What is a Teaching Artist?

If you’ve never heard the term “teaching artist” or can’t quite define it, don’t worry, you are not alone. I’ve been a teaching artist for many years and have only recently started using those words to explain to people what I do. Moreover, when I look for data or statistics about teaching artists, information is little and far between.

So, what is a teaching artist? Well, it’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like-- part teacher, part artist. Teaching artists are professionals who work with students to provide arts training and arts experiences. Teaching artists are practitioners in their chosen field, and they are typically people who are highly skilled and respected within their field. A teaching artist might be a classical painter with works in galleries across the country... AND someone who wants to share that love of painting with teachers and students. So perhaps they are hired to teach students more about color, or to integrate the art of painting with the regular curriculum.

Teaching artists come from varied backgrounds and have a variety of training. Teaching artists regularly teach within the following disciplines: visual arts, dance, drama, creative writing, and media arts. While there is not a national board or a national certification process, the majority of teaching artists hold degrees in their artistic field and have also undertaken extensive training and professional development from local arts organizations in their city. The training and professional development is necessary to better acquaint the artist with students’ developmental process, state and local policies, curriculum alignment, academic trends, and special needs. Teaching artists might seek professional development to learn more about lesson planning, collaborating with school teachers and faculty, and classroom management.

Because the title of Teaching Artist envelopes so many possible duties, responsibilities and definitions, it is difficult to succinctly outline what an average day looks like for a teaching artist. One thing remains certain, teaching artists work with schools and classroom teachers to define curriculum and learning activities that enrich students, make connections with the outside world, and aligns with what students are already studying. For instance, if students are learning about world cultures, a teaching artist who specializes in dance might be contracted. She might then lead the students in lessons about the culture of India, using dance as an entry point for students. Students would learn short dances, see Indian dance costumes and authentic dress, and hear stories of India. This enriches the curriculum and helps students make connections. Teaching artists bring what students are studying to life.

Almost all teaching artists lead students in lessons that are hands-on, engaging, and challenging. Working with the classroom teacher or school that hosts them, a teaching artist might visit a school for a one-time performance, a short workshop, or a multi-week or semester residency. Most teaching artist visits are arranged by local arts organizations who hire, train, and facilitate the work of teaching artists. A teaching artist might be a member of a dance troupe, the local symphony orchestra or opera, the zoo, or a non-profit dedicated to arts learning in schools.

Most teaching artists work with students during school hours, but some also work with after-school programs or teach on-site for art centers, community centers, or other organizations.

Teaching artists have several things in common, regardless of what or where they teach. All teaching artists love their art form, have enthusiasm and excitement about the learning process, and enjoy sharing what they know with others. Becoming a teaching artist is a valuable and rewarding career choice, and best of all, it’s one where the teacher learns as much as the student every day.