What does an Art Teacher do?

Art Teachers foster an appreciation of art in elementary, middle and high school students. By teaching them to draw, paint, make ceramics and produce other art types, they encourage students to express themselves and inspire creative thinking. Art Teachers can also further students’ knowledge of history and world cultures. When they successfully carry out duties found in an Art Teacher job description, educators enable schools to provide a well-rounded education.

Art Teacher skills and qualifications

Including the following qualifications in your job description for Art Teacher positions may help you recruit candidates who possess essential skills:

• In-depth knowledge of different art media, such as graphite pencils, charcoals, watercolors, acrylic paints, oil paints and clay

• Understanding of age-appropriate teaching methods, art criticism and art history

• Effective verbal communication and presentation skills to provide instruction

• Strong written communication skills to provide feedback on assignments

• Interpersonal skills to ensure positive interactions with students, parents and other faculty members

• Critical thinking and judgment skills to assess students’ work and performance

• Time management and organizational skills to manage daily lesson plans

• Computer skills to use email, word processing, database and spreadsheet software

Art Teacher experience requirements

During their education programs, Art Teachers usually participate in student placements that provide real-world teaching experience. As a result, candidates may not need additional work history, especially if they’re joining an art department of more experienced teachers. If your school employs only one Art Teacher or your current team consists of new educators, you may wish to specify that a few years of previous work experience is a required or preferred qualification in your Art Teacher job description.

Art Teacher education and training requirements

For Art Teachers who work in public schools and state-licensed private schools, a teaching license or certificate is typically required, and a bachelor’s degree may be necessary. Depending on the regulations in your area, this degree may be in elementary education, fine arts, art education or another related field. Prospective Art Teachers usually complete a student teaching placement and pass an examination to become certified or licensed by the state. Before writing your job description for Art Teacher positions, review the requirements for your area.

Some schools may prefer to prioritize candidates who hold National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). To obtain this credential, Art Teachers must meet education and experience requirements, pass an examination and submit a professional portfolio.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the Art Teacher duties and responsibilities discussed above don’t meet your needs, consider these related job titles:

• Assistant Teacher

• Elementary Teacher

• High School Teacher

• Lead Teacher

Art Teacher job description FAQs

How do I make my Art Teacher job description stand out?

To set your Art Teacher job description apart, list four to six key benefits of working for your school or district. For example, you can mention stipends for school supplies and continuing education coursework, fully paid benefits, paid leave, sick pay and tuition reimbursement programs.

Who does an Art Teacher report to?

Who an Art Teacher reports to depends on the size of the school and its organizational structure. Large schools may have a Leader Teacher or Department Head for the art department. Other schools may designate an Assistant Principal or Principal to serve as the direct supervisor for all Teachers.

What are good qualities for an Art Teacher?

Patience and empathy can help Art Teachers assist students who experience learning obstacles. Having a passion for art and art history may also help instill an appreciation of the arts. Finally, a commitment to lifelong learning is important, as Art Teachers usually participate in continuing education coursework to maintain their state-issued licenses or certifications.