Careers in Art Education

Because of the scheduling flexibility that often comes with teaching, a number of teachers do other things to extend their creative outlets and their income opportunities. For instance, they teach summer school, give private art lessons and/or work in their studios producing works of art that they sell in galleries, at art shows, etc.

In Colorado, full-time teaching tends to range between 180 and 186 days per year thus, allowing for such pursuits. For the passionate artist, school year breaks are often a time to produce their own creative work, whether for profit or just for pleasure.

Salaries

For many people, teaching is a calling and teaching art is truly a labor of love. A veteran teacher who has gone on to earn a masters degree will earn a salary in the $50,000 - $60,000 range. In Jefferson County Schools, the largest school district in Colorado, an entry-level teacher with a bachelor's degree earns just over $27,000.

Opportunities

The following is a list of just some of the career possibilities for students with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education:

  • K-12 art teacher
  • Art center educator
  • Museum education staff member
  • Gallery consultant
  • Educational text author
  • Curriculum director

Placement

Of the 2003–2006 graduates from RMCAD's Art Education program who are available for placement, 100% are working in their field. The overall placement rate for all graduates is 81%.