What does a Teaching Artist do?
Published 3 min read
A teaching artist is an artist who uses their art form to teach other people.
Teaching Artist job duties include:
- Act as a liaison between schools and cultural organizations.
- Develop and implement arts education programs in schools and/or community organizations.
- Work with teachers to integrate the arts into the curriculum.
- Select or develop appropriate materials and resources for arts education programs.
- Train teachers and other program staff in arts education methods.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of arts education programs.
- Plan and direct arts education activities and events.
- Write grant proposals to fund arts education programs.
- Advocate for arts education at the local, state, and national level.
Teaching Artist Job Requirements
There are no formal education requirements for teaching artists, although many have at least a bachelor's degree in fine arts or a related field. Some states have certification programs for teaching artists, but most do not. Teaching artists typically have several years of experience working as professional artists before they begin teaching.
Teaching Artist Skills
- Patience
- Creativity
- Flexibility
- Communication
- Organizational
- Time Management
- Leadership
- Public Speaking
- Writing
- Research
- Acting
Related: Top Teaching Artist Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Teaching Artist
A teaching artist is someone who uses their art form to teach others. Teaching artists can work in a variety of settings, including schools, community centers, and prisons. They often use their art form to help people learn about a particular subject or to teach life skills.
If you’re interested in becoming a teaching artist, there are a few things you can do to get started. First, consider what art form you’d like to use to teach others. Do you have experience with painting, dance, music, theater, or another type of art? Once you’ve decided on your art form, start thinking about what topics or life skills you’d like to teach through your art.
Next, look for opportunities to share your art with others. This could include teaching classes at a community center or after-school program, leading workshops at a local library or senior center, or giving demonstrations at a school. You might also consider volunteering with an organization that provides arts education programs.
As you gain experience working with others, start marketing yourself as a teaching artist. Create a portfolio of your work that you can share with potential clients or employers. And be sure to list any relevant training or experience you have on your resume.
Becoming a teaching artist takes time and effort, but it can be a rewarding way to use your creativity to make a difference in the lives of others.
Related: Teaching Artist Resume Example
Related: Teaching Artist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)