Requirements to Become an Art Teacher in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has two entirely different education systems, and this nuanced approach impacts the requirements for becoming an art teacher. In the Scottish education system, qualified teachers can easily find work in England and around the world. However, English-qualified teachers may need to obtain additional accreditation to teach in Scotland.

Teaching in Different Types of Schools

The path to becoming an art teacher can vary considerably depending on the type of school you wish to work in. For private fee-paying schools, you may not require any specific qualifications if you have the necessary skills and experience in art. The key requirement in local authority schools is obtaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Additionally, schools often seek teachers who can cover for staff absences by teaching other subjects. For instance, a teacher who can also teach French or History can be more versatile and in high demand.

Teacher Training and Qualifications

To become an art teacher, you have several options for obtaining the necessary qualifications:

A degree in Art with a top-up educational qualification. An education degree with an interest in Art.

Many people assume that teacher training in a specific subject restricts them to teaching only that subject. However, in the UK, this is not always the case. Once you are employed as a teacher in a school, you are expected to be flexible and capable of teaching any subject that the school may need. This flexibility is particularly crucial in smaller schools with fewer specialists. For example, I qualified as a teacher of Rural Studies and ended up teaching a wide range of subjects, including business studies and social enterprise).

Practical Experience and Challenge

While versatility is advantageous, teaching new subjects can be challenging but also rewarding. When I taught business studies and social enterprise, I had no prior experience in these areas. Nevertheless, I learned these subjects quickly, often faster than my students. Larger secondary schools typically have subject teachers trained specifically for each area, given the larger staff complement (often exceeding 100 teachers).

Conclusion

Overall, becoming an art teacher in the UK involves diverse pathways and flexibility in education and training. Whether you wish to teach in a private or public school, having QTS and a willingness to adapt can significantly enhance your employability and career prospects. The ability to teach multiple subjects is highly valued, making you an indispensable asset in any educational setting.