How Art Teachers Can Build Their Credentials and Increase Marketability

What does it mean to be “marketable” as an art teacher today? The role of an art educator has grown to include more than just classroom teaching. Today’s teachers are curriculum designers, creative leaders, and artists in their own right. You can build your resume by joining a committee, or through something more formalized, like earning a master’s degree. Being marketable means you know your worth and use it to stand out from the crowd.

But why is marketability so important? 

Professional development is a big part of that equation. However, not all PD is created equal. Random hours may check a box, but intentional, strategic learning builds real value. Choosing professional learning that aligns with your goals is one of the best ways to grow your teaching and your resume at the same time!

Marketability will look different for every teacher, and many of these things you’re probably already doing. However, formal documentation and a strong foundation of credentials will make some of these common marketability tactics more impactful for your professional growth and easier to achieve.

Here are some examples of how art teachers can boost their marketability:

• Specialize in a specific medium or technique.
  Become a master of kinetic sculpture or relief printing for all grade levels. 
• Take on leadership roles.
  Participate in special committees or apply for a department chair position.
• Share personal artwork.
  Push your creativity outside the four walls of your classroom and enter your work in a local juried event. Consider exhibitions, community events, or showcases.
• Advocate for the arts.
  Engage parents within your school or district and boost enrollment for your program, or join a local arts programming committee.

Let’s investigate two practical pathways for art teachers to elevate their careers.

1. Earn a certificate with a studio focus.

Just the thought of getting back to a studio practice can make an art teacher’s heart pitter-patter! Pursuing a program in studio art is a great way to reignite your passion for artmaking and gain a professional edge through a formalized certificate. A certificate is typically a collection of specialized courses that focus on one topic. It’s the perfect middle ground between individual courses and a full degree. 

Here are three ways you can leverage a certificate to advance your career:

1. Build a body of work.
   Use certificate coursework to create a portfolio for submission to local galleries or juried exhibitions. This is a great opportunity to develop your artistic voice and credibility. Host a personal or student-aligned art show. For AOEU students, submit your work to Palette Perspectives, an annual juried virtual art show. 
2. Expand career possibilities.
   You may be eligible to teach dual credit at your high school, which often requires 18 graduate credits in the field. You may also be eligible for an adjunct position at a community college, or you can become a specialist or mentor teacher for a specific medium. 
3. Generate extra income.
   Leverage artmaking for sales, commissions, or licensing. Launch a summer studio workshop or an evening adult education course. Begin branding yourself as both a teacher and a practicing artist. 

The certificate becomes more than a line on a resume—it’s a key that opens new doors. The Art of Education University offers two certificate programs: Two-Dimensional Studio Art and Three-Dimensional Studio Art. They’re each 18 graduate credit hours and leverage AOEU’s flexible pacing and asynchronous course model, so they’re perfect for busy professionals.

Take a look at the two programs below:

1. Two-Dimensional Studio Art
   Explore traditional and contemporary approaches to drawing, printmaking, and design. Select the courses that interest you the most and build foundational knowledge, technical skills, and fresh takes on a variety of media. 
2. Three-Dimensional Studio Art
   Engage in hands-on exploration of form and material in sculpture, ceramics, textiles, and book arts. Discover exciting media that will help you build an amazing portfolio and gain fresh perspectives for your art room. 

These signs will tell you if a certificate program is your perfect fit:

• You’re ready to rediscover your love of studio art.
• You want to earn a formal certificate that signals deep studio expertise.
• You want to rebrand yourself as an artist and be a stand-out applicant.
• You’re interested in a master’s degree in the future, but you’re not ready to commit.
• You’re excited to create a cohesive body of work to submit to exhibitions.

If you’re interested in earning a studio art certificate at AOEU or you have further questions about the program, we’d love for you to learn more and connect with Admissions!

Connect Today!

2. Go the distance with a master’s degree.

Of course, some art teachers are thinking even bigger. If you’re looking for a long-term investment in your career that brings more focused career outcomes, a master’s degree may be the right path. If you’re ready for a broader leadership role or want to shape art education at a higher level, a master’s degree is a powerful credential. 

Here are three ways you can leverage a master’s degree to advance your career:

1. Align with long-term career aspirations.
   A master’s degree can open doors that aren’t available to teachers with only a bachelor’s degree. Some school districts require or strongly prefer a higher degree for leadership roles like a department chair, instructional coach, or district art coordinator. 
2. Build confidence and a clear voice.
   Throughout a degree program, you’ll reflect, research, and create in ways that strengthen your teaching identity and professional credibility. You’ll dive into sustained, cohesive learning that gives you confidence and a competitive edge. 
3. Increase your earning potential.
   In many places, a master’s degree automatically qualifies you for higher earnings. Depending on your school, it can mean thousands of additional dollars each year. Even if your earning potential doesn’t increase right away, a master’s degree can qualify you for additional income streams. 

One of the biggest advantages of AOEU’s degree programs is that they are made for art teachers. That means the coursework is relevant, practical, and immediately applicable to your classroom. AOEU offers two online degree programs, designed to help you grow in your career: Master of Arts in Art Education and Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. 

Take a look at the two programs below:

1. Master of Arts in Art Education (MA)
   This option helps you grow as both an artist and an educator. Learn practical, relevant strategies for the art room and explore engaging studio coursework. If you’re interested, you can embed a studio certificate in 2D or 3D studio art! 
2. Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (MEd)
   Focus on learning excellence, leadership, and curriculum development through two career-focused specializations: Arts Integration and Instructional Leadership in Art Education. 

These signs will tell you if a master’s degree is your perfect fit:

• You’re ready to level up your career and earning potential.
• You want to engage in sustained, relevant learning.
• You want to rebrand yourself as a researcher, become a credentialed expert on a topic, present at conferences, or write publications.
• You want to pivot your career and step into formal or informal leadership roles.
• You’re ready for a deep transformation as both an artist and an educator.

If you’re thinking about pursuing a master’s degree, learn more and connect with Admissions to get answers to all of your questions.

Connect Today!

When you make the jump and start your program, don’t keep things to yourself. Being a current student can show others you are marketable before you even complete the program! Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to include your in-progress program with your future anticipated conferral date. As you learn and gather fresh takes, share them with your colleagues, students, and administrator. Lastly, save the pieces you create in courses and include them in your portfolio.

Every art teacher’s professional journey is different. You may be just getting started, or perhaps you’re ready for a big leap. No matter where you are, investing in your own learning is one of the best ways to grow your confidence, increase your impact, and keep your career moving forward. Whether you opt for a certificate, graduate degree, or something else, document the process so you can maximize your marketability. Just take the one next step that feels right, and start building the future you want!

What part of your practice are you most excited to grow next?

Which credential or path could help you get there?

To chat about your art teacher career with other art teachers, join us in The Art of Ed Community!