Art teachers help students understand the various techniques and processes involved in using different media.
Generally, reference to an art teacher means a teacher of visual arts. An art teacher may work in a school, college, or university; be associated with a studio or museum; or give private lessons. In any of these positions, an art instructor will likely cover six basic areas over time. They are: how to create visual art using various media; the structures and functions involved in art of different genres and purposes; the choice and evaluation of the content of art; the relationship of the visual arts with historical events and cultures; how to evaluate works of art; and the interrelationships of the visual arts with other disciplines. In many cases, these areas will not be taught as separate distinct units; instead, the statement will mix and overlap.
An art teacher must have a passion for art as well as the ability to teach effectively.
By teaching the first area, the art teacher helps students understand the techniques and processes involved in using various media, as well as providing students with opportunities to really experience the use of these media. Media can include anything from ink to clay, pastels, metal, wood, and inks. Techniques and processes may include, for example, brush strokes, various approaches using a potter’s wheel, staining, welding, carving, and tapping with a stick.
Art teachers can interact with students of a wide range of ages in school and college settings.
By teaching the second area, the art teacher helps students gain an understanding of structure and function. This means that it helps students understand the meaning of artistic function and practice, as well as the basic organizing principles of the arts, including repetition, contrast, emphasis, balance, and unity. Students become aware of the different perspectives on the roles of these elements in works of art, are able to evaluate the effectiveness of different approaches, and are able to make effective decisions about structure and function when creating their own work.
Some art teachers may choose to give private lessons.
As for the third area, the art instructor focuses on the content of the art, including the theme, the use of symbols, and the incorporation of ideas in the art. Students learn to carefully consider and choose the content of the artwork they create. They also identify the origins, purposes, and effectiveness of themes, symbols, and ideas in the art of others.
Art teachers can introduce students to new types of music.
Fourth, the art teacher helps to place works of art in the context of history and culture. Students can analyze works of art in terms of their historical and cultural provenance. They are also able to identify common elements in works of art from diverse origins.
Fifth, the art instructor helps students acquire a set of standards by which to evaluate their own artwork and the work of others. Students explore the concepts of intent, meaning, and effectiveness. They become able to interpret works of art in these terms and understand their own responses to art in terms of the techniques and content of art.
An art teacher can teach students how to create visual art using various mediums.
Finally, the art teacher establishes connections between the visual arts and other arts, as well as with other disciplines. Students become able to see the principles that underlie various disciplines. They learn to see works of art in terms of ideas from other disciplines, such as the humanities or the sciences.