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Angel
Student
Mansfield, Ohio
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How long has it taken to get a local job with an art education degree?
I’ve dreamed of being an art teacher but am unsure if the cost will be worth it.
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Dr H
Dr. H's Research
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Australia
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Dr’s Answer
Hey Angel,
Alright so let me tell you, it’s a journey, but it can be incredibly rewarding. First off, the timeline to land a local job can vary depending on your location, but typically, it can take anywhere from a few months to a couple of years after you graduate. A lot of it depends on your networking, the schools in your area, and whether there’s a demand for art teachers.
Here’s the thing: The cost of the degree is an investment, not just in the title but in the experience, skills, and connections you'll build along the way. Plus, the passion you have for art is a huge motivator that can carry you through the challenges. Teaching art is more than just creating and showing students how to paint—it’s about nurturing creativity, inspiring students, and giving them the space to grow.
So if you are still unsure of cost of becoming an art teacher......Here’s a few pros and cons I can tell you which I hope clears things out.
Pros:
Creativity is your superpower: You get to infuse creativity into everything. It’s not just about teaching techniques—it’s about fostering imagination and encouraging students to express themselves in unique ways.
You’re the fun teacher: Let’s face it—being the art teacher means you’re probably the coolest one in school. No one ever forgets the teacher who lets them paint outside the lines.
Job satisfaction: There's a special feeling that comes with seeing your students' growth and helping them unlock their creative potential.
Cons:
Not the highest pay: Let's be real, art teachers often don’t make as much as others. But hey, we get paid in smiles and masterpieces.
Resource struggles: Budget cuts might make it hard to get all the supplies you need. Sometimes, it's a DIY approach to teaching with what you can find around the school. Some schools don't supply everything and it will be hard, but if you are passionate and dedicated you will always find a way. I worked in a primary school where they lacked supplies, and I had only a minimum usage so what I would do is tell students to bring reusable objects every week. I had create art projects, designs, DIYs, presentations, and all with what we could and what we had. What I am saying is that if you don't want to end up short, just tell the students to bring what they don't use. Make a Friday or Monday bring your non-used object. Collect, Gather, Save, Reuse.
Overlooked subject: Art might not always be valued like math or science. You’ll sometimes have to fight to make it a priority. But then again, it matters where you are, which country, and what matters there.
But at the end of the day, if you’re passionate about art and teaching, the cost will always be worth it, because inspiring others is priceless!
Also I like to share with you that becoming an art teacher doesn't block you off, but there are many ways you can excel. I totally remember this moment from primary school! My sister was all excited to become a teacher too, but then they kinda didn't want art in their school so she was given an English teaching position. What I did I saw my sisters passion, her potential and I marketed about her paintings and made a poster starting a side class for individuals who would love to learn art. I managed the course for her and she was surprised when students started to enrol. Art will pay off because there are still many who wants to learn it when they cant in schools and the pay is decent. I mean you are not planning to run to Saturn anytime soon so don't worry about it.
Hope this helps you clear things out Angel but if you got any other questions, just feel free to always ask. I hope I managed to give in as much I could. Stay awesome!
Before you even graduate, see if there are any part-time or volunteer opportunities where you can teach art classes. Schools, community centers, or even local museums may have openings for assistant teaching positions or after-school programs. This experience will not only beef up your resume but also give you a taste of what it’s like to be in a classroom.
Teachers often get hired based on connections as much as credentials. Join art communities, both online and in person, and stay engaged with your professors or mentors—they can often help guide you to job openings. You can make a LinkedIn account even if you dont verify it yet just start connecting, learning, reading, just start.
Think outside the box: If the traditional teaching route doesn’t open up right away, consider alternative ways to use your degree—after-school programs, summer camps, private tutoring, or even teaching online art classes.
This is a path driven by passion, and sometimes you need to remind yourself why you’re doing it. Art is a unique field where your love for it will resonate with your students, and that’s the magic believe me so just stay inspired.
Alright so let me tell you, it’s a journey, but it can be incredibly rewarding. First off, the timeline to land a local job can vary depending on your location, but typically, it can take anywhere from a few months to a couple of years after you graduate. A lot of it depends on your networking, the schools in your area, and whether there’s a demand for art teachers.
Here’s the thing: The cost of the degree is an investment, not just in the title but in the experience, skills, and connections you'll build along the way. Plus, the passion you have for art is a huge motivator that can carry you through the challenges. Teaching art is more than just creating and showing students how to paint—it’s about nurturing creativity, inspiring students, and giving them the space to grow.
So if you are still unsure of cost of becoming an art teacher......Here’s a few pros and cons I can tell you which I hope clears things out.
Pros:
Creativity is your superpower: You get to infuse creativity into everything. It’s not just about teaching techniques—it’s about fostering imagination and encouraging students to express themselves in unique ways.
You’re the fun teacher: Let’s face it—being the art teacher means you’re probably the coolest one in school. No one ever forgets the teacher who lets them paint outside the lines.
Job satisfaction: There's a special feeling that comes with seeing your students' growth and helping them unlock their creative potential.
Cons:
Not the highest pay: Let's be real, art teachers often don’t make as much as others. But hey, we get paid in smiles and masterpieces.
Resource struggles: Budget cuts might make it hard to get all the supplies you need. Sometimes, it's a DIY approach to teaching with what you can find around the school. Some schools don't supply everything and it will be hard, but if you are passionate and dedicated you will always find a way. I worked in a primary school where they lacked supplies, and I had only a minimum usage so what I would do is tell students to bring reusable objects every week. I had create art projects, designs, DIYs, presentations, and all with what we could and what we had. What I am saying is that if you don't want to end up short, just tell the students to bring what they don't use. Make a Friday or Monday bring your non-used object. Collect, Gather, Save, Reuse.
Overlooked subject: Art might not always be valued like math or science. You’ll sometimes have to fight to make it a priority. But then again, it matters where you are, which country, and what matters there.
But at the end of the day, if you’re passionate about art and teaching, the cost will always be worth it, because inspiring others is priceless!
Also I like to share with you that becoming an art teacher doesn't block you off, but there are many ways you can excel. I totally remember this moment from primary school! My sister was all excited to become a teacher too, but then they kinda didn't want art in their school so she was given an English teaching position. What I did I saw my sisters passion, her potential and I marketed about her paintings and made a poster starting a side class for individuals who would love to learn art. I managed the course for her and she was surprised when students started to enrol. Art will pay off because there are still many who wants to learn it when they cant in schools and the pay is decent. I mean you are not planning to run to Saturn anytime soon so don't worry about it.
Hope this helps you clear things out Angel but if you got any other questions, just feel free to always ask. I hope I managed to give in as much I could. Stay awesome!
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