How to Become an Art Teacher in Florida

<p>To become an art teacher in Florida, you will need either a bachelor's degree with coursework in visual arts education or a bachelor's degree followed by a post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program. After graduation, you will have to get certified by the Florida Department of Education's Bureau of Educator Certification (BEC). There are several pathways to full or temporary certification, both of which will allow you to teach art in Florida's public schools. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>Education/Experience Required</td><td> Bachelor's degree with the completion of a teacher preparation program</td></tr> <tr><td>Exam Requirements</td><td> Pass three tests: FTCE General Knowledge, Professional Education, and Art K-12 exams</td></tr> <tr><td>Certification Renewal Period</td><td> Five school years</td></tr> <tr><td>CEU Credits Required for Renewal</td><td> Six semester hours of college credit with one hour minimum of instruction on teaching students with disabilities</td></tr> <tr><td>Average Salary (May 2017)</td><td>Elementary School: $48,340* <br /> Middle School: $49,780* <br /> Secondary School: $51,800*</td></tr> <tr><td>Estimated Job Growth from 2016 to 2026 (all teachers) </td><td>Elementary School: 7%*<br /> Middle School: 8%* <br /> High School: 8%</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *US Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---HowCanIBecomeAnArtTeacherInFloridaWithABachelorSDegree">How Can I Become an Art Teacher in Florida With a Bachelor's Degree?</h3> <p>If you have already decided to become an art teacher in Florida but you haven't started your postsecondary studies yet, the quickest academic route is to complete an Initial Teacher Preparation (ITP) program at a state-approved postsecondary institution. The ITP will prepare you to demonstrate your mastery in visual arts, general knowledge and education pedagogy. The program will typically earn you a bachelor's degree and make you eligible for teacher certification. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIfIAlreadyHaveADegreeInVisualArts">What If I Already Have a Degree in Visual Arts?</h3> <p>If you already have a bachelor's degree in visual arts and you now want to become an art teacher in Florida, you will have to complete a post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program at a state-approved Educator Preparation Institute (EPI). An EPI's program can also prepare you for certification in Florida. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatTestsDoIHaveToTake">What Tests Do I Have to Take?</h3> <p>If you have graduated from one of the state-approved teacher preparation programs, whether as part of your bachelor's degree in visual arts or as a standalone post-baccalaureate program at an EPI, you will have to pass three Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) to get the Professional Certificate. These tests include a General Knowledge exam involving writing, English, reading and math subtests, a Professional Education exam of 150 minutes, as well as another 150-minute exam specific to your subject matter of visual arts education. This last exam will test your knowledge about topics like two- and three-dimensional art, art history and culture, digital art, art criticism and art education. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCertificationRequirementsForTeachingArtInFlorida">What Are the Certification Requirements for Teaching Art in Florida?</h3> <p>To earn a full Professional Certificate, you will have to meet all the requirements below. </p> <ul><li>Hold at least a bachelor's degree </li><li>Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program </li><li>Pass the FTCE Art K-12 exam </li><li>Pass the FTCE General Knowledge exam </li><li>Pass the FTCE Professional Education competence exam </li><li>Complete all application process requirements </li><li>Pass a background check that includes having your fingerprints taken </li></ul><p>If you do not meet these requirements, whether because you have not passed the FTCE exams or because you competed a teacher preparation program that wasn't state approved, you might be able to earn a Temporary Certificate that lasts three school years and is nonrenewable. During this time, you will be allowed to teach while making up any deficiencies in your application.</p>