Top 10 Art Teacher Certifications

Certifications for art teachers are important in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of expertise in the field. Certifications offer employers peace of mind that the teacher is qualified to teach art, has completed a rigorous program of study and has demonstrated their knowledge of the subject. Additionally, certifications can help art teachers stand out from other applicants and give them an edge when competing for jobs. Finally, certifications can also provide access to higher salaries and increased job security.

The article reviews the top certifications for Art Teachers and explains how they can help to advance an art teacher's career.

What are Art Teacher Certifications?

Art teacher certification is the process of becoming a certified art teacher, which includes completing an accredited college program and passing licensure exams. With art teacher certification, teachers are able to demonstrate their knowledge of art education and teaching methods. It also allows them to prove their commitment to professional development in the field.

Having art teacher certification can help teachers advance in their career by giving them greater job opportunities, higher salaries, and increased respect from school administrators, parents, and colleagues. It can also help them become more knowledgeable about teaching strategies and techniques for teaching visual arts classes. Additionally, having certification may give teachers access to additional resources such as grants or scholarships that can be used to enhance their classroom instruction. Finally, having art teacher certification can provide teachers with a sense of pride in knowing they have achieved a high level of professionalism in their chosen field.

Pro Tip: When pursuing an art teacher certification, make sure to research your state's requirements for the specific program you are looking into. Every state has different requirements for teacher certification and some may require additional certifications or qualifications.

Related: What does an Art Teacher do?

Top 10 Art Teacher Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Art Teachers today.

1. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification is a voluntary certification program that provides national recognition to teachers who demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills, and practices in their profession. It is designed to recognize accomplished teachers who have met rigorous standards set by the NBPTS.

To become certified, teachers must complete an extensive application process that includes submitting evidence of their teaching practice and student learning outcomes. The application process typically takes two years to complete and can be done online or through paper applications. Candidates must also pass a series of assessments that measure their knowledge and skill in teaching and learning.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the state you live in but generally ranges from $2,000-$4,000 for the entire process. This cost includes the application fee, assessment fees, and any additional materials needed for the application process.

Once certified, teachers will receive a certificate from the NBPTS recognizing their accomplishments as well as a digital badge that can be displayed on professional websites or social media profiles. Certified teachers may also be eligible for salary increases or other benefits from their school district or state government.

2. National Art Education Association (NAEA) Certification

The National Art Education Association (NAEA) Certification is a voluntary credentialing program that recognizes art educators who demonstrate the highest levels of knowledge, skills, and professional practice. It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of expertise in teaching art.

In order to receive NAEA Certification, an individual must have a minimum of three years of full-time experience teaching art in an accredited school setting. Applicants must also complete an approved professional development program, pass an assessment exam, and submit evidence of their professional accomplishments. The entire process can take up to two years to complete.

To get started on the certification process, applicants must first register for the NAEA Certification Program. This requires a one-time registration fee of $150 USD. After registering, applicants must then complete the required professional development courses and submit evidence of their accomplishments. Once all requirements are met and approved by NAEA staff members, applicants may then take the assessment exam which consists of multiple choice questions related to art education topics such as curriculum design, classroom management strategies, and assessment techniques.

Once the exam has been successfully completed, applicants will receive their official NAEA Certification certificate along with other recognition materials such as lapel pins and certificates suitable for framing. The cost for taking the assessment exam is $125 USD per attempt and there is no limit to how many times it can be taken if needed.

3. International Society for Education Through Art (InSEA) Certification

The International Society for Education Through Art (InSEA) Certification is an international professional recognition of expertise in the field of art education. The certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and experience in the field.

In order to obtain InSEA Certification, applicants must submit a portfolio that includes evidence of their work as an art educator, such as teaching materials, lesson plans, and student projects. Applicants must also provide documentation of their qualifications and experience in the field. Once the application has been reviewed by InSEA’s Certification Board, applicants will be notified if they have been approved for certification.

The process typically takes between 6-8 weeks from start to finish. The cost for InSEA Certification varies depending on the country where the applicant resides. Generally speaking, it costs around US$200-400 to apply for certification.

4. National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) Certification

The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) is a non-profit organization that accredits over 300 art and design schools in the United States. NASAD certification is an important credential for students, faculty, and administrators in the field of art and design.

NASAD certification indicates that a school meets certain standards for quality education in art and design. These standards include curriculum requirements, faculty qualifications, student services, resources, and other criteria. A school must be accredited by NASAD to be eligible for federal financial aid programs.

