Thinking about turning your love for art into a full‑time teaching job? You’ll need the right certification to work in public schools, and the process isn’t as scary as it sounds. This guide breaks everything down into bite‑size actions you can start today.
First, check your state’s education department website. Most states ask for a bachelor’s degree in art or art education, plus a teacher‑preparation program. If your degree isn’t in art, you can usually add a minor or take a few extra art courses to meet the credit count.
Next, you’ll need to pass a background check. Schools want to make sure any adult who works with kids is cleared. It’s a quick online form and a fingerprint scan—nothing more than a few minutes of your time.
Finally, you’ll need to complete a student‑teaching stint. This is a real classroom experience where you plan lessons, teach, and get feedback from a mentor teacher. It’s the part that proves you can manage a classroom and deliver art lessons that stick.
Most states require the Praxis Art: Content Knowledge test and a general teaching test like Praxis Core or State‑Specific Pedagogy. Grab the official study guides; they list every topic you’ll see. Break the material into sections—color theory one week, studio safety the next—so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Practice with sample questions every night. If you get stuck, look for free online videos that explain the answer in plain language. A lot of the test focuses on how you would teach a concept, not just the fact itself.
Don’t forget to schedule your test early. Test centers fill up fast, especially during summer. Pick a date that gives you at least six weeks of prep time, then block out study hours like you would a class you’re teaching.
When the day arrives, bring a photo ID, a snack, and a positive mindset. The exam is timed, but you’ll have plenty of time to read each question carefully. Answer the ones you know first, then come back to the tougher ones.
If you’re already teaching art in a private school, you might be able to earn a provisional license while you finish the requirements. Some states offer alternative routes like “Teach‑Now” programs that let you teach while you complete your credential.
Look into scholarship options too. Many art education departments offer grants for future teachers, and some school districts will pay for your certification if you agree to work for them for a set period.
Once you’re certified, you’ll qualify for higher pay scales, professional development funds, and the chance to lead extracurricular art clubs. It also opens doors to teaching at community colleges or teaching art therapy.
Ready to start? Write down your current qualifications, compare them to your state’s checklist, and set a deadline for each missing piece. One step at a time, you’ll move from hobbyist to certified art teacher faster than you think.
Explore whether a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) alone lets you teach, what extra credentials you need, and how it stacks up against other art degrees.