Unleashing Creativity: The Role of an Art Teacher

​It's good to be an art teacher! If you have a knack for teaching and are interested in fostering creativity in others, becoming an art teacher might be the perfect fit for you! In this article, we'll explore what art teachers do, how to start your journey as an art teacher, the skills you need, and more.

​Just what does an art teacher do anyway?

​So, what does an art teacher do? Art teachers play a crucial role in unlocking the creative potential of their students. They inspire and guide students of all ages to express themselves through various artistic mediums, such as painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and more. Art teachers work in different educational settings, including public and private schools, community centers, museums, and art studios.

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Some of the things art teachers do! 

​Art teachers develop art lesson plans and projects. • Art teachers assess their students' work and help them to improve. • Art teachers manage discipline, class pacing, and general classroom management. • Often, art teachers are responsible for a supply budget and must purchase supplies for their classroom. • Art teachers run after-school clubs. • Art teachers work with special needs students in accordance with their individualized learning plans.
​• Art teachers participate in their school's culture as faculty members.

​Credentials and skills needed to be an art teacher

​Starting as an art teacher typically requires obtaining a bachelor's or master's degree in art education or a related field. Additionally, you may need to obtain a teaching license or certification, which varies by state or country. Gaining practical experience through student teaching, internships, or substitute teaching can also help you develop the necessary skills to succeed in the classroom.

​As an art teacher, you'll need a diverse set of skills to effectively engage and educate your students. Artistic skills in different mediums are essential, as you'll be teaching students various techniques and guiding them in their artistic exploration. Teaching skills, including lesson planning, classroom management, and student assessment, are also critical to deliver engaging and effective art lessons. Strong communication skills are necessary to connect with students, collaborate with colleagues, and engage with parents and the community.

Do you need to be a good artist to be an art teacher?

Contrary to popular belief, art teachers do not have to be exceptional artists themselves. While having a solid foundation in art skills is important, what matters most is the ability to effectively convey the principles and techniques of art to students, regardless of your own level of artistic talent. As an art teacher, you'll help students discover their own unique artistic voices and encourage their creative expression, regardless of their skill level.

It is more important for an art teacher to have strong classroom management, communication, and organizational skills than to be an amazing artist.

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​Is getting a job as an art teacher hard?

​Like any profession, the job market for art teachers can be competitive, with factors such as location, budget constraints, and demand for art programs affecting job availability. However, there are strategies to increase your job prospects, such as gaining relevant experience through internships or substitute teaching, networking with other art educators and professionals, and being open to diverse educational settings.

Pro Tip: Figure out which schools you would like to work at and ask to meet that school's principal, or at least send them your resume and introduction letter.​ You never know when a position at that school might pop up, and you want to be at the top of the school's hiring list.

But, can I make a living as an art teacher? 

One common question aspiring art teachers have is whether they can make a living teaching art. While the salary of an art teacher may vary depending on factors such as experience, education level, geographic location, and type of school, it is possible to earn a living as an art teacher. Additionally, there may be opportunities for generating additional income through private art lessons, selling artwork, or pursuing other professional opportunities in the field of art.

A day in the life of an art teacher ​

So, what does a typical day look like for an art teacher? Art teachers wear many hats in a day. They plan and deliver engaging art lessons, provide feedback and guidance to students, assess and evaluate student work, manage classroom behavior, and create a safe and inclusive environment for artistic expression. Art teachers may also be involved in extracurricular activities, such as organizing art shows or participating in community events, to promote art education and showcase their students' work.

​Every school is different and teaching expectations and workload vary. However, teachers should expect to work odd hours, have parent meetings, team meetings, faculty meetings, answer emails, create lesson plans, perform school duties, interact with students, sub, and jump in where needed.
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Here is what a typical art teacher's day might look like:
7:30: Arrive at school: Organize classroom. Make final preparations for day.
8:30: Teach 1st hour class.
9:30: Teach 2nd hour class.
10:30: 3rd hour prep period: Use restroom, make copies, grade papers.
11:30: Teach 4th hour class.
12:30: Monitor lunchroom or perform other duty. (Usually, teachers have at least one duty a day, before, during, or just after school).
1:30: 5th hour prep period: Eat lunch, meet with your teaching coach, a parent, or other work-related meeting, bathroom break.
2:30: Teach 6th hour class.
3:30: Clean classroom, meet with parents, or perform a duty.
4:00: Go home or to the gym, etc. (You may also stay after school to run an art club or other extracurricular activity)
7:30: Sit on the couch, watch TV, grade papers, answer emails, and prep for next day.
Next Day: Rinse/repeat.

Being an art teacher is a truly rewarding profession that requires a combination of artistic skills, teaching skills, communication skills, and classroom management skills. While obtaining a degree, certification, and practical experience is necessary to become an art teacher, it is also important to have a passion for fostering creativity in others. Although the job market for art teachers can be competitive, there are strategies to increase job prospects, and it is possible to make a living as an art teacher. A typical day in the life of an art teacher may involve planning and delivering art lessons, assessing student work, managing classroom behavior, and engaging in extracurricular activities.

​Despite the challenges, art teachers play a crucial role in unleashing the creative potential of their students and inspiring them to express themselves through art. It is a rewarding job!

Here are some Free Lesson plans for art teachers that you may also like: 
Zentangle Animal Project 
Matisse Watercolor Project

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