How to Be a Grade School Art Teacher
Elementary school teachers help youngsters learn the basics: reading, writing and arithmetic. But primary school teachers also help students learn about themselves, their abilities and their interests. Creative work, such as art, is one venue that gives students opportunities to discover interests and skills outside typical academics. Elementary school art teachers may teach other types of courses within a regular classroom, but sometimes they focus on arts and crafts, particularly at private schools or very large areas with more students.
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Instructions
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Enroll in an elementary education professional teacher program at a college or university. Some institutions allow students to major in their field of study and take pedagogical coursework that leads to certification, but others require a liberal arts, elementary education or other interdisciplinary major. Be sure your adviser knows your career plans so you can get proper guidance. Elementary school teachers must have at least a Bachelor's degree, as well as state certification to work in public schools in the United States. An education program typically leads to a teaching license.
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Take elective courses in art. Elementary school teachers need to work with a variety of tools and artistic disciplines, such as painting, drawing and sculpture, so they need experience in as many such areas as possible. Most majors allow a certain number of elective credits, so seize this opportunity to get a more rounded art background.
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Work with children in art programs whenever you can. Some experience can count toward college credit and certification requirements. Experience that does not still looks good on a resume and provides future teachers with good teaching practice. Volunteer in afterschool programs, summer camps, church groups and organizations, if you cannot find a paying job.
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Find a student teaching placement in an elementary art classroom. Certification programs require student teaching experience, and students typically may have to find their own cooperating teachers to work with, subject to college approval. You may need to contact a variety of schools, including specialty schools and private institutions, to find one that offers specific art classes at the elementary school level.
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Expect to teach more than just art. Elementary school teachers often teach all subjects to a single class, such as social studies, language arts, science and math. Schools typically include art in the curriculum, but it may not be a separate subject with separate classes.
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Stay abreast of changes in the field, new art teaching methods through technology and career options by joining a professional organization, such as the National Art Education Association (See Resources).
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Tips & Warnings
You can get your Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree in art and then go on to add the teaching credential if you do not want to enroll in a regular teacher education program for your Bachelor's degree. The certification courses within those programs cover teaching general education and require field experience.
Majoring in art, however, may limit your chances of finding a job. Employers often look for teachers who can fill a variety of roles.
References
Resources
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