
Primary school art teachers educate young students, usually from ages 5-12, about basic art principles and techniques while encouraging creative expression and nurturing artistic abilities. These specialized elementary school teachers develop and execute lesson plans about art techniques and art history. To teach in a public school, a candidate must typically complete a bachelor's degree program and obtain a teaching license from his or her state. Internship experience is also usually necessary.
Primary school art teachers oversee the production of paintings, drawings and sculptures. Media used may include pencil, charcoal, watercolor paint and oil-based paint; projects may also involve tactile materials such as felt, Styrofoam, fabric or clay. Some teachers incorporate lesson plans that use recycled or refuse materials to teach eco-friendliness. The curriculum usually includes art history through profiling famous artists.
Primary school teachers should obtain a bachelor's degree from an accredited teacher education program. Common degrees are a Bachelor of Science in Education with a specialization in art or a Bachelor of Art in Art Education. Course requirements usually include child development, psychology of learning and art theory. To gain classroom experience, candidates must complete a student-teacher internship in which they are closely supervised.