cover the following topics:
- Making and utilising art
- History of art
- Theoretical art
Submit Your State Licence Application
The application for your state licence or certificate is the final stage in the certification process. Along with your application, you will be given a checklist of paperwork and things to send in. The following are typical items:
- A certified copy of your diploma
- Student teaching evidence
- Background check and fingerprinting
- An application fee
Gain teaching experience
Internships, volunteering as an art teacher for community children’s programs, and working as a substitute teacher can all give excellent teaching experience and networking possibilities for aspiring art teachers. In general, you are more likely to get hired as an art teacher if you have more experience. Local school boards, on-line job postings, educator and teachers’ union magazines, classified advertisements, and other sources can all help you find employment vacancies for art teachers.
Job Outlook for an Art Teacher?
Between 2020 and 2030, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 7-8 percent increase in job growth for kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school art teachers. In addition, as of May 2020, the BLS reported that median annual incomes for these occupations ranged from $57,860 to $62,870. After becoming an art teacher, you can expect to earn a variety of salaries depending on where you live. It’s also worth mentioning that professors often take a two-month summer break, though some do teach summer classes or tutor during this time.
Teaching art is a way for people who have put effort in honing their artistic skills to follow their passions. Art teachers enjoy working with children and are patient educators who thrive in a different type of learning environment. Art teachers that are good at relating to kids might do well as work teachers because they can help students create art that is personal to them. If this sounds like you, CLICK HERE to kick start your career as an art teacher today!