Specifics on qualifications to become a MA art teacher?

Submitted by JustOneCanary t3_xtwfd5 in massachusetts

I recently graduated from college where I studied a specific niche of art in order to be hired into a very specific industry of art, that I unfortunately no longer want to be a part of. I much more prefer illustration and a solid mix of digital and traditional 2D art. Since I was young, I’ve always had a silly little dream of becoming a teacher, and I got to thinking that becoming an art teacher, given my passion for both art and teaching, would be a much better career for me.

Unfortunately, studying said niche area of art in college did not get me a BFA, but a BS. I understand you need the degree in fine arts to teach art in MA public schools. My question is:

Does it have to be a BFA or can I get my MFA, which I am qualified to pursue, and also be qualified to teach?

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Candid_Abalone t1_iqsgk02 wrote

To be a teacher in Mass, you need a BA and pass the MTEL(Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure). The MTEL consists of two parts; the communication and literacy test and the subject matter test. There is also a Sheltered English portion that, I took a class, but I think it is another test now.

Once these are passed you will have a preliminary teaching license and away you go. You have 5 years to gain an initial license which consists of some type of teacher training and experience in a school.

Then, you have another another 5 years to complete a Master's program in whatever subject, three years continued experience at a school system and you can apply for your professional license.

To your question, a BA in Art is enough to get you started. Right now, the state is giving 1 year waivers to people who want to teach.

Check out this website:

https://www.doe.mass.edu/licensure/academic-prek12/teacher/license-types.html#initial-license

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pillbinge t1_iqtsmlr wrote

Do you need a BA?

You can take the MTEL or you can take a class. That class is usually part of your master's now anyway, so there's no point in trying to beat it (my experience).

I don't think you need some preliminary teaching license though. You start with an initial and move up to a professional.

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Candid_Abalone t1_iqtuegf wrote

You definitely need at least a Bachelor's degree. And you need to pass the MTELs.

I wrote preliminary but it's called provisional. If you completed an educator preparation program during your Bachelor program, you can skip to the initial licensure. Otherwise, you start with the provisional license and have to complete the educator preparation program on your own. Without it, you cannot advance to the initial licensure. The provisional lasts for only 5 years and cannot be extended.

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pillbinge t1_iqtweot wrote

Ah. I just did it all through my master's.

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Positive-Material t1_iqsifkg wrote

You need a room mate, wear overalls from Goodwill, and wear no make up. Also, apply for foodstamps.

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anxiouscolon t1_iqwt6x0 wrote

Hi! Just want to put a plug in for spending time in schools prior to pursuing this. Kids right now are struggling, and I know many art teachers who want to teach art for a love of art and not necessarily for a love of classroom or behavior management. If you've been around schools lately and are still down, then go for it! If you have not, try subbing and see what it's like.

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JustOneCanary OP t1_iqwwnrv wrote

Thank you! I currently work in a daycare/preschool as a TA with small children! Def getting that experience early. It’s a workout but I’ve really enjoyed so far!

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anxiouscolon t1_iqxluu2 wrote

Oh perfect. Then I'm sure you have lots of great skills! I just see lots of posts on teaching subs about looking for a rewarding career switch and I'm like nooooo. But preschool is no joke.

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