FAQ how do I start working as a teacher?
Research which qualifications you need to start as a teacher. See what is involved in the application procedure and appointment. You can teach in both primary and secondary education. You can read below how they differ.
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Teaching qualification
You will find what type of education you are qualified to teach listed on your diploma. Have you completed your HBO training as a teacher of visual arts, music, theatre (artist educator in theatre) or dance? Then you have a first and second-degree teaching qualification for education. If you have the qualifications to teach high school, you can also teach primary school. If you only have a diploma in art, you may teach (together with a qualified teacher) but you will need to obtain further qualifications to be able to teach classes by yourself.
With a first-degree qualification you can also teach at secondary vocational education (mbo). To be able to teach at higher professional education (hbo), you must have completed a master's degree, such as the Master of Art Education, Master of Learning and Innovation or Educational Sciences. In some cases you can take the master's degree after you have been accepted.
Primary education
Primary schools are paying more and more attention to art education. This is partly due to government incentive schemes, such as Cultural Education with Quality (Cultuur met Kwaliteit, CMK) and More Music in the Classroom (Meer Muziek in de Klas). Types of schools that do a lot of art education include art magnet schools (kunstmagneetscholen) and community schools (brede scholen). The role and vision of the Internal Culture Coordinator (ICC), school management and parents is often of great importance when it comes to cultural education. Many primary schools employ their own art teachers.
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High School
Some high schools offer art as a final exam subject, in other schools art is only a part of the substructure. There are also so-called cultural profile schools, where art is firmly included in the school's curriculum. It varies per school which art subjects are offered and how visible the art subjects are in the curriculum of the entire school. Schools also vary in their choice of art education. Music and visual arts are more common then dance and drama. Determine for yourself what your criteria are in terms of signature, level, age group and size of the school and the importance that a school attaches to arts subjects.
The employment contract
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 means extra work, in the nature of meetings, travel and preparation. A full time job in education is often about 27 hours of teaching. Preparation, follow ups, or meetings are not paid separately. Your wage level will be determined by the collective labour agreement of education, depending on your years of service.
Applying for jobs
Substituting is a great way in, but does not offer the right to a permanent position. Vacancies can be found on various websites Don’t forget the school you did your internship with: they have already seen what you are made of. Clearly let the school know what you can offer them. Schools are especially interested in your didactic and professional qualities and experience. The school may ask you to teach a trial lesson or write a curriculum or course offer as a part of the application procedure.