Art Teacher Education Programs

(found programs from 761 schools)

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Below is a directory (broken down by state) of all of the Art Teacher Education programs we could find, from over 1,700 accredited colleges and universities across the US.

Introduction to Art Education Careers

The arts - whether visual, musical, or dramatic - are forms of self-expression central to every civilization. Exposure to the arts is widely accepted as key to a well-rounded education, and a steady stream of research indicates that arts education improves overall academic performance. Music, drama and visual arts teachers help students discover and develop their own artistic skills and foster a life-long appreciation for the arts.

Art Education Job Description

Arts teachers may specialize in visual arts, music or drama at the elementary, middle or secondary level. They may teach in a single school or travel from school to school within a district. Instruction tends to be generalized at the elementary level and grow increasingly specialized at the middle and secondary levels.

Depending on their specialization, arts teachers fill a variety of roles in a school. In addition to teaching classes in theory, history, or appreciation, they may direct plays and musicals or oversee the school band or orchestra.

Art Education Requirements

Art, music, and drama teachers at both the elementary and secondary levels are subject to the same state licensing requirements as other teachers. All 50 states require that public school teachers be licensed. Arts teachers in private schools do not have to be licensed. Licensing requires a bachelor's degree from an approved teacher education program, a student teaching internship, and a passing score on a competency test. Regular professional development is required to maintain an active teaching license.

Art Education Career Outlook

A 2008 study by the American Association for Employment in Education found that the supply of arts teachers is relatively balanced with demand. As with other teaching specialties, arts teachers will find the most job opportunities if they are geographically mobile and willing to consider positions in rural or less desirable school districts. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for teachers in 2008 was between $47,000 to $51, 000. The lowest 10 percent of teachers earned between $31,000 and $34,000 while the highest 10 percent earned between $75,000 and $80,000. Private school salaries are generally lower than those of public schools.

Art Education Trends

Despite perceptions that schools are cutting arts education programs, a recent study by the National Assessment of Educational Progress found that the frequency of music and visual arts instruction among eighth grade students attending schools where such instruction was offered held steady between 1997 and 2008. In addition, the study found that arts teachers are incorporating more writing into their instruction but visiting museums, galleries, and exhibits less frequently.

Online Art Education Degree Programs

Whether you are an art educator already working in the classroom or a working artist looking to become an educator, there is likely an online art education program to meet your needs.

Using a variety of technology, including email, live chats, discussion forums and Web-based courses accessible at any time, online art education programs deliver the same content as traditional, campus-based programs but in a more flexible format.

Most online art education programs include courses on art history and the philosophy and pedagogy of art education, as well as studio electives in various art disciplines. Many also require a student teaching practicum and/or a comprehensive studio project. It's possible to complete an online art education degree in as little as two years.

To ensure a program meets established national standards, look for accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and/or the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Also, make sure the program you choose has strong student support services. A 2009 report on online teacher preparation programs by consulting firm Eduventures found such services are essential to student success in online programs.

Online Art Education Degrees to Consider:

Prestigious Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts, offers an online Master of Arts in art education that can be completed without interfering with your current classroom or day-to-day responsibilities. This program includes a nine-day summer studio session on the Boston University campus during which students take electives in various art disciplines.

East Carolina University's online Master of Arts in education with a concentration in art is designed for current elementary, middle and secondary art teachers. The university is located in Greenville, North Carolina, but this program is offered entirely online. It includes an option to complete either a thesis or a comprehensive studio project.

If you're interested in teaching in sunny Florida, the University of Florida in Gainesville has an online Master of Arts in art education with an educator preparation track that can lead to Florida K-12 art education certification. This program includes a teacher internship.


Useful Resources


Featured Online Programs:


Walden University

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Are we missing any schools or programs? If so, please let us know! We appreciate your help in making this the best directory of Education Degree Programs on the web. You can send us an email at schools@educationdegree.com.