How to Become an Art Teacher in Australia: careers in Arts and Humanities

Art teachers plan and teach visual arts at primary and secondary schools across Australia. They build lesson plans, teach studio skills across many mediums, and grow students’ knowledge of art history and culture. The role needs both deep subject knowledge and a formal teaching degree.

To teach in an Australian school, art teachers must hold an AITSL-approved teaching degree. They must also register with their state or territory teacher body. Most teachers hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Visual Arts, then complete a Master of Teaching (Secondary). Others finish a four-year Bachelor of Education with a visual arts major. All degrees must meet the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

At the senior secondary level, art teachers guide students through major folio subjects. They help students build a body of work for state exams. These include HSC Visual Arts (NSW), VCE Studio Arts (Victoria), and the same in other states. Strong subject knowledge and awareness of current art practice are key at this level.

Career paths include Head of Arts faculty and curriculum leadership. Some art teachers move into gallery education or arts management. Others take on curriculum roles within state education departments.