Job Description

Art teachers instruct students in many areas of art, such as drawing, sketching, painting, designing and sculpture. An art teacher creates lesson plans and selects art supplies. Art teachers are responsible for demonstrating methods to students. An art teacher may be required to accompany students to museums and galleries. Art teachers may specialize in one area, such as illustration or art history.

Median Salary:

Elementary School:$47,870

Middle/High School:$49,470

Job Requirements:

At minimum, all art teachers in public school will need to have a bachelor’s degree, preferably with a focused degree in art. In order to apply for state certification, prospective art teachers may have to take additional tests to prove competency in the field of art. All 50 states and the District of Columbia require public school teachers to be licensed through the state board of education, though specific requirements vary. Licensing is not required for private school teachers in most states. Different licenses cover the early childhood grades (usually preschool through grade 3); the elementary grades (grades 1 through 6 or 8); the middle grades (grades 5 through 8); a secondary-education subject area (usually grades 9 through 12.)

Job Outlook

Employment of school teachers is projected to grow 11 percent before 2016.