Career Profile for an Art Teacher

Many graduates of Art Education programs become Art Teachers in public or private school settings, bringing the arts to students from preschool through college. Art Teachers must be able to demonstrate artistic skills in a variety of 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional arts and show that they have an understanding of developing arts technology. Graduates with Art Education degrees also can teach private lessons or offer art courses in non-academic settings, such as museums, community centers and even prisons.

Occupational Outlook for Art Teachers

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, reported that approximately four million men and women were employed as teachers, from preschool through secondary school, in 2006. Employment growth of 12% anticipated in the 10-year period ending in 2016. The average salary for an Art Teacher is $44,000, according to www.indeed.com. However, salaries can vary greatly based on employer. For example, postsecondary Art Teachers who are self-employed earn a median salary of $30,000 per year, according to PayScale, www.payscale.com, while Art Teachers employed by the federal government post a median annual salary of $53,000.

Education Requirements for an Art Teacher

Those who would like to teach art at a public elementary or secondary school must earn at least a Bachelor of Science in Art Education or a related degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Education with an Art concentration. Future Art Teachers will also need a state-level teaching certification. To teach at the community college or university level, Art Teachers are usually required to hold a Master in Art Education or a doctorate degree.