How to Become an Art Teacher in Tennessee

If you’re passionate about creativity, education, and empowering young minds, becoming an art teacher might be the perfect path for you. Tennessee offers exciting opportunities for aspiring art teachers, and this blog will walk you through what you need to know to start your teaching career, offer practical steps, and answer key questions about the process of becoming an art teacher in The Volunteer State. 

Comprehensive Guide on How to Become a Teacher in Tennessee  

While the process of becoming an art teacher follows many of the general requirements for teacher certification in Tennessee, there are some unique considerations specific to art education. For instance, you’ll need a strong understanding of both art techniques and pedagogy to lead students in exploring art theories and creating their own masterpieces.  

To better understand the teacher certification process in Tennessee, visit our guide on how to become a teacher in Tennessee. It includes in-depth information on licensure requirements, testing, areas of specialization, and helpful tips for navigating the process.

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

To become an art teacher in Tennessee, there are a handful of specific requirements you’ll need to meet: 

• Earn a bachelor’s degree: A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for any teaching position in Tennessee. For aspiring art teachers, a degree in art education or a related field can be valuable, but this is not a must-have — your undergraduate field of study can be in anything.
• Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP): Completion of a state-approved EPP, such as Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, is required for art teachers in The Volunteer State.
• Pass the Praxis Exams: You’ll need to earn passing scores on the Praxis exams for both art content knowledge and pedagogical skills.
• Complete Clinical Learning: Before becoming licensed, teachers in Tennessee must spend time as a student teacher in a classroom to gain hands-on experience. This practicum is built-in to EPPs like TEACH-NOW.
• Pass a Background Check: All teachers in Tennessee are required to clear a background check and submit fingerprints to ensure their eligibility for certification. 

Art educators can also benefit from taking non-required courses in art history and theory, art education teaching methods, and studio art such as drawing, painting, and sculpture to expand their expertise and prepare to provide a rich learning environment for your students.  

Becoming an art teacher is about more than just meeting state requirements, though. It’s about building the skills, creativity, and passion necessary to inspire your students. Art educators are not only responsible for teaching technical skills like drawing and painting but also helping spark students’ creativity, critical thinking, and an appreciation for culture and history. Whether it’s mastering the fundamentals of sculpture or guiding discussions around the impact of art in society, art teachers play a pivotal role in shaping how young minds see and interpret the world around them.

Steps to Becoming an Art Teacher in Tennessee  

Becoming an art teacher in Tennessee involves a clear, structured process, which ensures you’re well-prepared for the classroom. Follow these steps to start leading your own art classroom:  

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree  

Earn a bachelor’s degree, ideally in art education or a related field. If your degree is in another subject, you can still qualify by completing an approved EPP. 

Step 2: Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)  

Applying to, enrolling in, and completing an EPP like TEACH-NOW will equip you with the teaching skills and knowledge needed to thrive as an art teacher in Tennessee. 

Step 3: Pass the Required Praxis Exams  

The Praxis exams measure your proficiency in art content and general teaching skills. These standardized assessments are necessary for certification and to ensure test-takers meet the state’s standards for educators in the classroom.  

Step 4: Complete Clinical Practice  

Engaging in student teaching is required because it’s a perfect way for aspiring teachers to gain hands-on experience in a real classroom environment. This is a critical step in developing your teaching style and learning to connect with students effectively.  

Step 5: Submit Your Licensure Application  

Once you have completed the steps above, it’s time to submit your application for an educator license through the state’s TNCompass web portal. Applications for licensure generally include documents such as transcripts, test scores, and verification of program completion.  

Optional Step 6: Pursue Continuing Education  

Even after earning your license, ongoing professional learning is essential to staying updated with the latest teaching practices and techniques in art education. Search for professional development opportunities that meet your teaching goals and needs within your district, at conferences, and online from reputable sources. 

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

Yes, it’s possible to become an art teacher in Tennessee without first earning a teaching degree. If you have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education, you can pursue certification through an alternative pathway designed to help career changers and those with non-education degrees transition into teaching without the need to return to school for a second degree. 

You can learn more about alternative pathways to certification in our Tennessee teacher certification program online guide. 

Moreland University Supports Art Teachers in Tennessee 

Becoming an art teacher in Tennessee not only enables you to inspire creativity but also allows you to play a substantial role in shaping young minds. In today’s world, where creative thinking is more important than ever, art teachers help prepare students for success both inside and outside the classroom. 

Knowing the steps and requirements for becoming an art teacher in Tennessee is just the beginning, though. When you’re ready to take your teaching journey to the next level, complete your free application to TEACH-NOW and get the support and preparation you need to build a fulfilling career in education.