How To Teach Art in Pennsylvania
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, public school teachers in all 50 states must hold a state certified license. Special subjects, such as art, require additional training and a certificate in the specific subject. Teachers working in the state of Pennsylvania who wish to teach art as a special subject must first meet all Board of Education certification requirements including obtaining an Instructional I certificate. Additionally, although there is no prerequisite requiring Pennsylvania art teachers to work as a professional artist, if you are considering this career it is advantageous to have significant experience within the discipline.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Preparing to Teach Art in Pennsylvania
-
1
Enroll in a state approved art education program at a college or university. As of January 2011 there are 30 such programs across Pennsylvania. Complete and pass all required classes. Art teachers must take child development/general education, art history, studio arts and teaching methods courses. Additionally, art teachers must complete a full-time internship or student teaching experience in visual arts at a Pennsylvania school.
-
2
Take and pass the Praxis exam. The Praxis exam is a standardized test that assesses the pre-service teacher's general and subject specific knowledge. Pennsylvania art teachers must pass the Praxis 1 Pre-Professional Skills Test, Praxis II subject test for Art: Content Knowledge, and the Praxis II Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge exam.
-
-
3
Complete and pass background checks. This includes the Pennsylvania State Police criminal background check, Department of Public Welfare child abuse history clearance and the FBI criminal record Information check.
-
4
Apply for and obtain your certification with the Pennsylvania Department of Education Teacher Certification System.
Finding a Job Teaching Art in Pennsylvania
-
5
Create a professional resume. This should display your education background and any experience you have teaching art.
-
6
Go to the Teaching in Pennsylvania Schools (TIPS) website. Agree to the Policy Notice.
-
7
Click on Browse Jobs Listings. Look for art education jobs.
-
8
Submit your application, certification and resume.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You do not need a state teacher certification to teach in a private Pennsylvania school (although many ask for one).
Consider teaching art in a non-school environment such as a museum or community center.
If you have a college degree in a non-art education area, try a fifth or professional year certification program.
Earn a Master's degree in art education. Schools often look for teachers with a higher degree of education.
Pennsylvania requires teachers to have a minimum 3.0 GPA in an undergraduate degree. Make sure to keep your grades at the acceptable level or above.
Art is a highly specialized teaching job. You may not find employment immediately after finishing a preparatory program.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Paint brush and aqua paints image by PaulPaladin from Fotolia.com
