Interested in becoming an art teacher — but can’t find the time for classes?
Online programs make it possible to get qualified around any schedule. Whether you’re always on the go with work or kids, online degrees are designed to fit your life — not the other way around.
So who’s looking into this and why does demand across the country keep growing?
Demand for art teachers is higher than ever. According to the Learning Policy Institute, “In Fall 2022, there were at least 411,549 teaching positions” across America that were “either vacant or filled by a teacher working without full certification in the subject(s) or grade level(s) they were teaching.” That’s over 1 in every 8 teaching jobs.
If you can become part of the solution, opportunities to teach art at the K-12 level are abundant.
Students who pursue an art education degree online can benefit from the structured environment of an accredited program without having to set foot on campus. It’s the same degree with more time in your day.
Ready to learn more? Keep reading!
What You’ll Learn:
- What Is an Online Art Education Degree?
- Art Teacher Demand is Growing
- Online Programs Can Prepare You Too
- Things to Consider When Researching Art Programs
- Ideal Candidates for Online Art Degrees
What Is an Online Art Education Degree?
Put simply, an online art education degree prepares students to teach visual art in elementary through high school settings.
Programs will usually include foundations in studio art, art history, curriculum development, and teaching methods. All from the comfort of your own home and at an earned pace that works with your life.
Most programs can lead to one of two degrees:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art Education
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Art Education
Graduates can typically qualify to become licensed art teachers in their state after fulfilling each state’s individual requirements.
The goal of an art education degree is to ensure new teachers are creating art themselves while understanding how to guide their future students in developing their own artistic skills.
Art Teacher Demand is Growing
Right now, school districts all over the US are facing critical struggles to fill their teaching positions.
In fact, going into the 2024-25 school year, 74% of districts reported some level of difficulty when it came to staffing their classrooms. Even fewer individuals are enrolling in teacher preparation programs, meaning there are simply less candidates to fill teaching vacancies as baby boomers retire.
That means schools are cutting art courses, increasing class sizes, and forcing teachers from other disciplines to “teach” art.
However, there is a bright side if you’re looking to become an art teacher.
All of these vacancies mean that qualified art teachers have opportunities to not only land a teaching position, but in many cases select where they want to live and which school they want to teach at.
If you go into the classroom with the right credentials, becoming an art teacher is a smart career choice.
Online Programs Can Prepare You Too
When researching art programs online, it’s important to understand how these programs work.
Some are 100% asynchronous, meaning students never have to log in at a certain time to participate in class. While others offer a hybrid model with certain days for live discussion or online “studio classes.” Take the time to understand how each program is delivered.
Art programs also vary in terms of studio production. The best programs put studio practice at the forefront of the educational experience. Becoming a teacher is important — but students will also learn to draw, paint, sculpt, and think critically about their own work. There’s no better way to teach these concepts than to experience it yourself.
Things to Consider When Researching Art Programs
There are many different aspects of each program worth considering before enrolling. There are some items that are non-negotiable, but beyond that the best option is the one that fits individual educational needs.
- Accreditation — Online or not, only attend an accredited program. Being accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD) or a regional accreditor ensures that when you graduate you’ll have a degree that employers and your state’s licensing board will recognize.
- State you’d like to teach in — Each state has different requirements for art teachers. Make sure the program offers guidance and alignment with your state’s licensing process.
- Student Teaching — In most states a student teaching portion is required to fulfill teaching credentials. Choose a program that will help place you in a local teaching environment versus one that requires you to complete this on your own.
- Educators as Faculty — Ideally, learning should come from teachers who have experience in the classroom. Teaching elementary or high school students is very different from teaching university students. Make sure the faculty running these online programs have recent experience at that level.
- Support — Because online programs are asynchronous, motivation to get work done on time is essential. Make sure the schools you’re looking into offer ample student support, and aren’t just a video version of your local community college.
Ideal Candidates for Online Art Degrees
Online art education degrees are best for a select type of student.
For anyone looking to become an online art teacher, it helps to honestly assess whether the following apply:
- Need to work while you study. Online degrees are great for those who need a flexible class schedule that allows them to work while they study.
- Changing careers and have a background in art. Depending on the program, it may be possible to receive credit for past coursework or skip foundational classes.
- Already a paraeducator or teacher’s aid at a local school. Many online programs offer art education specifics, which makes them perfect for people who have wanted to become an art teacher but don’t have a background in fine arts.
- Live in a rural area that doesn’t have access to a school offering art degrees.
Asking these questions should help clarify whether being an online learner is the right fit. There’s nothing wrong with taking a few art classes at a community college or going on-campus to earn a degree.
Just know that online programs tend to thrive with a certain type of student. Those that are self-starters.
Wrap Up
Online art education degrees are a great way to go into teaching with both the skills to create art as well as the knowledge to teach students in a classroom.
With large portions of the US facing teacher shortages at the entry level, jobs are available. As long as the online program selected is accredited and will allow students to receive their state teaching credentials.
Take your time. Do your research. And get ready to change the way students view art.
You’re about to become an art teacher.
Two Jersey Moms, a pediatric occupational therapist & elementary school teacher, providing fun and simple activities to get your little ones learning through play.