What Does an Art Teacher Do?
Find out what an art teacher does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as an art teacher.
Art teachers are responsible for teaching students about the visual arts. They may cover a wide range of topics, including drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, etc. Art teachers also commonly provide feedback and guidance to their students as they work on projects or assignments.
Art teachers must be well versed in the subject they teach. They should have a deep understanding of the materials, techniques, and concepts that make up their area of expertise. This allows them to effectively communicate their knowledge to students in an engaging way.
Art Teacher Job Duties
Art teachers typically have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Develop lesson plans to meet state standards, including topics such as art appreciation or history of art
- Provide feedback on student progress or help students with specific problems in art or design concepts
- Participate in staff meetings, parent conferences, and other school events as needed
- Conduct research on new teaching methods and materials in order to stay informed about current trends in art education
- Explain the principles of design and composition to students, using examples from art history
- Review student work and provide constructive feedback to help students improve their skills
- Coordinate group projects with other teachers in the school district, such as music or physical education teachers
- Prepare materials for art projects, such as canvases or paints
- Work with students individually to assess their progress and ensure they are meeting standards
Art Teacher Salary & Outlook
Art teacher salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the type of school they work in. They may also earn additional income through bonuses or commissions.
- Median Annual Salary: $47,000 ($22.6/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $135,000 ($64.9/hour)
The employment of art teachers is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.
Demand for art teachers depends largely on student enrollment and school budgets. As enrollments in elementary and secondary schools increase, demand for art teachers will grow. However, budget constraints may limit the number of art teachers hired.
Art Teacher Job Requirements
To become an art teacher, one typically needs to have:
Education: Art teachers need at least a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, art education or a similar field. Many art teachers pursue a master’s degree in fine arts or art education to increase their earning potential and qualify for more advanced teaching positions. Some art teachers also earn a doctorate to teach at the college level.
Training & Experience: Art teachers typically receive on-the-job training in the classroom setting. They may shadow a current art teacher to learn the curriculum and teaching methods. They may also receive training in the classroom setting to learn the school’s policies and procedures.
Certifications & Licenses: Art teachers are not required to have a teaching certification, but earning one can improve your job prospects and expand the range of schools at which you can work.
Art Teacher Skills
Art teachers need the following skills in order to be successful:
Creativity: Art teachers use their creativity to come up with new projects and ideas for their students. They also use their creativity to help students develop their own creativity. Art teachers can use their creativity to help students develop their own creativity.
Communication: Art teachers should be able to communicate with their students and colleagues effectively. This includes being able to explain art concepts to students and answer any questions they may have. It also includes being able to communicate with other faculty members about student progress and any issues that may arise.
Organization: Art teachers often have many responsibilities, including organizing their own classroom and planning lessons. Having strong organizational skills can help you be more efficient and productive. You can also use organization skills to help your students develop organizational habits.
Collaboration: Collaboration is the ability to work with others to achieve a common goal. As an art teacher, you may work with other teachers to plan a unit or event that incorporates art. You may also collaborate with students to help them develop their artistic skills.
Critical thinking: Critical thinking allows art teachers to come up with creative solutions to challenges. They can use their critical thinking skills to help students develop their own solutions to problems they face in their art projects. This can help them develop their problem-solving skills and encourage them to think critically about their art.
Art Teacher Work Environment
Art teachers work in a variety of settings, including public and private schools, colleges and universities, museums, and community centers. They typically work a standard 40-hour week, although they may need to work evenings and weekends to attend meetings, conferences, and workshops or to prepare for classes. Art teachers may also spend time outside of class working on curriculum development, planning field trips, and grading student work. Some art teachers may have to travel to attend professional development workshops or to participate in art shows. The work of an art teacher can be both challenging and rewarding, as it requires both creativity and organizational skills.
Art Teacher Trends
Here are three trends influencing how art teachers work. Art teachers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
More Focus on Digital Arts
As technology becomes more prevalent in the classroom, teachers are beginning to focus on digital arts. This trend is evident in the increasing number of schools that are adopting iPads and other tablets into their curriculum.
Art teachers can capitalize on this trend by becoming familiar with the latest digital tools and apps. They can also use these tools to create unique and engaging lessons for their students.
More Collaboration Between Teachers and Parents
Parents are increasingly looking for ways to be involved in their children’s education. This has led to an increased demand for collaboration between teachers and parents.
Art teachers can take advantage of this trend by creating opportunities for parents to get involved in their child’s art class. This could include hosting parent-teacher conferences or inviting parents to help out with projects. In addition, art teachers can create a blog or newsletter where they can share information about upcoming events and activities.
The Importance of STEAM Education
STEAM education is quickly becoming one of the most important trends in education. This approach combines science, technology, engineering, and math with the arts to create a more well-rounded learning experience for students.
As STEAM education becomes more popular, art teachers will need to learn how to incorporate these subjects into their lessons. This will require them to have a deep understanding of each subject area as well as the ability to connect them all together in a way that makes sense for students.
How to Become an Art Teacher
Art teachers have a unique opportunity to shape the minds of young people. They can help students develop their creative skills and encourage them to explore new ideas. As an art teacher, you will need to be passionate about art and have a deep understanding of its history and techniques. You should also be able to inspire your students and create a fun learning environment.
If you want to become an art teacher, you should first get a degree in art education or art. You should also take courses in teaching methods and child development. Additionally, it is important to build your portfolio with examples of your artwork and lesson plans.
Advancement Prospects
Art teachers may advance in their careers by taking on additional responsibilities within their school or district. For example, they may become department heads or curriculum coordinators. They may also move into administration, such as becoming a school principal. Some art teachers may choose to open their own art schools.
Art teachers may also advance their careers by pursuing advanced degrees. For example, they may earn a master’s degree in art education or a PhD in art history. These advanced degrees will enable them to teach at the college level or pursue careers in research or museum work.
Art Teacher Job Description Example
At [CompanyX], we believe that art is a fundamental part of a well-rounded education. We are looking for an art teacher who shares this belief and is passionate about teaching the subject to students of all ages. The ideal candidate will have a strong knowledge of art history and theory, as well as the ability to teach a variety of mediums and techniques. They will be able to engage students in the creative process, encouraging them to explore their own ideas and express themselves through art. The art teacher will also be responsible for planning and executing lesson plans, as well as assessing student progress.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Develop and implement lesson plans that reflect the curriculum goals of the school district and state
- Incorporate a variety of instructional techniques to engage students in active learning
- Use technology and multimedia resources to enhance student learning
- Select and requisition appropriate supplies, materials, and equipment for art classes
- Maintain accurate and complete records of student progress and development
- Prepare required reports on students and activities as requested by administrators
- Participate in departmental meetings, in-service days, and parent conferences as needed
- Serve on committees and teams as needed
- Model artistic behavior and provide leadership in the area of visual arts
- Stay current with developments in the field of art education
- Attend professional development workshops and seminars as needed
- Perform other duties as assigned by the school principal or other administrators
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in art education, fine arts, or related field
- Valid teaching certification in art education
- 3-5 years teaching experience in a public school setting
- Demonstrated success working with students of diverse backgrounds and abilities
- Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills
- Ability to maintain a positive and professional demeanor at all times
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
- Master’s degree in art education, fine arts, or related field
- National Board Certification
- Experience teaching advanced placement (AP) or international baccalaureate (IB) courses
- Familiarity with current technology trends in the classroom, including use of digital media and software