How to Become an Art Teacher in California
In California, art teachers can earn certification to teach at any grade level (pre-kindergarten through 12th grade) through obtaining single-subject teaching credentials. Prospective art teachers must meet the coursework and testing requirements set by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing in order to obtain this certification. The preliminary teaching credential is good for five years.
Things You'll Need
- Official college transcripts Test score reports Completed application Check or money order LiveScan receipt or two fingerprint cards
Instructions
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Single-Subject Credentials in Art
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Obtain a bachelor's degree or higher. All applicants must have received at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited university in order to be considered for certification in California.
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Meet the basic skills requirement and all other testing requirements. In order to meet this requirement, prospective teachers must pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test CBEST with a minimum score of 41 in all sections, or the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET). The California State University Early Assessment Program or a basic skills test from another state can also fulfill this requirement in most cases. Prospective teachers must also show subject matter competence by passing two art subtests related to art history and artistic perception and the other related to creative expression and the teaching of art. A score of 220 must be received on both exams.
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Complete an approved teacher preparation program and additional coursework. The Commission on Teaching Credentials provides a list of state-approved programs. Candidates must also have a successful student teaching experience as part of the program and be recommended for the art teacher credential by their program. Courses in reading instruction, the principles of the U.S. Constitution, and computer technology in an educational setting must be taken to gain certification.
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Submit a completed application. The completed application must include a receipt verifying a LiveScan fingerprint scan or two fingerprint cards used to complete a state and federal background check. The application must also be accompanied by a check or money order to the CTC to cover processing fees. The fee for initial certification is $55. If two fingerprint cards are submitted in lieu of a LiveScan receipt, the application fee is $106.
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References
- Photo Credit paint image by Darren Nickerson from Fotolia.com
