The Texas Workforce Commission anticipates a 30 percent increase in the demand for workers in the field of education from 2008 through 2018. Prospective art teachers in Texas must receive professional teaching certification prior to working in a school in the state. The certification allows educators to teach art in kindergarten through 12th grade. The Texas State Board for Educator Certification oversees the certificate program.
Education
To qualify for art teaching certification in Texas, a minimum of a bachelor's degree from a teacher education program approved by the Texas Education Agency is necessary. As of January 2011, more than 60 private and public colleges and universities in Texas offered state-approved art teacher degree programs. Most college programs require four years of full-time study to complete. In addition to completing courses in education theory and teaching methods, students take studio arts courses to hone their skills and also participate in student teaching internships prior to graduation.
Examination
Prospective arts teachers must pass a standardized test called the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards. The art teacher examination consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. Both paper and computerized versions of the test are offered at locations throughout Texas. The majority of the test, roughly 32 percent, covers creating works of art. Art history accounts for 27 percent of the content, while art education techniques makes up another 27 percent of the content. Questions related to art analysis and aesthetics comprise the remaining 14 percent.
Other Requirements
The Texas State Board for Educator Certification requires all prospective art teachers to pass a criminal background check prior to certification. Professional fingerprinting is necessary as a part of the check. Applicants must visit a fingerprinting center approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety and pay a fee for the service. As of January 2011, the amount of the fee was $9.95. Prospective Texas educators who have a license to teach art from another state can typically receive an exemption from the state exam by submitting a copy of their licensing, official transcripts from the college programs and an application fee. The cost of the fee was $177 as of January 2011.
Continuing Education
Once issued, Texas art teachers' professional certification remains valid for five years. Prior to the expiration of their credentials, educators must complete 20 hours of continuing professional education coursework in order to renew their certification. Approximately 80 percent of those hours must consist of work directly related to art education. Teachers who choose to attend graduate-level education programs for continuing education courses can count every semester credit as 15 hours of continuing education coursework.
Tags: January 2011, approved Texas, Board Educator, Board Educator Certification, college programs, continuing education, education coursework