Art Teacher

Art teachers have an incredible talent of imparting the gift of learning how to do art to both children and adults. In order to teach freelance, no experience is required except for some level of ability at drawing and/or painting and some knowledge of art history and praxis. In order to teach Kindergarten through 12th grade, an art teacher will need to have a current certified teaching certificate in the state in which he or she wishes to teach. For teaching adults at the community college level, a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is required, while teaching at a four-year university might require the MFA only or the Ph.D. in art history, depending upon which field one wishes to enter.

In order to teach art as a freelancer, no real special experience is required, only talent for teaching and a love of art. It would be helpful if the art teacher has some kind of drawing skills, painting skills, knowledge of perspective, and/or a love of art. Being able to analyze art from various periods is also helpful too.

If one wants to teach grades K-12, a special certificate in art must be acquired. This means that you will have to take a general test which tests all of your skills (verbal, math, and writing) in order to assess your literacy and proficiency to be a teacher. You must also take a subject area test which qualifies you to become an art teacher. You will also have to demonstrate professionalism in teaching and possibly take an Aptitude Test and a Career Assessment Test.

In order to teach adults art at the college level, you will have to acquire a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in your specialty of art (whether it is drawing, painting, sculpture, or the like). A Master of Fine Arts is a terminal degree, so you may not only be able to teach at the community college level but also in four-year universities. However, in order to teach a subject like Art History you will most certainly need to have your Ph.D. in hand at the time of your application or at least be at ABD status (All But Dissertation). This means that you only have to finish your dissertation to become a Ph.D. in your field.

Whether you want to be a freelance art teacher, a K-12 art teacher, or a college art teacher, you can succeed in this career path.