Art Teacher Certification in Michigan

<table border="1"><tr><td> Education/Training Required </td><td> Bachelor's degree and state-approved teacher preparation program; reading course hours; CPR and First Aid training</td></tr> <tr><td> Exam Requirements </td><td> MTTC Visual Arts content exam</td></tr> <tr><td> Certificate Renewal Period </td><td> Five years</td></tr> <tr><td> Requirements for Renewal </td><td> 150 hours of education-related professional development or education-related master's or higher degree</td></tr> <tr><td> Average Salary (2018) </td><td> $66,180 (elementary school); $64,540 (middle school); $62,950 (high school)*</td></tr> <tr><td> Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026) </td><td> 5.6% (elementary school); 5.8% (middle school); 5.8% (high school)**</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), **Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives </i></p><h3 id="section---MeetEducationRequirements">Meet Education Requirements</h3><p>Those who wish to become art teachers must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, typically with a major in visual arts education. Within the major, students generally take a blend of theory, methods, and studio courses, such as applied design, ceramics, printmaking, and art education. Prospective teachers must also complete a teacher preparation program that has been approved by the Michigan Board of Education, which is generally part of their degree program. The teacher preparation program includes coursework related to topics such as education psychology, multicultural education, and the exceptional child. The program also requires student teacher hours in an art classroom at a local school. </p><p>Coursework related to the teaching of reading is also a requirement for all Michigan teachers. Those wishing to teach at the elementary school level must complete six credit hours, and those planning to teach at higher levels must complete three credit hours. Students should check with their program for courses that can be taken for this requirement. </p><h3 id="section---PassRequiredExam">Pass Required Exam</h3><p>Prospective art teachers are required to take and pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Visual Arts content exam. This exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions that are completed on a computer. It tests the applicant's knowledge of four main subtopics: creating visual art, aesthetic knowledge and critical analysis of art, art in historical and cultural context, and art education. A score of 220 is needed to pass. </p><h3 id="section---BecomeCertifiedInFirstAidCPR">Become Certified in First Aid/CPR</h3><p>Those who want to teach in a Michigan school must become certified in First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) before applying for the teaching certificate. The Michigan Department of Education maintains a list of approved providers on its website. Examples include the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross. </p><h3 id="section---CompleteApplicationProcess">Complete Application Process</h3><p>Prospective teachers must submit a complete application and fee to the Michigan Department of Education. Ideally, applicants should use the Michigan Online Educator Certification System to submit all information online, including exam scores, transcripts, and proof of First Aid/CPR certification. Once the art teacher certification is issued, it is valid for five years. </p><h3 id="section---MeetRenewalRequirements">Meet Renewal Requirements</h3><p>The Standard Teaching Certificate must be renewed every five years. To renew the certification, teachers must complete and submit proof of having finished 150 hours in education-related professional learning. This can be achieved through a variety of means, such as coursework, mentoring junior educators, or attending workshops. Teachers should receive approval from the Michigan Department of Education to ensure that their chosen program meets this requirement. Those who receive a master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university can use this degree once to renew their certification instead of the 150 hours.</p>