It typically takes about two years for a school to receive NASAD accreditation. During this time, the school must submit an application to NASAD detailing its program offerings and meeting all of the required criteria. The application is then reviewed by a committee of experts who assess the quality of the school's program offerings before making a decision on accreditation.

To get NASAD certification, schools must first submit an application to NASAD detailing their program offerings and meeting all of the required criteria. The application will then be reviewed by a committee of experts who assess the quality of the school's program offerings before making a decision on accreditation. Once approved, schools will receive their official NASAD certification which can be used as proof that they meet certain standards for quality education in art and design.

The cost for applying for NASAD certification varies depending on the size and complexity of the school's program offerings but generally ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 USD per year.

5. American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD) Certification

The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in the areas of health, physical education, recreation, and dance. This certification is designed to provide recognition to professionals who have demonstrated their commitment to the field through continuing education and professional development.

To become certified through AAHPERD, applicants must meet certain criteria including having a minimum of three years of experience in the field as well as completing at least 30 hours of approved coursework. In addition, applicants must pass an examination which covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, nutrition, motor learning and development, health promotion/disease prevention, physical activity assessment/programming/instructional strategies.

The cost for AAHPERD Certification varies depending on the type of certification you are seeking. The basic certification fee is $175 plus any additional fees associated with your specific certification type. The process typically takes 4-6 weeks from the time you submit your application until you receive your certification.

In order to get AAHPERD Certification you must first complete an online application form which can be found on their website. Once your application has been submitted it will be reviewed by a panel of experts who will determine if you meet all the criteria for certification. If approved you will then need to register for and take the examination which covers topics related to health, physical education, recreation and dance. Upon successful completion of the exam you will receive your official certificate from AAHPERD confirming your status as a certified professional in these fields.

6. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Certification

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Certification is an accreditation process that evaluates the quality of educator preparation programs. It is designed to ensure that programs are meeting high standards in the areas of curriculum, instruction, assessment, field experiences, and student learning outcomes. The accreditation process is conducted by a team of experts who review program materials and visit campuses to observe teaching practices.

It typically takes two to three years for a program to complete the CAEP accreditation process. During this time, the program must submit evidence that it meets all of CAEP’s standards and criteria. Once the program has been approved, it will receive a certificate indicating its official accreditation status.

To get CAEP certification, programs must first complete a self-study report which outlines how they meet each standard and criterion set forth by CAEP. This report should include information about curriculum design, instructional strategies, assessment methods, field experiences, and student learning outcomes. After submitting the self-study report, programs must then participate in an on-site review conducted by a team of experts from CAEP. During this visit, they will observe classrooms and interview faculty members in order to get an accurate picture of how well the program is meeting its goals.

The cost for obtaining CAEP certification varies depending on the size and complexity of the program being evaluated. Generally speaking however, most programs can expect to pay anywhere from $10 000 - $20 000 for the entire process.

7. American Montessori Society (AMS) Certification

The American Montessori Society (AMS) Certification is a professional credential for teachers of the Montessori method. It is a voluntary certification and is recognized by many schools, organizations, and institutions as an indication of quality teaching.

To be eligible for AMS Certification, applicants must have completed an AMS-affiliated teacher education program consisting of at least 300 hours of coursework and practicum experience. This program typically takes between one and two years to complete.

Once the applicant has successfully completed the required coursework and practicum experience, they must submit an application to AMS along with a fee of $100. The application will then be reviewed by AMS staff who will determine whether or not the applicant meets the criteria for certification. If approved, the applicant will receive their official certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

In addition to the initial application fee, there are also annual fees associated with maintaining an active AMS certification which range from $50-$75 depending on when during the year you renew your certification.

8. Council of Academic Programs in Communication Arts and Sciences (CAPCAS) Certification

The Council of Academic Programs in Communication Arts and Sciences (CAPCAS) Certification is a certification program that recognizes excellence in communication arts and sciences programs. It is designed to provide an objective measure of the quality of communication arts and sciences programs offered by universities, colleges, and other educational institutions. The CAPCAS Certification is awarded to those programs that meet or exceed standards set by the council for curriculum, faculty qualifications, student services, and other criteria.

In order to receive CAPCAS Certification, a program must meet certain criteria. These include: having an accredited degree program in communication arts and sciences; having at least three full-time faculty members with terminal degrees; offering courses in core areas such as writing, speaking, media studies, research methods, theory, production/performance studies; providing advising services for students; providing adequate library resources; maintaining an active research agenda; offering internships or experiential learning opportunities; providing professional development activities for faculty; participating in assessment activities; and engaging in community outreach activities.

