I think I might want to be a Teacher, please advise me on schooling!

[Doll1]

I'm 19 and currently majoring in Graphic Design. I've been an artist my whole life, and I know I either want to be a Designer or an Art teacher. I have no idea how to get started, though, and I don't like my academics adviser- she's supposed to be able to answer a lot of questions and every time I ask her advice or something she almost gets annoyed. So I'd appreciate some advice so I at least know a little bit when I see her next!

I know I want to be a highschool art teacher. I want to continue my degree in graphic design, so how do I become certified for teaching art in high school? Can I just take basic teaching classes at the school I'm currently going to, or do I need to major specifically in education (or even specifically art education?) ? We have classes like "Inquiry to Education" and "Psychological Foundations of Education" which sounds like all teachers should take, but we also have classes like "Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School" - I wouldn't have to take that would I?

I also see websites advertising I can take online courses and get my teaching certificate online. Is that possible? Is there a difference in a teaching degree and certificate?

So many questions, ack! Thanks!

[irish223]

The website for the Board of Education or Department of Education for your state should list the educational requirements for a certificate or license to teach art in high school. Every state has it's own requirements.

Also, you may have to apply to the college of education at your university to take the classes you need. You may want to speak with an advisor from the college of ed.

Good Luck! :)

[Ms.Champion]

I agree. I would go and speak to the some one in the Education Dept. at your school. They should be able to direct you with where you need to go. I believe, you will have to take the basic education courses, but then you would take the courses that were more geared toward you specific area (HS Art). Anyway--good luck! Hope that helps!

[Ms. Bell]

To answer your last question, there is a difference in a degree in education and a teaching certificate. You can go through an alternative cert. program and become a teacher no matter what your degree is in. All you have to do is take your credit courses (which can be done online), fulfill your internship requirement and pass your state exam. If you are unsure about what you want to do, either designer or teacher, my advice to you would be to get a degree in Graphic design (your current route) and become alternatively certified to teach. The reason I say that is, if you are not 100% sure that teaching is where you want to be, you will limit your opportunities to get employment in Graphic design with just a degree in education- does that make sense? In other words, if for whatever reason teaching doesn't work out, you would most likely have to go back and finish a degree in Graphic design if that's where your heart is. I think you're safer getting your degree in G.D. and just becoming alternatively certified. But that's just my two cents. There is so much more to teaching than just teaching. Be sure it's what you really want before you change your degree plan.

[seastarmath]

Have you looked into secondary education classes? Usually if you are going to teach high school, you need to have a BA or BS in the subject you are going to teach, AND and education program. Sometimes, the education part is a "minor" or a double major. Usually education programs are divided up into elementary and secondary, but at some places you can get even more specialized. Look into it and keep us posted.