You will find what type of education you are qualified to teach listed on your diploma. If you only have a diploma of professional art training, you will need to obtain further qualifications to be able to teach classes by yourself. If you have the qualifications to teach high school, you can also teach primary school.

High School
Determine your criteria in the area of signature, level, age group and size of the school and what emphasis they place on art education. Some high schools offer art as a final exam subject, in other schools art is only a part of the substructure. Schools also vary in their choice of art education. Music and visual arts are more common then dance and drama.

Primary education
Many primary schools employ their own art teachers. Primary schools are gradually taking more interest in art education. Government incentives are partly responsible. Arts magnet schools and Broad schools do much in the area of art education.

Hours
A job as an art teacher is often part time. This means that you may need to work more than one job to get by. Don’t forget multiple jobs mean extra work, in the nature of meetings, travel and preparation. A full time job in education starts from around 27 hours. Preparation, follow ups, or meetings are not paid separately.

Vacancies
Vacancies can be found on various websites and in the Saturday edition of the national and regional newspapers. Some schools have their vacancies listed on their website. Don’t forget the school you did your internship with: they have already seen what you are made of.

Applying for the job
Your application letter and your CV must be comprehensive and accurate. Make sure you arouse their curiosity, but do not use deception. Check for spelling mistakes and keep it short. A catchy opening sentence draws attention. Schools are especially interested in your didactic and professional qualities and experience. Clearly let the school know what you can offer them. When you are invited for an interview, you are well prepared with a good story.  Make sure you know who is in front of you and what you want to tell them and ask them. The selection committee is often made up of one of the directors and a member of a department/section. You will find a lot of information on the website of the school or institution.

You can also make an open application. Ring the school beforehand to ask who you can approach with your application. That way your name has been heard and you make a better chance to be selected when a vacancy opens up.

Application procedure
Ask about the procedure of the application and when you can expect to have an answer. When the time has lapsed without you having heard from them, ring them up yourself. There is often a second round of interviews. The school may ask you to teach a trial lesson or write a curriculum or course offer.

The appointment
An appointment can be of a temporary or permanent nature. A permanent appointment always comes with a trial period. Substituting is a great way in, but does not offer the right to a permanent position. Your wage level will be determined by the teacher’s CAO, depending on your years of service. There is not much room to negotiate. Is it a small position? If you earn less than you would have received on government assistance, you can apply for supplementary assistance with your UVW Werkbedrijf.