I want to be an art educator in the future, but I am not sure of the requirements. If I have a BFA in animation or a digital art form, would I be eligible to teach art? or will I need a specific degree in art ed? I would not be able to teach animation to high schoolers and those in middle school, so is an animation BFA enough certification to teach a general art class, or would I need to major in something else (art ed/studio art)?? I am not sure what the best way to go about this is, and I need information urgently- as this could change my application statuses. Thank you for any advice.
You can teach in a private school but for public schools the requirements and certifications will depend on the state in which you’d like to teach.
In NYS, you would need a masters in education regardless of your UG degree. I know two young women who are both teaching at a private school in NY. One was an art education major and the other was an art history major. The former is teaching art and finishing up her masters in elementary ed, the latter obtained a masters in special ed and is teaching that subject. My understanding of art certification, at least in NYS, is that it covers K -12, so you could teach at all levels.
Also, try to find a way to hedge your bets.
Many schools have one or two art teachers… the job market can be pretty brutal. So if you can find a way to minor in something else, it may open up a door or two that would otherwise be closed.