Becoming an Art Teacher: A Comprehensive Guide to Requirements and Opportunities in California

The role of an art teacher is to encourage creativity and foster various art skills within their students as they progress through an art class. As this takes place, teachers have the opportunity to watch art competencies grow and mature in their students as they continue learning. Most art classrooms consist of visual art activities such as drawing, painting, sculpting, and photography.

In 2001, California legislators made many policy changes to the California Education Code including what would be required coursework for all students. Much to the surprise of many, visual and performing arts were included as mandatory subjects. For the last decade-plus all public schools in California have included art instruction as part of their regular curriculum. In 2001, visual and performing arts also became core subjects in federal elementary and secondary education legislation with the No Child Left Behind Act. While many schools are now leaving that program, art still remains a subject taught in California schools.

If you are interested in an art career, art teacher requirements include some background, training, or talent in a particular area of art. Many times, these skills are acquired by completing various college courses. In general, most aspiring art teachers need at least an undergraduate degree to pursue a career in art education. As mentioned above, art teachers are not expected to excel in every area of visual art for art teacher jobs. While pursuing an undergraduate art degree, students must choose an area of emphasis (drawing, painting, sculpting, graphic design, and more). This area will become the art student’s most advanced skill.

An art teacher is responsible for structuring content to address many of the above-mentioned skills to expose students to a variety of art experiences.

If you want to become an art teacher in California, you will find there are a few choices both in education as well as two options for credentialing. Here are the steps to get you started on the pathway to teaching:

Read also: Impact of Teacher Shouting

Step 1: Pursue an Education and Degree

If you want to become an art teacher in California there are a few ways that you can complete your education. California requires all public school teachers to hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. The educational requirements that will prepare you to teach art vary depend on which grade level you plan to teach. In California, elementary school teachers will need to have a broader education than secondary school teachers. Teaching in junior high and high school require you to be proficient in a single subject area.

California has six agencies that approve educational institutions. It is important that you find a program approved by one of these agencies.

Elementary School Bachelor's Degree

Elementary school teachers will need a broader education. General coursework subject examples will include the following:

Introduction to education
History including Constitution and Government
Sociology
Philosophy (concepts and theory)
Human development
Child psychology
Adolescent growth and development
Teaching methods
Learning theories
Technology

Secondary School Bachelor's Degree

If you wish to teach upper grades, your degree will have more courses that are subject focused. This means that you will be taking more art courses. The breakdown of your bachelor’s degree may look something like this:

44 Units Lower Division General Education as listed above for the elementary education plus:
27 Units Preparation for the Major.
45 Units Requirements for the Major (art related coursework).
4 Units Electives.

Alternative Route: Intern Program

California offers a District Intern Program as an alternative route to a teaching credential. This program allows you to become a teacher if you already hold a bachelor's degree.

Constitution or pass a test given by a regionally accredited college or university on the subject.
Complete 120 hours of training in child development and methods for teaching art in your grade level or 6 semester units of courses in the same area.
If you will teach in a bilingual class you will have instruction in the culture and methods of teaching to English language learners.
Take any other courses the district feels necessary for your training.
Complete an annual evaluation.

For grades 6-12 you will also have to prove your proficient in art by completing a Commission approved art preparation program or pass a test proving your subject matter competency.

Once you have completed your education you are now ready to take your exams.

Step 2: Receive a Passing Score on State Exams

Aside from completing an undergraduate degree in art, potential teachers will need to receive initial teaching certification to qualify to teach in a school setting. Licensure typically consists of passing a formal test (such as a Praxis test) that addresses a variety of art content for art teacher certification.

The next step in the process is to take the exams necessary for the preliminary California teaching certification. You must pass the basic skills tests. In California the following tests are required:

CBEST - the CBEST will test your basic knowledge of writing, math, and reading.
CSET - tests your skills in your subject area as well as technology.
CTEL - this test replaces the CLAD test that many were familiar with in the past. It is a test that helps teachers with English language learners in the classroom.

To prepare for your exams, California has study guides and materials available that will assist you. Once you are confident that you are ready to take the tests, you will need to apply and schedule your appointment. Here is what you need:

Register Online. This will require you fill out an account and pay your fee with a credit card
Once you register you will have a date and place assigned for your testing

Step 3: Apply for Your Credential

After you have successfully passed your exams, you are now ready to apply for your credential. In California, you will initially receive a Five Year Preliminary Credential. The grade level you teach will determine which credential you receive - either single subject or multiple subject.

Elementary School Teachers

To teach elementary school you will need a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

The Multiple Subject Teaching Credential allows you to teach any subject (including art) in a self-contained classroom like those we are all familiar with in elementary school. Multiple subject teachers can also act as a team teacher or serve in a core teaching setting.

