Art Education Career Opportunities

Public schools require state licensure in art education in order to teach. K-12 certification permits art educators to choose teaching in a high school (9-12), middle school (6-8) and/or elementary school (K-5). Many private schools also offer elementary, middle, and high school art experiences. Art museums have art education coordinators. Art educators in the museum setting design instructional aids and lesson plans for schoolteachers to use in their classroom or while visiting the museum. Museum art educators also train and coordinate the docent or tour guide program that takes visitors through the collection of the museum, as well as teach groups of students and individuals about the artwork in the museum. Art educators teach after school and summer programs to children and/or adults, or teach art in adult education. Art educators may teach at the community college or university level with appropriate degrees (Master’s, M.F.A or Doctorate) determined by the hiring institution. Art educators can also attain a degree in art therapy.

Salary Trends in Art Education

Art teachers are paid on the same scale as other teachers of comparable training. In Tennessee, teachers are paid according to their formal education (bachelors degree, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate) and the number of years taught. The salary levels vary from state to state, as well as salary differences between school systems. Many state departments of education offer listings of salaries often through their Internet sites. Additional monies in art education may come from extended learning programs or contracts provided by the school.

Upon graduating from the University of Tennessee with a B.F.A. or B.A. art education students complete a one-year internship in the schools which is considered the equivalent of a first year of teaching. In addition, most art education graduates complete their Masters degree at the end of their teaching year. The Masters degree at the end of their teaching year. This master's degree and one year of teaching allows art education graduates to be compensated two steps up on the pay scale.

Contact CEHHS

335 Claxton Complex 1122 Volunteer Boulevard
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996

Phone: 865-974-2201
Fax: 865-974-8718