How to Become an Art Teacher in Pennsylvania

Are you passionate about inspiring creativity in others? Becoming an art teacher in Pennsylvania can be a rewarding career path that empowers you to share your enthusiasm while making a lasting impact on students’ lives. 

Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about how to become an art teacher in Pennsylvania, including the steps to certification, educational requirements, and career considerations.  

Comprehensive Guide to Becoming a Teacher in Pennsylvania  

The process of becoming an art teacher in Pennsylvania involves some unique steps compared to certification for general teachers. Being an art teacher often requires expertise in creative disciplines in addition to the general teaching skills required for all educators.  

If you’re an aspiring teacher with little to no teaching experience or if you’re switching careers, our comprehensive guide on how to become a teacher in Pennsylvania offers a deep understanding of the process for receiving certification in Pennsylvania. You’ll find detailed explanations of Educational Preparation Programs (EPPs), application processes, testing requirements, and much more.

What Do You Need to Be an Art Teacher in Pennsylvania?  

Pennsylvania art teachers must meet specific requirements to begin teaching in K-12 schools. At minimum, this is what you will need to do to teach art in The Keystone State:  

1. Earn your bachelor’s degree
2. Complete a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) 
3. Pass required certification exams 

Many K-12 art teachers take specialized art courses such as painting, sculpture, ceramics, and digital arts to expand their subject knowledge, as well.

Steps to Becoming an Art Teacher in Pennsylvania 

Becoming an art teacher is a rewarding journey that can help you make a meaningful impact on students’ lives. Here’s a detailed look at the steps you need to take to get started:  

Step 1 – Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree  

The first step to becoming an art educator in Pennsylvania is earning a bachelor’s degree. It is important to note that your bachelor’s degree does not have to be in education or art education; your undergraduate field of study can be in anything as long as you complete an EPP and pass any content knowledge exams required for art teachers. Completing art-focused coursework and having a general appreciation for art can certainly help you effectively lead effective lessons, however. 

Step 2 – Enroll in an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) 

Those who know they want to be teachers and receive bachelor’s degrees in education often have an EPP built into their undergraduate curriculum as part of the traditional pathway to becoming an educator. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, EPPs like Moreland University’s 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can provide you with flexible options to complete the necessary steps to meet Pennsylvania’s teacher certification requirements. These alternative teacher certification pathways focus on equipping you with the teaching tools, techniques, and knowledge to effectively transition into an art education role and build a thriving career. 

You can find a full list of state-approved EPPs on the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) website. 

Step 3 – Complete Your Student Teaching Practicum  

Student teaching is a major part of your preparation as an educator. During your EPP, you will complete an in-classroom practicum with guidance from a mentor teacher. This hands-on experience is designed to help you put theory into practice while getting comfortable managing a classroom and engaging with students.  

Step 4 – Pass the Required Exams  

After completing your EPP, you will need to pass the required certification exams to become a licensed teacher in Pennsylvania. These can include the Praxis Subject Assessments for Art or the Pennsylvania Educator Certification Test (PECT), depending on your certification area. These exams will assess your knowledge of both art concepts and teaching methodologies. Be sure to review exam preparation materials and practice tests to help you succeed. 

Step 5 – Obtain Your Pennsylvania Teacher Certification  

Once you have met all the educational and testing requirements, you’re ready to apply for your teaching certification through PDE. Required application materials typically include your official transcripts and proof of passing exam scores along with other documentation. Once your application is approved, you will receive your certification, making you eligible to teach art in Pennsylvania schools.  

Step 6 – Start Your Job Search  

With your certification in hand, it’s time to launch your career as an art teacher! Pennsylvania offers a vibrant and supportive community for educators, and teachers are in demand across the state. Once you secure your first teaching role, you will have the chance to inspire and nurture the next generation of artists and art enthusiasts.

Can You Become an Art Teacher in Pennsylvania Without a Teaching Degree?  

Yes, you can absolutely become an art teacher in Pennsylvania without a degree in education, as long as you hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and complete a state-approved EPP like Moreland’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, which is specifically designed to help career changers transition into teaching. These programs provide flexible, fast-tracked pathways to certification and include student-teaching experiences to prepare you to lead your own classroom. 

For more information, check out our comprehensive guide to Pennsylvania teacher certification programs online. 

Moreland University Supports Art Teachers in Pennsylvania 

Starting your career as an art teacher in Pennsylvania is a fulfilling way to merge your love for creativity with your passion for education. By following the steps above, you will be well on your way to inspiring the next generation of artists.  

Take the next step toward certification with support from Moreland by enrolling in TEACH-NOW. You can complete your free application in under 15 minutes and jumpstart your career today!