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What does an Art Teacher do?

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

An art teacher is responsible for teaching students about different forms of art and helping them develop their own artistic abilities. They typically work in schools, but may also work in other settings such as museums or community centers. Art teachers typically have a bachelor's degree in art or a related field.

Art Teacher job duties include:

  • Planning lessons and projects in a variety of mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography, and printmaking
  • Instructing students on the use of materials, techniques, and tools
  • Demonstrating techniques and assisting students with projects
  • Evaluating student work and providing feedback
  • Maintaining a clean and organized classroom
  • Preparing lesson plans and materials in advance
  • Attending professional development workshops and conferences
  • Staying up-to-date on trends and developments in the field of art education
  • Collaborating with other teachers and staff members

Art Teacher Job Requirements

An Art Teacher typically needs a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, although some jobs may require a Master's degree. Many states also require certification. In addition to formal education and certification, an Art Teacher should have experience working with different age groups and be familiar with a variety of art styles.

Art Teacher Skills

  • Patience
  • Creativity
  • Imagination
  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Sculpting
  • Photography
  • Graphic design
  • Computer graphics
  • Art history
  • Art criticism

Related: Top Art Teacher Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Art Teacher

There are many different ways that one can become an art teacher. The most common way is to get a degree in education with a focus on art, and then to get a teaching certification in the state in which you wish to teach. There are other ways to become an art teacher as well, such as through an alternative certification program or by teaching in a private school that does not require certification. Whichever route you choose, there are some things that are important to remember if you want to be a successful art teacher.

First and foremost, you must have a passion for art. If you do not have a genuine love for the subject, it will be difficult to engage your students and get them excited about learning. Secondly, you must be patient. Teaching can be challenging, and there will be days when it feels like everything is going wrong. It is important to remember that every day is a new opportunity to make a difference in your students’ lives. Finally, you must be willing to continue learning throughout your career. The field of art is always changing, and it is important to stay up-to-date on new trends and techniques if you want to be an effective teacher.

If you have the passion and dedication required to become an art teacher, you will find that it is an incredibly rewarding profession. You will have the opportunity to watch your students grow and learn, and see the world through their eyes. It is truly a unique and special experience.

Related: Art Teacher Resume Example

Related: Art Teacher Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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