The process of obtaining CAPCAS Certification typically takes about two years from start to finish. During this time period, the institution must complete all necessary paperwork and submit it to the council for review. Once approved by the council’s board of directors, the institution will be granted CAPCAS Certification for a five year period. After this period has expired, the institution must reapply for re-certification if they wish to maintain their certification status.

The cost of obtaining CAPCAS Certification varies depending on the size and scope of the program being certified. Generally speaking though, it can range anywhere from $1,000-$10,000 USD per year depending on the number of faculty members involved in the process as well as any additional fees associated with submitting documents or attending meetings with representatives from the council.

9. National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Certification

The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes the accomplishments and leadership abilities of elementary school principals. It is designed to provide recognition for those who have achieved excellence in their field and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development.

To obtain the NAESP certification, an individual must meet certain criteria, including having at least five years of experience as an elementary school principal, completing at least 20 hours of approved professional development activities within the past three years, and passing an assessment exam. The assessment exam covers topics such as school law, instructional leadership, school finance, and educational technology.

The process typically takes six months to one year to complete. To begin the process, individuals must submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as transcripts and proof of experience. After submitting the application materials, applicants will be invited to take the assessment exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their certificate from NAESP.

The cost for obtaining certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of NAESP. For non-members, the fee is $295; for members it is $195. Additional fees may apply for late applications or rescheduling exams.

10. Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Certification

Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Certification is a type of accreditation that is available to Christian schools around the world. It is designed to provide quality assurance for parents, faculty, and students in order to ensure that the school meets certain standards of excellence. ACSI Certification requires that schools demonstrate compliance with a set of standards related to curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional development, and school operations. The certification process typically takes two years to complete and involves an extensive self-study by the school followed by an onsite review from ACSI representatives.

In order to obtain ACSI Certification, schools must first submit an application and fee. The fee varies depending on the size of the school but typically ranges from $1,500-$3,000 USD. Once the application is approved, schools are required to complete a self-study that includes a comprehensive evaluation of their curriculum and instruction as well as other operational aspects such as student services and financial management. After completing the self-study, schools must then submit it for review by ACSI representatives who will conduct an onsite visit in order to verify compliance with standards. If all requirements are met satisfactorily during this process, then ACSI will issue certification for a period of five years.

Do You Really Need a Art Teacher Certificate?

Yes, an art teacher certificate is an important credential to have if you are planning on teaching art in a school setting. Having certification demonstrates that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to teach art effectively. Without it, you may not be able to get hired or earn the respect of your students.

Certification also shows that you are committed to the profession and are willing to undergo training and continuing education in order to stay current with best practices in teaching art. This can help show employers that you are serious about the job and will work hard to make sure your students learn what they need to know about art.

Finally, having a certificate can open up opportunities for advancement within the field. Many schools prefer teachers who have specialized training in their area of expertise, so having a certificate can demonstrate that you have taken the time and effort to become more knowledgeable in your subject matter. This can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for higher paying positions or promotions within a school system.

In conclusion, obtaining an art teacher certificate is an important step towards becoming a successful professional art teacher. It helps demonstrate your commitment to the profession and provides evidence of your expertise in art instruction, which can open up doors for further career advancement.

Related: Art Teacher Resume Examples

FAQs About Art Teacher Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become an art teacher?

Answer: To become an art teacher, you will typically need a bachelor’s degree in art education or a related field, plus a teaching license from your state. Teacher licensure requirements vary by state, but usually include passing scores on a basic skills test and subject-specific exam.

2. How can I get certified as an art teacher?

Answer: You must complete the necessary educational requirements for your state and then apply for the appropriate teaching certification through your state’s board of education. This process typically involves passing the necessary exams and submitting an application packet including transcripts and other documentation.

3. What is the difference between a teaching license and certification?

Answer: A teaching license is required to teach in public schools, while certification is voluntary and may be required for certain positions in private schools or institutions. Licensure typically requires completing an approved program of study, passing an examination, and meeting all other state requirements for teachers; certification may require additional coursework or experience beyond the minimum requirements for licensure.

4. Are there any online art teacher certifications available?

Answer: Yes, there are several online programs offering art teacher certifications that may meet your needs depending on the specific requirements of your state. Be sure to check with your state board of education to ensure that you are meeting their specific requirements before enrolling in any program.

5. Is it possible to obtain both a teaching license and certification?

Answer: Yes, it is possible to obtain both a teaching license and certification if you meet all of the respective requirements for each credential. However, some states only require licensure rather than dual certification/licensure; be sure to check with your state board of education to determine what they require before beginning any program of study or applying for either credential