What steps should I take to become a high school art history teacher?

I'm really into art history and want to teach it at the high school level. What's the typical career path, including education and experience, to land a job as a high school art history teacher?

Getting on the path to become a high school art history teacher typically involves a series of academic and professional steps. Here's a roadmap to consider:

1. Complete A Bachelor's Degree: Start by earning a Bachelor's Degree in Education, Art History, Fine Arts, or a related field. While completing your degree, consider classes that provide a strong foundation in art history, as well as education theories and techniques.

2. Get Teaching Credentials: Most states in the U.S require public school teachers to be licensed or certified in the grade level they wish to teach. This typically involves completing a teacher preparation program and passing a state certification exam. These programs usually include student teaching experiences, where you'll gain hands-on classroom experience under the supervision of an experienced teacher.

3. Obtain a Master’s Degree (Optional but Encouraged): While not always necessary, a Master’s degree related to your field can make you more competitive in the job market. This could be a Master’s in Education, Art History or Fine Arts, depending on where your interest lies.

4. Gain Classroom Experience: After graduation and certification, start getting professional experience as a teacher. You might start as a substitute teacher or assistant teacher to gain practical classroom experience.

5. Specialize in Art History: While gaining experience, find ways to specialize in your field of interest. Some schools might not have a specific art history class, so you might start by teaching a broad art or history class and gradually introducing more art history content into your classes.

6. Stay updated: Continuing education and professional development are important in this career path. Attend webinars, conferences, or workshops on art history and keep up-to-date with the latest research in your field.

By following this path and showing a strong passion for art history, you should be well-equipped to become an engaging and effective high school art history teacher. Good luck!