What Courses Are Needed to Become an Art Teacher

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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.

1 Educational Theory

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.

2 Art Education

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.

3 Studio Art

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.

4 Art History

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.

5 Student Teaching

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.

6 General Studies

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

Libby Bee works as a freelance writer for various online publications such as Suite 101 and eHow. She possesses a magazine journalism degree and a master's in secondary education. Bee also blogs about writing, art and business.

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