How to become a Teacher - Art

Art teachers in secondary schools teach students the practical skills, theory and history of art. Students receive tuition in aspects such as painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture and ceramics. Art teachers may specialise in one or more aspects of art in their tertiary studies (such as history and appreciation of art, ceramics, drawing, film and video, painting, pottery, printmaking, sculpture and visual communication), as well as studying the elements of design, graphics, product design and environmental studies.

Personal requirements for a Teacher - Art

Artistic talent
Enjoy creative work
Enthusiastic, patient and tactful
Good communication skills
A commitment to ongoing professional development
Creativity
Good organisational skills
Enjoy teaching and working with young people
Prepared to work outside of school hours

Education & Training for a Teacher - Art

To become an art teacher you usually need to complete a four-year integrated course or double degree in which the subject area and teaching components are taught throughout (a Bachelor of Education with a major in creative, graphic or visual arts, for example). Alternatively, you can complete a degree with a major in creative, graphic or visual arts, followed by a postgraduate qualification in education such as a Graduate Diploma of Education. To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, visual arts and design are normally required. Applicants may also be required to submit a portfolio and attend an interview. Institutions have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Additional information

Before undertaking practical placements required by courses, students will need to obtain a Working with Children Check. A National Police Certificate may also be required. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.You will need to register with the teaching board in your state or territory. Teachers are required by mandatory reporting laws to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.

Duties & Tasks of a Teacher - Art

Art teachers in secondary schools:

Undertake general teaching tasks (see the separate entry for Teacher - Secondary)
Set up and maintain facilities such as photographic darkrooms, kilns for ceramic work, studios and storage areas
Order and maintain art resources and materials within the budget allowance
Demonstrate the use of art materials and tools such as oils, watercolours, palettes and palette knives, brushes, pens, pencils, dyes, clay, fabric, canvas and paper
Inspire students and assist them to develop their creativity and self-expression through various art forms and media
Arrange for exhibitions of student work in and out of school.

Tasks

Guiding discussions and supervising work in class
Presenting prescribed curriculum using a range of teaching techniques and materials
Performing extra-curricular tasks such as assisting with sport, school concerts, excursions and special interest programs
Maintaining class and scholastic records
Maintaining discipline in classrooms and other school areas
Discussing individual progress and problems with students and parents, and seeking advice from Student Counsellors and senior teachers
Developing students' interests, abilities and coordination by way of creative activities
Preparing, administering and marking tests, projects and assignments to evaluate students' progress and recording the results
Supervising student teachers on placement
Participating in staff meetings, educational conferences and workshops
Liaising with parent, community and business groups

Employment Opportunities for a Teacher - Art

Art teachers are employed in both government and non-government schools, generally at secondary level. Graduate employment prospects are better for those who are willing to work in non-metropolitan areas.

Specializations

Private Art Teacher

A private art teacher instructs individual students in the practice, theory and history of art. They usually specialise in one aspect of art and teach from their own home or studio.

Teacher - Art

Average age
43 years
Future Growth
Moderate
Gender Share
62% female
Average full-time
46 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,914
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
76% Full-Time
Employment Size
138,300 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 1.7%
NSW: 33.5%
NT: 0.7%
QLD: 19.0%
SA: 6.3%
TAS: 2.2%
VIC: 26.4%
WA: 10.2%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.2%
20-24: 4.2%
25-34: 25.8%
35-44: 23.9%
45-54: 23.5%
55-59: 11.1%
60-64: 7.8%
65 and Over: 3.6%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 3.1%
Bachelor degree: 57.6%
Below Year 10: 0%
Certificate III/IV: 0.2%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 37.7%
Year 10 and below: 0.1%
Year 11: 0%
Year 12: 1.2%
Years 11 & 10: 0%