5 Tips to Excel as a Popular and Excellent Arts Teacher

An art teacher plays diverse roles in educating a student on the history of arts or visual arts and introducing them to understanding shapes, textures and colors. They may specialize in different fields of art which include painting, ceramics or sculpture. Students should learn theory as well as gain practical knowledge in aesthetics, design and art-related subjects.

1. Qualifications to become an art teacher

In order to teach students at the high school level, the teacher should have completed a bachelor’s degree in art education. Students can be trained in subjects such as history, graphic arts, digital art of painting. However, the basics in designing, painting and dealing with colors should be learned by all the students. An art teacher should also learn classroom management, lesson planning and different teaching methods in order to teach arts. A licensed teacher supervises the classes to help budding teachers learn how to teach by applying methods and techniques. Though the rules vary in states, it is not difficult to get a certificate when required.

In order to teach art in public schools, it may be necessary to possess a master’s degree according to the BLS (U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics.)  Some curricula may require a student teaching internship to teach students.

2. Experience is crucial when teaching students

Students can get experience by volunteering to teach arts to children or substituting for an arts teacher in school. Apply for jobs either through classified ads or check local school boards. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) art teachers can expect a 12% increase in jobs in kindergarten, elementary and middle school between 2012 and 2022. High school teachers may get a 6% hike during that time.

3. Display artistic skills in different styles

Students should be able to decide on the medium that they would like to use as well as the style they wish to develop. Art teachers should guide the students and help them explore their interests. Some art teachers are proficient in oil painting while others may specialize in water colors or sketching with charcoal. Teachers should be skillful visual communicators at work. They have natural flair and ability to see the relationship between lines, shapes and gradations of colors.

4. Tips to become better art teachers

Art teachers should try not to use templates when teaching young kids. On the other hand they should let them experiment and come up with natural shapes and lines. Teach the children how to prepare for the class and clean up once it is over. Encourage students to experiment on being creative by allowing them to make their own greeting cards or decorating their lunch bag. Do not be lavish with your praises but whisper encouraging words to your students. When you notice something exceptionally clever, drive that point home to your student. Tell them that you like the way they made the colors come alive by adding color to an object or how they paid attention to some detail. This will motivate them to strive harder.

5. Try experimenting with different projects every year

Try not to get a reputation for being stereo-type in your teaching techniques. Try to introduce new projects into the curriculum. Look for new ideas and concepts and introduce new techniques. Be confident and positive and introduce some humor to make the classes interesting. Encourage students when they think they are not satisfied with the results and urge them to improve from their mistakes. Have interactive sessions and encourage your students to compete with each other by giving them grades and incentives. You will become a popular arts teacher overnight and have many students that can proudly tell others that they were taught by you.