Hiring The Right Arts Educators FOr Your Program

Hiring the right arts educators for your program is a critical decision that impacts not only student learning but also the overall culture and sustainability of arts education. While many assume that an "arts teacher" is a singular role, there is a distinct difference between teaching artists, artist-educators, and certified arts teachers. Each category brings unique strengths, experiences, and perspectives to arts education. Understanding these distinctions, and the pros and cons of each, will help you make informed hiring decisions that align with your program’s goals.

Defining the Roles

Certified Arts Teachers

Certified arts teachers have earned degrees in art, music, theater, or dance education, often with state licensure to teach in K-12 public schools. Their training includes pedagogy, curriculum development, classroom management, and assessment strategies.

Pros:

• Deep understanding of educational standards and curriculum design

• Experience with classroom management in structured school environments

• Familiarity with differentiated instruction and diverse learning needs

• Long-term stability in school-based settings

• Knowledge of formal assessment methods and student progress tracking

Cons:

• May have limited professional artistic practice

• May be less flexible in teaching outside of a traditional school structure

• Institutional training can sometimes emphasize standardized methods over creative exploration

Teaching Artists

Teaching artists are practicing artists who work in schools, community centers, and cultural institutions to provide arts instruction. They may not have formal teaching credentials but have extensive professional experience in their artistic discipline.

Pros:

• Strong artistic practice that informs teaching with real-world experience

• Ability to adapt lessons creatively to engage students in experiential learning

• Often more flexible in scheduling and open to project-based work

• Connections to the professional arts world, offering networking and mentorship opportunities for students

Cons:

• May lack formal training in pedagogy and classroom management

• Often hired as independent contractors, making continuity of instruction a challenge

• Less familiarity with educational standards and formal assessment models

Artist-Educators

Artist-educators fall somewhere between teaching artists and certified teachers. They are trained educators who are also active, professional artists. They combine strong pedagogical knowledge with a deep personal artistic practice, making them highly effective in both school and community-based arts education.

Pros:

• Balance of artistic credibility and educational expertise

• Ability to integrate contemporary artistic practices into structured curriculum

• Strong classroom management and student engagement skills

• Well-versed in both creative and academic learning objectives

Cons:

• May be difficult to find individuals who excel in both areas equally

• Some programs may undervalue either their artistic or educational expertise

• Can be more expensive to hire due to their dual expertise

Hiring Considerations

When hiring arts educators, consider the needs of your program:

• For structured, standards-based arts education in schools: Certified arts teachers may be the best choice.

• For community-based programs, afterschool initiatives, or creative workshops: Teaching artists may be a better fit.

• For programs seeking a balance of rigor and innovation: Artist-educators provide a compelling hybrid model.

Arts education thrives when students are exposed to both strong pedagogy and authentic artistic experiences. While certified teachers ensure continuity and educational structure, teaching artists bring the vibrancy of real-world artistic practice. Programs that can integrate both models, or employ artist-educators, will create the most dynamic and impactful learning environments for students.

Sources:

• Booth, Eric. The Music Teaching Artist’s Bible: Becoming a Virtuoso Educator. Oxford University Press, 2009.

• Rabkin, Nick & Hedberg, Eric. Arts Education in America: What the Declines Mean for Arts Participation. National Endowment for the Arts, 2011.

• Winner, Ellen & Hetland, Lois. Studio Thinking 2: The Real Benefits of Visual Arts Education. Teachers College Press, 2013.