The Problem with being an Art Teacher.

If you are art lead at your school there will be one of two reasons why. Either, you are a fiercely passionate, creative teacher, driven by the responsibility of sharing your artistic skills and knowledge with the next generation; or (and the research says this one is far more likely) you have just taken a job at a school where the art lead has left and the head has selected you for the role, as you are new and the least likely to say no.

Whichever one of these types or art lead you are, the challenges are the same. Ofsted are looming, you just KNOW they are going to pick art for a deep dive and no-one in your school has even opened a sketchbook since 2020. It's going to be an uphill struggle.

There's no money in the budget for art supplies beyond a few pencils and that dried up bag of old clay that has been sat in the corner for several years - not because of anyone's intent to do sculpture of course, but because it is too heavy for anyone to carry to the bin. And the last time there was time set aside for your teachers to upskill in art, they were at primary school themselves making Christmas cards for their mums. So it's not really surprising that most of the staff tell you they're 'rubbish at art...' what would they even be able to teach the children anyway?

Luckily though, parents never ask about art at parents' evening; or read that section of the school report. After all, art is just a little break from the 'hard subjects' and it's not like any of these children are going to grow up to actually use art is it? Surely the purpose of a good education is to ensure children to get a proper job, not pursue a hobby?!

Of course, this is tongue in cheek, but I suspect, unless you are very lucky, some of this will ring true in your school! But rest assured, this post is not designed to compound your misery. The purpose of this post is to let you know you are not alone.

What you are doing as art lead is necessary, important and absolutely transformative for the children in your schools. You are providing children with skills they are going to rely on in later life. The creative industries are booming in this country, far faster than any other area of the UK economy, so jobs that rely on subjects like art are absolutely the future. Innovative and creative practices are the least susceptible to the impending boom in AI and also hone the soft skills and qualities that employers value most. By advocating for your subject in schools, you are making your children see the value of art and how this will translate into prosperous and successful futures. In a mental health epidemic, art has the power to provide proven benefits to children's well-being and sustained art participation is proven to create engaged, socially active citizens who will go on to make a significant difference to the world and the people within it.

So remember this the next time someone rolls their eyes at you for suggesting staff meeting time on art; or glares when you insist that the paints can and must come out despite the mess. You are facing overwhelming odds, but you will prevail! Whether you are passionate art specialist or reluctant art lead, what you are doing is important. When you hear the words 'it's only art,' within your school walls, stand firm. Maybe it's only art that matters.