Should I major in "Secondary Education" or "Art" to Become an Art Teacher?

Malissa Porth: I think if you have a talent forget the art and get more real knowledge it will make you more credible. Your sister sounds smart, it probably runs in the family.

Clement Viscarro: I recommend declaring a general studies while you are at a community college. It won't matter until you apply to universities. Even if you declare a major, which I recommend education (at the level of your choice), you are working on the core basics of MTH, HIS, ENG, SCI for the first year and a half. Then I recommend taking the intro to ed courses or electives that will lead you to education. When you teach subject spefic, you have to have a teaching certificate without a doubt; then you can have the minor in art or take courses or the test to teach the subject. Most states require the teaching cert, then the testing for subject specifics. Unless you are in a private school sector or elementary sector. Good luck....Show more

Marti Declue: In Michigan (I don't know abo! ut other states), art teachers are typically certified K-12, I don't believe it is possible to get certified for secondary only. The most important thing to find out exactly what your teaching certificate will say you are qualified to teach. If this degree offers secondary only, how low does the "secondary" certificaiton go -- in Michigan some teachers are 9-12, some are 5-12 depending on how old the certificate is. How "high" does an elementary certification go, K-5, K-6, K-8, etc.? The most important question would be, where you want to fall into that list. Are you interested in K-12, secondary only, etc.Typically, the teachers that end up getting hired are those that are most flexible in what they can teach, both in subject area and level. If you could add more certifications or endorsements to a teaching certificate, you are much more valuable to the district than someone who can only teach traditional "art" -- for example, see if you can add computer graphics, co! mputer animation, etc. -- or maybe you are interested in histo! ry? Maybe adding a history endorsement to a certificate. This is especially important at the middle school/junior high level when teachers are typically expected to teach a variety of subjects. One art teacher in my building also teaches French. The other art teacher also teaches computer graphics. My father was an art teacher at a high school and he also taught an AP Art History class -- he had a history minor. Regarding being a "normal elementary" position. That typically takes at least two minors, a major/minor, or two majors in subjects such as reading, writing, and math. Again, you will need to research what is required -- either through the university or through your state.Visualize yourself teaching and and what do you see? Then make it happen....Show more