Careers in Teaching Art

With the implementation of comprehensive art teaching strategies that are supported by national and state academic standards, careers in art teaching have taken on new rigor. As such, most careers in art teaching require specialized training that culminates in academic degrees, certificates and endorsements. Those who pursue a career in art teaching will find themselves immersed in programs that emphasize effective communication through art exploration. This exploration includes the making of art objects as well as written and oral communication about art.

Types

Art teachers are most commonly found in public and private educational settings such as schools and museums. K-12 school art programs are usually designed to introduce young learners to a broad range of basic methods and procedures into the investigation of art. Post-secondary programs are more focused on specific content such as studio, pedagogy or art history. Museum education programs concentrate on providing deeper understanding of art objects.

Requirements

The United States Department of Education reports that 91.6% of art teachers in K-12 school settings hold academic degrees, certificates or endorsements in some field of art. Minimum requirements to teach art at the K-12 level are a bachelor's degree and teacher certification. At the post-secondary level, a career in studio art teaching requires a Master of Fine Arts degree. Careers in art history teaching or in art teacher preparation at the post-secondary level require a doctorate. A career in museum education requires a graduate degree or certificate. Post-secondary art teaching and museum art teaching careers do not always require teacher certification.

Features

Teachers of art in K-12 schools instruct and evaluate the progress of young learners. This instruction introduces art production, art criticism, art history and aesthetics. Post-secondary instruction builds upon the basics and is more specific. For example, at the university level art teachers might teach only one subject such as painting, design, or pedagogy.

Considerations

Salaries for certified art teachers in the United States vary by region. Urban school districts typically offer higher pay scales than rural school districts. Between 2007 and 2009 the pay scale for art teachers in all public schools rose approximately 14% according to One Search, All Jobs. This salary scale is still below the national average for many other careers that require an academic degree.

Misconceptions

A common misconception is that anyone can teach art; however, a high-quality art program requires a faculty with extensive training. This training includes at minimum graduation from a four-year post-secondary program. Additional studies at the graduate level are not uncommon requirements for a career in art teaching.

References

• McRel
• United States Department of Education Fast Facts
• One Search, All Jobs