16 Art Teacher Skills for Your Career and Resume

Art teachers have the unique opportunity to share their passion for art with students of all ages. While some art teachers may specialize in teaching a certain type of art, others may teach a variety of art forms. No matter what type of art you teach, there are certain skills that all art teachers should possess. These skills can help you be a successful art teacher and provide your students with a positive and enriching experience.

Communication

Art teachers often work with students of different ages and backgrounds, so it’s important for them to be able to communicate effectively. Art teachers should be able to explain their expectations clearly to students and colleagues alike. They also need to be able to listen to feedback from students and parents about the art program or individual projects.

Patience

Art teachers often work with students of varying ages and skill levels. They must be patient when instructing students who are new to art or those who may need extra attention. Patience can also help you remain calm during class if a student is disruptive, allowing you to redirect their behavior in a positive way. Being patient can also allow you to give constructive feedback to students who aren’t meeting expectations.

Composition

Composition is the ability to create new works of art. Art teachers often use composition when creating lesson plans and designing projects for their students. For example, an art teacher may design a series of lessons that culminate in a student-created artwork. This requires the art teacher to have excellent composition skills so they can plan out the project effectively.

Color Theory

Color theory is the study of how colors interact with each other. Art teachers use color theory to help students understand how different colors can affect mood, emotion and tone in a piece of artwork. Knowing about color theory allows art teachers to teach their students how to use color effectively when creating an artwork.

Printmaking

Printmaking is a technique used in art that involves creating an image on paper using ink. Art teachers often use printmaking to teach students about different types of artwork and how artists create them. It’s important for art teachers to know how to instruct their students when they’re learning new techniques like printmaking.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of your responsibilities and resources. Art teachers often have many tasks they need to complete in a day, week or month. They also may have supplies they need to order for their classroom and students’ projects that require organization. Having strong organizational skills can help art teachers stay on top of their work and ensure they meet all deadlines.

Painting

Painting is a skill that art teachers use to create artwork for their students. They may also use painting as an instructional tool, demonstrating how to apply paint and what types of brushes work best for certain effects. Art teachers who are skilled in painting can help their students develop artistic skills by providing them with guidance on how to paint effectively.

Sculpture

Sculpting is the process of creating three-dimensional artwork. Art teachers often use sculpting to teach students about different art techniques and styles. For example, an art teacher may have their class create sculptures out of clay or other materials so that they can learn how to work with a variety of mediums.

Art teachers also use sculpting as a way to help students develop their artistic skills. For example, an art teacher might ask students to sculpt something specific like a person’s face or body in order to help them understand proportions and anatomy.

Leadership

Leadership is the ability to guide and motivate others. Art teachers often use leadership skills when instructing students on how to create art, as they may need to lead their students through a series of steps or encourage them to try new techniques. Strong leaders can also help their students work together in groups, which can be beneficial for an art class that needs to collaborate on projects.

Drawing

Art teachers use drawing skills to create visual representations of art projects. They also use these skills when creating lesson plans, which often include diagrams and illustrations. Art teachers who are skilled in drawing can make their classroom materials more engaging for students by using artistic techniques like perspective or shading.

Art teachers may also use drawing as a way to assess student progress. For example, if a student is having difficulty with an art project, the teacher might ask them to draw it instead of completing it on canvas.

Photography

Photographic skills are important for art teachers because they allow you to document your classroom projects and student work. You may also use photography in the classroom, such as by taking pictures of students’ artwork or using a camera to help students understand perspective when creating drawings.

Photography can also be an artistic skill itself, so it’s helpful if you have some background in this area. This allows you to create your own artwork and gives you more insight into how to teach others about art.

Ceramics

Ceramics is a common art class subject that requires an art teacher to have knowledge of ceramics and how to instruct students in the process. Art teachers who are skilled in ceramics can help their students create unique pieces of artwork, which may be displayed in the classroom or taken home by the student.

Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Art teachers often have to be flexible in their lesson plans, as they may need to change them based on student interests or skill levels. Flexibility can also help art teachers when unexpected situations arise, such as a class pet getting sick or an emergency occurring at school. Being able to adjust quickly and effectively can help you maintain control of your classroom and keep students safe.

Art History

Art history is the study of different artistic styles and movements throughout time. Art teachers often use art history to help students understand how artists have interpreted their subjects differently over the years. For example, an art teacher may explain that in the past, people used to paint religious figures with realistic proportions, but now they interpret them as more cartoon-like. This helps students see how art has evolved over time and appreciate the variety of styles available today.

Creativity

Creativity is the ability to think of new ideas and solutions. Art teachers often use creativity when planning lessons, as they may need to come up with unique ways to teach students about art history or techniques. Creativity can also be useful in creating artwork for your classroom, such as by using recycled materials or coming up with a unique way to display student work.

Art Criticism

Art criticism is the ability to evaluate art and provide feedback. Art teachers often use this skill when they give students constructive feedback on their artwork. For example, an art teacher may tell a student that their painting has too many colors or isn’t detailed enough. This helps the student improve their work in the future.

Art critics also use art criticism skills when reviewing art for museums, galleries and other venues. They analyze the artwork’s composition, color choices, subject matter and more to determine if it meets certain standards.

How Can I Learn These Art Teacher Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the skills that are necessary to be an art teacher. One way is to take classes that focus on teaching methods and strategies. You can also look for workshops that focus on specific skills that you want to learn. Additionally, there are many online resources that can be helpful in learning the skills that are necessary to be an art teacher. Finally, it is also important to have experience working with students in an art classroom setting. This will allow you to see firsthand what works and what does not work when teaching art.