What Courses Are Needed to Become an Art Teacher

Art teachers are expected to understand educational theory, art production and art history. A well-rounded college program requires completion of courses within these three disciplines as well as general studies and time spent in a functioning classroom. Many states grant teaching credentials only after completion of a "Fifth Year" program or a Master's degree in Education. Check with your state to determine their requirements.

Students will take courses in educational psychology, multicultural education, educational technology and educational foundations. Students will learn how to manage a classroom, write lesson plans, structure assessments, incorporate technology and diversify instruction.

Students will take courses in discipline-based art education. They will learn how to structure an art class around the four disciplines of art aesthetics, art production, art history and art critique.

Future art teachers will take beginning drawing and three-dimensional art classes. Most colleges also require a focus in either ceramics, sculpture, painting, photography, metals, drawing or graphic art.

Art education majors must take general art history classes that span from the earliest cave paintings to post-modern art. Students are usually also required to take an additional art history class that focuses more intensely on one art movement.

Art education programs require students to teach in a functioning classroom. Future art teachers will be placed in a classroom and they will teach their original lesson plans to students. They will also be responsible for classroom management and assessment.

All college degrees also require completion of general studies that include math, English, psychology, science, history and humanities.