How to Be Art Instructor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 5, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Exposure to art can have a profound effect on a person's life, from increasing cognitive skills to developing creativity and self-expression. Studies have shown that art instruction can improve children's academic performance, enhance critical thinking skills, and even improve social skills. those with art training tend to have higher self-esteem and be more open to diverse perspectives.

Furthermore, art can be an effective form of communication, as it helps people express their emotions and experiences in a safe and creative way. Art instruction is a powerful tool for cultivating creativity and understanding, and its impact can be felt for years to come.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. A bachelors degree in art or a related field is the minimum educational requirement to become an art instructor. Classes that are useful for aspiring art instructors can include art history, studio art, painting, sculpting, graphic arts, art theory and criticism.
Get Certified. Some states require art instructors to be certified teachers. To become certified, you must complete a teacher preparation program (normally through a college or university) and pass a certification exam.
Gain Teaching Experience. Most schools prefer to hire art instructors who have teaching experience. Look for ways to gain pertinent experience, such as volunteering to teach art classes at a local community center or non-profit organization.
Apply for Positions. Once you have the required education, certification (if applicable) and experience, you can begin applying for available positions. Keep an eye out for job postings in local and online job boards, as well as on the websites of individual schools and organizations.
Stay Up-to-Date. To stay competitive in the field, it is important to stay up-to-date on new teaching methods, technologies and trends in the art world. Participate in professional development opportunities and take continuing education classes relevant to your field.

When learning how to become an ideal and competent art instructor, there are many factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to have a comprehensive knowledge in the subject of art and its techniques, as well as a sound understanding of the fundamentals of teaching. Secondly, it is necessary to be able to inspire and motivate students, while also being able to assess their individual skill levels.

Thirdly, it is critical to be organized and communicative with students, parents, and other staff members. Finally, the ability to create a safe and creative learning environment is key. By having a comprehensive knowledge of art and its techniques, demonstrating effective teaching methods, and creating an inspiring and supportive learning atmosphere, art instructors can become ideal and competent professionals.

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Job Description

Develop and implement curriculum and lesson plans to teach art to students of all ages.
Design and deliver classroom instruction in areas such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, and photography.
Utilize a variety of teaching techniques to encourage student learning, including lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.
Grade student's artwork and provide feedback to help them improve their skills and techniques.
Monitor student progress, evaluating artwork and providing constructive feedback.
Create and maintain a safe and supportive learning environment.
Maintain necessary records, such as attendance and grades.
Collaborate with colleagues, administrators, and parents to develop programs and activities that meet the needs of students.
Keep up-to-date with developments in the field of art instruction, including best practices for teaching art at all levels.
Participate in professional development workshops and conferences to stay abreast of current trends in art education.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of various art mediums and techniques (e. g. painting, drawing, sculpting, etc. )
Ability to communicate ideas effectively to students
Ability to help students develop their artistic skills
Understanding of color theory and composition
Knowledge of art history
Ability to create a safe and creative learning environment
Patience and understanding of individual student learning styles
Good organizational and time management skills
Ability to assess student progress and provide feedback
Understanding of the principles of design

Having strong communication and interpersonal skills is an essential skill for any art instructor. Art instructors need to be able to effectively communicate their ideas and instructions to students. They must also be patient and tolerant when working with students who may have different levels of understanding of the material being taught.

In addition, being able to explain the creative process and its importance to ones work is another important skill. By having the ability to explain the creative process in terms that are understandable to their students, an art instructor helps to foster a deeper appreciation for art and creative pursuits. Furthermore, being able to understand and respond to student questions, provide feedback, and offer constructive criticism is another important skill for any art instructor.

By utilizing these skills, art instructors can create a more engaging and effective learning environment for their students.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have teaching art?
What art classes have you taught?
What aspects of art education do you find the most rewarding?
How do you develop lesson plans for art classes?
How do you handle discipline in a classroom setting?
How do you assess the progress of your students?
What strategies do you use to motivate and engage your students?
Do you have experience working with diverse student populations?
How do you use technology in your classroom?
What do you think sets you apart from other art instructors?

Common Tools in Industry

Brushes. Used to apply paint to a canvas or other surface. (eg: fan brush for blending)
Palette knives. Used to mix paints on a palette or to spread paint directly onto a canvas. (eg: metal blade for scraping)
Pencils. Used to draw and sketch in detail on paper or canvas. (eg: graphite pencil for shading)
Paints. Available in a variety of mediums and colors, used to add color and texture to artwork. (eg: oil paints for blending)
Canvas. A stretched fabric used as a surface for painting. (eg: unprimed canvas for an abstract painting)
Easel. A stand used to support a painting while working on it. (eg: H-frame easel for larger canvases)
Sketchpad. A pad of paper used to quickly draw out ideas or concepts. (eg: spiral bound sketchpad for portability)
Markers. Used to make fine lines or bold strokes with ink or paint. (eg: alcohol-based markers for vibrant colors)
Charcoal. A common drawing material used to create dark, bold lines and smudges. (eg: compressed charcoal sticks for thin lines)
Tape. Used to secure a canvas or paper to a surface while working on it. (eg: masking tape for easy removal)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Art Education Association
American Alliance of Museums
International Council of Fine Arts Deans
College Art Association
National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts
National Association of Schools of Art and Design
International Society of Education Through Art
Society of Illustrators
Modern Language Association
Art Libraries Society of North America

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Common Important Terms

Color Theory. The study of how colors interact and how they can be used to create desired effects.
Composition. The arrangement of elements within an artwork to create a unified piece.
Perspective. A technique used to create a three-dimensional effect in a two-dimensional representation.
Drawing. The act of creating a picture with a pencil or other drawing utensil.
Figure Drawing. Drawing the human figure in proportion and with accuracy.
Painting. The act of applying pigment to a canvas or other surface with a brush or other tool.
Value. The lightness or darkness of a color, or the range between white and black.
Light and Shadow. The use of light to create the illusion of depth and volume in a painting.
Form. The three-dimensional shape of an object.
Texture. The use of various techniques to create the illusion of physical texture on a flat surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do Art Instructors need?

Art Instructors typically require a bachelor's degree in Art or a related field, as well as experience in the subject matter they teach.

What skills do Art Instructors need?

Art Instructors need to possess excellent communication skills, be knowledgeable in their field, and be able to teach a variety of art techniques.

What is the job outlook for Art Instructors?

The job outlook for Art Instructors is expected to grow 3% from 2019-2029.

What job duties do Art Instructors have?

Art Instructors typically plan and deliver instruction, create lesson plans and curriculum, grade student work, and collaborate with other instructors. They also provide individual feedback to students and assess student progress.

What is the average salary for an Art Instructor?

The average salary for an Art Instructor is approximately $44,000 per year.

Web Resources

Department of Art Instructors | School of Art + Design artdesign.uoregon.edu
ART Art Instructor Qualifications | Instructor Qualifications at PCC www.pcc.edu
Faculty | Academy of Art University www.academyart.edu