When you are ready to apply for your credential here is a checklist of what you will need and the application form:

Obtain a LiveScan and a certificate of clearance.
Send in verification of teaching certification in California.
Submit your application and fee.
Submit all college transcripts.
Complete computer technology coursework
Submit your passing test scores of the CBEST, CSET, CTEL
Submit to: California Commission on Teacher Credentialing 1900 Capitol Avenue Sacramento, CA 95811-4213

Secondary School Teachers

To teach secondary level schools you will need a Single Subject Teaching Credential. If you want to teach in the middle or secondary schools in California, you will need the Single Subject Teaching Credential in Art. This credential denotes that you are proficient in your subject.

When you are ready to apply for your credential here is a checklist and application form:

Obtain a LiveScan and a certificate of clearance.
Send in verification of teaching certification in California.
Submit your application and fee.
Submit all college transcripts.
Complete computer technology coursework
Submit your passing test scores of the CBEST, CSE, CSETSubtest I 140141 Subtest II
Submit to: California Commission on Teacher Credentialing 1900 Capitol Avenue Sacramento, CA 95811-4213

For more information visit: California State Department of Education

Clear Credential

The next phase of your credential program is obtaining a clear credential. You have five years to clear your preliminary credential. In order to obtain a clear credential in California here are two possible options for both single and multiple subject credentials:

Option 1: Complete your educational program that includes a Teacher Induction Program with a through a California school district, county educational office, or college. You will need to submit your application through your program sponsor.
Option 2: If option one is deeded to be unavailable to you, then you may be able to complete a Commission-approved Clear Credential Teacher Preparation Program (previously called a fifth year program) at an accredited California college or university.
Option 3: If you are certified by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards in a qualifying subject you will be able to apply for a clear credential.

All clear credential submissions must be completed online.

Step 4: Continuing Your Education

For art teachers in K-12, at one point the state of California required 150 hours of continuing education. While they still have that requirement, proof of your participation is somewhat less stringent and only requires your signature at this time. One way to maximize your continuing education credits is to add to your credentials. Holders of Single Subject Teaching Credentials may have one or more subjects added to their credential as a supplementary authorization.

This added credential - particularly with art - may be a great addition as it can help prepare you to teach other subjects in the event of budget cuts at your school when programs are scaled back. The arts tend to be one of the first programs that are looked at when budgets are tight. Adding to your teaching credentials with a secondary subject could be a great way to maximize your chances of employment.

Art Teacher Salaries in California

According to the National Education Association, the average starting salary for teachers in California (as of 2011) is $41,259, which is significantly higher than the national average of $36,141.

The California Department of Labor does not provide data on art teacher salaries as a separate unit, but tracks salaries for elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers as larger categories. The department reports the following annual mean wages and employment numbers as of May 2013:

Occupation title	Employment	Annual mean wage
Elementary School Teachers	23,840	$49,720
Middle School Teachers	12,830	$50,300
Secondary School Teachers	15,920	$51,540

However, teacher salaries can vary significantly by location. A sample of the median salaries and employment figures as reported by the California Department of Labor for some major cities appears below (note that not all locations track all categories):

Location	Occupation	Employment	Median Salary
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA	Elementary School Teachers	32,620	$72,360
	Middle School Teachers	11,010	$67,270
	Secondary School Teachers	24,450	$69,270
Fresno	Elementary School Teachers	3,860	$67,890
	Middle School Teachers	1,660	$64,150
	Secondary School Teachers	3,520	$69,600
Napa	Elementary School Teachers	420	$65,020
	Middle School Teachers	Not Released	$77,810
	Secondary School Teachers	Not Released	$63,650
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA	Elementary School Teachers	15,000	$69,250
	Middle School Teachers	5,390	$67,980
	Secondary School Teachers	11,270	$69,990
Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Goleta, CA	Elementary School Teachers	2,150	$68,540
	Middle School Teachers	210	$49,910

The state’s salary schedules vary by school district. According to the California Department of Education, the average lowest salary offered in the state as of the 2012-2013 school year was $40,329, while the average highest was $79,279. The average salary overall was $69,435. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Advantages of Becoming an Art Teacher

There are several advantages to becoming an art teacher and why you should consider it! As an art teacher, you can receive some type of competitive teacher salary. If you hold an additional degree, such as a master’s degree or higher, you may even be eligible for a higher salary if your school district offers those incentives.

One of the most exciting things about art is that it constantly fosters creativity and other benefits to student learning. This holds for almost every visual art element from painting to photography. Professional development opportunities for art teachers is more often formulated to grow and advance a teacher’s ability to introduce content in the classroom.

As mentioned previously, one of the best rewards of teaching art to students is watching them learn and grow in their abilities. It is also amazing to witness students find something that they are passionate about or discover skills that they did not realize they had!

Additional Steps to Consider

Complete an undergraduate degree in an arts program. If you already hold a degree in education or an art field, some states and school districts may allow you to pursue an additional certification to be able to teach art to students. In addition, if the need for an art teacher is great, some school districts may be allowed to apply for a waiver that will enable you to teach without the proper certification or while you pursue certification.
Create a resume that showcases your skills. You will want to include important information regarding your ability to teach students and your artistic background and training.

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