Art teachers do more than just teach students how to paint, draw, or sculpt—they foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that positively impact every subject. Yet, despite your crucial role in education, art teachers are often overlooked and underappreciated as “specials” or “electives.” Let’s change the script and recognize that art teacher appreciation is something special because it benefits the entire school.
Art teachers deserve more recognition!
Art teachers strengthen school culture.
Schools with strong art programs have students who are more engaged, confident, and expressive. Art creates an environment where students feel comfortable exploring ideas. This risk-taking and critical thinking spills over into science, math, and reading. When administrators support your art program, it sends the message that they also value these skills. Plus, did we mention all the sparkly glitter and vibrant rainbow energy that art teachers bring wherever they go?
Art teachers work hard.
It’s not all coloring and crafting in the art room, despite what many other teachers and parents may think! A thriving art studio is bustling with creative energy and unmatched quantities of a wide variety of materials, tools, and supplies. Often, there are many stations effortlessly and simultaneously running. Art teachers also see the majority of the school population, which can be quite a lot of names and families to get to know. There’s a reason why other teachers say, “Wow—you’re amazing!” after they cover your class for you!
Build lasting appreciation for art teachers—without working extra for it.
Embrace visibility!
We’re speaking to the introverts in the back of the art room right now who would rather crawl into their creepy supply closet than climb the auditorium stage. Don’t be afraid to brag about yourself and your students’ accomplishments every now and then! Although much of your work happens behind the scenes, everyone deserves to see what went into it, how it turned out, and the benefits for your school.
Here are three ways to step into visibility with grace and minimal effort:
- If you have an exciting lesson coming up, shoot an email to your principal to stop by and visit.
- Send an email to your PTA/PTO once a quarter with your students’ amazing achievements for them to share at their next meeting. For a big impact, add a few photos of students working and their finished pieces!
- If you sponsor NAHS and your students are working on a really cool art service project for the community, invite your local councilperson to the next meeting.
Be intentional with your “yes.”
One moment you’re volunteering to make sets for the theater performance, and the next, you’re scratching your head, confused about how you got “voluntold” for five other tasks. Art teachers are valuable (and so is your time), so be intentional about what you put on your plate. If it’s something you’d love to do, then do it! If it’s something you’re not 100% excited about and it’s not required, we’re here to remind you that it’s okay to politely decline. Remember, saying “no” is saying “yes” to something else in your life, and saying “no” can remind others of your value.
Use your leave.
All art teachers know it’s often easier to go to school sick and tired than to prep to take off for the day. Does this sound familiar? Prepare in advance by setting up a Sub Tub or Sub Binder with simple guest-teacher-friendly activities. This way, it’s much easier to take off on a whim or when you unexpectedly come down with the flu. Make yourself a priority—when you value your own well-being, you set the tone for how others will, too.
Keep your paycheck in your pocket.
Have you ever run out of glue sticks mid-project? Maybe you ran to the store to buy a case with your own money because it was faster than waiting for budget and vendor approval. With a little pre-planning (and inventory), you will eliminate the need to fund your program out of your own paycheck. When you stop covering supply costs yourself, you reinforce the financial worth and legitimacy of your art program. Catch Zero Budget Art Room on YouTube for simple ways to stretch your school budget and advocate for the resources you need while spending zero out of pocket!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSwanBYPBkY
Set up a comment box.
Sure, you’ll get some strange messages (they’ll definitely give you a laugh), but overall, students are delightfully complimentary! After all, art is usually a top favorite class—even for students who “hate art.” They are quick to tell you what they love and appreciate about your personality, outfit, or latest project. Harness these positive vibes and put an anonymous comment box in your room for students to provide helpful feedback. You can even draw attention to it by making it a weekly exit ticket. Then, sit back with your favorite snacks, and have a blast reading them!
You’re more than “just the art teacher;” you’re the creative heartbeat of your school. It’s time to celebrate your impact, not just during Teacher Appreciation Week, and extend it all year long. Claim your spotlight, use your days off, protect your time and resources, and remember, you’re not only appreciated but essential to shifting school culture and shaping the next generation.
How do you remind your school community of your value throughout the year?
What’s the most meaningful way someone showed their appreciation for you?
To chat about art teacher appreciation with other art teachers, join us in The Art of Ed Community!
Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.
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