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Alternative Certification for Teachers
Art (Grades EC-12) Teacher Certification
An educator candidate looking to achieve an alternative certification in art will typically prepare for all grades from early childhood through twelfth grade. The wide scope of the certification is to best enable a teacher the ability to serve an entire school district which is often the scenario for art teachers. In some cases art educators are able to teach specifically at the elementary level, middle school or high school grades and may very well gain more experience in one area than another over the course of their career. However, it is fairly standard for an art teacher to be prepared for a large span of grades and talent.
The academic courses required for art education will range from medium techniques such as drawing, painting, pottery and sculpting through to foundations in topics such as print making, ceramics, photographic arts and alternative mediums such as metal. Technology use within art topics is also widely necessary in today’s educational environment.
Additional subjects which will require an expected level of expertise would include art history, design and color applications. One of the most difficult aspects in teaching art to students is maintaining the momentum of their creativity and helping a student to translate their vision through the medium of choice. Just as the creative merit of art education is necessary for being an effective teacher, so is the ability to teach the subject in a universal way for all students. Encompassing the skills, interests and abilities of a wide range of students is difficult regardless of the topic being taught but the ability to manage the breadth of skills is what will define an effective art educator.
Translating a passion for art in to a career in education can be a difficult road to traverse. Creative talent is a valuable attribute for a teacher but teaching is the necessary focus of an educator. An internship or student teaching experience is typically required for obtaining an alternative teaching certification. The ability to learn firsthand from students and educators in the field as well as explore where your strengths and weaknesses may lie is an incredibly valuable opportunity.