One of the greatest assets about being an art teacher in Vermont is having the ability to teach students to think creatively. With many new programs springing up from the federally mandated Common Core program, art will definitely benefit students as they learn to think critically using their new skills.
Another benefit is to learn to be able to express their inner emotions in a visual manner. For children who often lack the sophistication to use words to express feelings, drawing or painting what they feel gives them a great way to connect with themselves, others, and the world around them. As an art teacher in Vermont, you will serve an invaluable role in each student’s life. Here are the steps you can take to start you in your new career:
 | Earn a Degree From an Accredited School |
 | Take and Pass the Competency Exams |
 | Send in Your Application for Licensure |
 | Continue Your Education |
Step 1. Earn a Degree From an Accredited School
The most traditional way for students to become art teachers in Vermont is to enter a blended degree/teacher prep program. These bachelor degree teacher preparation programs are designed to ready new teachers like you to be in the classroom and ready to teach as soon as possible.
The programs contain both lower-division and upper-division general education courses such as:
- Math
- English
- Science
- History
- Speech
- Foreign Language
- Electives
The upper division courses will have also have more options in the major (art) if you plan to teach secondary school, or will remain broad if you plan to teach elementary school. You will also encounter classroom preparation courses as well as theories in learning and child development that will prepare you to teach. The final component of your education will be your student teaching allowing you hands-on classroom experience.
Alternative Route: Peer Review
Another possibility in Vermont is the Peer Review. If you have already earned your baccalaureate degree, but have yet to enter a traditional teacher preparation program, you have the option of qualifying for the Peer Review. You will need to have gained the necessary knowledge and skills required to satisfy the sixteen Principles for Vermont Educators and the endorsement competencies and requirements. These will be met through courses you will take as well as through experiences you have acquired throughout your lifetime.
To prepare for the Peer Review you will need to do the following:
- Apply to the Peer Review
- Attend the Peer Review clinic
- Create a portfolio
- Go through an evaluation process
- Follow up with the Peer Review recommendation
- Pay a fee
Step 2. Take and Pass the Competency Exams
Everyone who wants to teach art in Vermont must take PRAXIS examinations. The following are the test required for art teachers in Vermont:
- Praxis Core Test: This will test your basic skills in writing, reading and math. All teachers grades K-12 must take the Praxis Core exam and receive the following scores on the exam in order to pass:
- Writing 5722: 162
- Reading 5712: 156
- Math 5732: 150
PRAXIS II: Endorsement in Art: The test is divided into two parts: part A and part B.
- Part A- There are images that have been included with selected response questions on this part of the test.
- PARTS B- There are questions regarding theory and history of art (15 minutes) and 2 questions about making art (10 minutes each).
In order to pass the Praxis II exam you must have a score of 169 or better.
If you plan on teaching elementary level education and have not completed the Multiple Subjects 5031 test you will need you will also need to pass the following exams with the following scores:
- Reading and Language Arts-Subtest 5032: 165
- Math Subtest-5033: 164
- Social Studies-Subtest-5034: 155
- Science Subtest-5035: 159
Register for the Praxis exams:
- Review The Praxis information
- Complete the Testing Voucher Request Form
- Submit all your forms, documents and fees as soon as you can. It takes about six to complete your document review.
- You will need to wait for your authorization letter. When you receive it, it will contain your scheduling information.
- When your letter arrives you are ready to schedule your exam. You will have to give the voucher number and supply other information found in the letter.
Step 3. Send in Your Application for Licensure
To be an art teacher in Vermont, you can apply for the Application for Initial Licensure here. You will need to include the art endorsement code 02 on your application. Each license must have at least one endorsement on it. The endorsement indicates your level of teaching and the area of content. The first digit indicates the grade or age range you are teaching and the last digit indicates the code for art (your content area).
Once you complete your initial license application you will send it in with all of your documentation along with a fee of $160 to:
Office of Educator Licensing
219 North Main Street
Barre, Vermont 05641
As a new educator you will also need to do the following in order to process your application:
- Send a notarized request for a criminal record and background check.
- Pay $16.50 fee payable to the Vermont Department of Public Safety.
- Follow the Fingerprint Authorization Certificate Instructions.
Step 4. Renew your License and Continue Your Education
When the time arrives for renewing your initial license, there are several levels that are available throughout your career. Each one has specific requirements and goals set by the State of Vermont’s Department.
Level I license: A 3-year teaching License
You will need to have at least 45 hours of professional courses in learning for each endorsement you seek. At least one hour will be directly related to art. You will need to renew your license through your LSB/RSB.
Level 2 license: A 7-year teaching license
The requirements for the level two phases of teaching are as follows:
- You will need to have a recommendation for either the RSB, LSB, or the Agency of Education.
- You must have been successfully employed for at least three years as an art teacher.
- You have successfully met all the requirements of level one.
- Individual Professional Learning Plan (IPLP)- You have developed an IPLP and have met all your goals.
Level 2-license renewal
Here are the requirements for renewing your level two license:
- Develop a portfolio that shows self-assessment, reflection, and professional learning.
- 135 hours of professional learning
- Individual Professional Learning Plan (IPLP)- You have developed an IPLP and have met all your goals
Vermont Art Teacher Salaries
According to the National Education Association, the average starting salary for teachers in Vermont (as of the 2012-2013 school year) is $35,541, just slightly lower than the national average of $36,141.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide data on art teacher salaries as a separate unit, but tracks salaries for elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers as larger categories. The department reports the following annual mean wages and employment numbers as of May 2013:
| Occupation title | Employment | Mean annual wage |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | 3,010 | 53,220 |
| Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 1,390 | 54,110 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 3,010 | $54,350 |
However, teacher salaries can vary significantly by location. A sample of the median salaries and employment figures as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for some major cities appears below (note that not all areas track salaries for all locations):
| Occupation title | Employment | Mean annual wage | |
| Burlington-South Burlington, VT | |||
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | 910 | 58,840 | |
| Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 430 | 61,610 | |
| Southern Vermont nonmetropolitan area | |||
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | 1,070 | $51,200 | |
| Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 600 | $53,280 | |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 1,240 | $54,370 | |
|
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| Northern Vermont nonmetropolitan area | |||
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | 1,030 | $50,340 | |
| Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 360 | $46,440 | |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 910 | $50,980 | |
Salary schedules vary by district. Salary reports by school are available from the Vermont Education Agency for the most recent years here.
Information on postsecondary art teacher salaries throughout Vermont and related areas can be found in the following table provided by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics: