Becoming an art teacher is a journey that requires a combination of artistic talent, pedagogical knowledge, and practical classroom experience. The path to certification is not a single process; its length can vary based on individual educational choices and state-specific requirements. Understanding the distinct stages involved provides a clearer picture of the overall time commitment.
Earning a Bachelor’s Degree
The first and most significant time investment is obtaining a bachelor’s degree, which requires four years of full-time study. This foundational stage is where aspiring teachers develop their artistic skills and theoretical knowledge. Common degree paths include a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), which concentrates heavily on studio practice, or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art, which offers a broader liberal arts education alongside art studies.
Many institutions also offer a specialized Bachelor of Arts in Art Education. This degree is specifically designed for future teachers and integrates art courses with educational theory from the start. In a four-year program, the initial two years often focus on general education and core requirements, while the final two years are dedicated to the art major and any specialized concentrations.
Completing a Teacher Preparation Program
Following or integrated within a bachelor’s degree is a teacher preparation program, which provides the specific training needed for the classroom. These programs focus on pedagogy, covering topics like curriculum design, classroom management strategies, and educational psychology. The structure of this training directly impacts the time it takes to become certified.
For those pursuing a BA in Art Education, these pedagogical courses are built into the four-year degree plan. However, individuals who earn a BFA or a BA in a non-education field must complete a post-baccalaureate program. These certificate programs are designed for students who already hold a degree and add approximately one to two years to the total timeline.
Fulfilling Student Teaching Requirements
A required component of any teacher preparation program is the student teaching experience. This is an in-classroom internship that provides hands-on practice under the guidance of a licensed, experienced art teacher. Aspiring educators learn to manage a classroom, deliver lesson plans, and interact with students in a real-world setting.
This practical training is a significant time commitment, lasting for a full academic semester, which is about 15 to 16 weeks. This experience takes place during the final year of an education degree program. In some cases, the requirement is split into two shorter placements, such as eight weeks in an elementary school and eight weeks in a secondary school.
Passing State Licensing Exams
After successfully completing all educational coursework and the student teaching internship, candidates must pass state-mandated exams to earn their teaching license. These tests are designed to assess a candidate’s knowledge of both general teaching principles and specific art-related content. Most states use the Praxis series of exams for this purpose.
The Praxis exams include a Core Academic Skills test (covering reading, writing, and math), a Subject Assessment specifically for Art: Content Knowledge, and sometimes a Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test. While the exams themselves are completed in a single day, candidates spend several weeks or months preparing to ensure they meet the passing scores required by their state.
Considering a Master’s Degree
While a bachelor’s degree is the standard requirement to begin a career as an art teacher, pursuing a master’s degree is another factor that can influence the educational timeline. A Master of Arts (MA) in Art Education or a Master of Education (EdM) is not always necessary for initial licensure, but some states require teachers to earn one within a specific timeframe to maintain their professional license.
Deciding to earn a master’s degree adds to the overall time investment. A full-time master’s program in art education takes one to two years to complete. This advanced degree can lead to salary increases and opens up opportunities for roles in curriculum development or post-secondary teaching.
Total Time Commitment and Influencing Factors
For most individuals, the path to becoming a certified art teacher takes between four and five years. This timeline includes four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in art education, which incorporates a teacher preparation program and a semester of student teaching. The process concludes with passing the necessary state licensing exams.
Several factors can alter this standard timeline. For individuals changing careers who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, alternative certification programs can offer a faster route, sometimes allowing them to become certified in as little as one to two years. Attending college on a part-time basis will extend the time required to earn a degree. State-specific requirements can also play a role, as some states may have additional coursework or mandates that add to the overall commitment.