An Art teacher is probably the most loved teacher in the school and Art classes, being fun as they are, are the most eagerly awaited classes in most schools. With the freedom to paint and sketch, Art classes give wings to the students’ imaginations. Be it a big blotch of paint or a wonderful artistic expression, the general satisfaction of adding value to a child’s life makes this low profile job, a very satisfying one. An Art class is one of those first steps that a child takes towards creativity and innovativeness. All said and done, just a self proclaimed artist with a passion for art is not sufficient to become an Art teacher. An educational degree in visual arts, studio arts, fine arts or any art history course is mandatory. And a teaching degree, with the necessary license and certification, cannot be overlooked. Mentioned below are some of the steps in becoming an Art teacher. Although your route to the destination may not be the same, the following article does give you a fair idea on how to become an Art teacher.
Becoming An Art Teacher
Requirements
Eligibility
People seeking an Art teacher profile must earn a Bachelor’s degree in education and specialise in any of the Arts subjects like art history, graphic arts, media, fine arts, painting or digital art etc. Teaching in a public, elementary, intermediate or high school requires the aspirant to attend a student-teaching program (2 years duration) and later, obtain a teaching license by the State in which they choose to teach.
Courses Required
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A Master’s Degree in an art-related field is mandatory to teach in the graduation or college level.
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A Ph. D. in a related stream is a must if you intend to teach art at the University level.
Skills Required
Skills an Art Teacher should possess are listed in the following lines;
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Love and affection for children and pupils and a passion for teaching.
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Artistic inclination.
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Patience to deal with the slow learners effectively.
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Knowledge on how to give constructive criticism to students.
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An overall pleasing personality with an encouraging, friendly and approachable attitude.
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Good communication skills to understand and convey messages to the students.
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Excellent motivational, inspiring skills and the ability to infuse confidence.
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Respect for students who are not as capable as others and an understanding that everybody cannot be expected to be good at arts.
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Good planning and organisational skills to prepare lesson plans, etc.
Roles And Responsibilities
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Design and develop Art curriculum and course materials for the classes.
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Deliver lectures to students on arts and its many forms and traditions.
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Teach students to express themselves creatively using art as a medium.
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Provide an exciting classroom experience to students during art sessions and include basic arts like pottery and ceramic sessions and mosaic painting etc.
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Assessing, evaluating and grading students' performance for the term end examination.
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Handing out relevant projects, assignments and homework to the students.
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Organising and co-ordinating art competitions among different age groups at the school, college or even university level.
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Taking students on field trips to museums or places that are significant to the development and history of art. By serving as a tour guide and explaining the significance of certain paintings and sculptures, an Art teacher broadens the artistic horizons of students.
Career Prospects
An Art teacher can not only find employment opportunities in schools and other academic organisations but also in various other institutions like prisons, nursing homes, community recreation centres and rehabilitation centres. Another rewarding career alternative for Art teachers could also be Art Therapy. This requires a course in Psychology which prepares them in using creativity to provide relief to patients of all age groups by helping them overcome stress, trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and other emotional problems. From a private art tutor to a University level Art Professor, there is plenty of scope in this profession.
Whether you are a practising artist looking forward to a career transition or the other way around, we hope the article above helped you get the nuances of becoming an art teacher. The teaching profession is one of the oldest and the most respectful profession of all times. Being able to mould the tender minds of the youth brings with it great responsibility, joyfulness and satisfaction as well.
