How do you become an art teacher in the UK?

Should I go to art school or become an art teacher?

• I have finished my bachelors in art and I have been on the fence about something... I have done some K-12 art teaching and I have a lot of experience with it. I wanted to go to an art school for me Masters degree in Illustration, as I have always wanted to be an illustrator, such as for children's books or science books. But I am wondering if I am better off just getting my masters degree in Art Education instead of a masters in illustration. It would cost about the same for both degrees. I would have better luck finding references for my art education degree than the illustration degree though... I don't know. I am kind of leaning towards the art education degree more.. Opinions?

• Answer:

  As an art teacher at a middle school in Texas, I can tell you from experience that it is far better to get a Master's in a subject area that allows for more diverse employment opportunities. Don't tie yourself to being exclusively an illustrator. With a Master's in art ed, you can easily incorporate many of your talents under that wider umbrella. Hope it helps!