Art Teachers

High School

To prepare for a career in art education, follow your school's college preparatory program and take advanced courses in English, mathematics, science, history, and government—in addition to art. Composition, journalism, and communication classes are also important for developing your writing and speaking skills.

Postsecondary Training

Your college training will depend on the level at which you plan to teach. All 50 states and the District of Columbia require public elementary education teachers to have a bachelor's degree in either education or in the subject they teach. Prospective teachers must also complete an approved training program, which combines subject and educational classes with work experience in the classroom, called student teaching.

If you want to teach at the high school level, you may choose to major in art while taking required education courses, or you may major in secondary education with a concentration in art. Similar to prospective elementary teachers, you will need to student teach in an actual classroom environment.

Other Education or Training

The National Art Education Association offers numerous workshops, panels, and seminars at its national convention. Topics have included "Motivating the Unmotivated: Addressing Apathy in the Visual Arts Classroom," "Design Thinking in the K–12 Art Room," "Lesson Plan: A Drone's Eye View," and "A STEAM Makerspace in YOUR Classroom!" Contact the association for more information.