Education

To Become Arts Teacher (Visual Arts Drama Music) in Ontario: Salary, Training, and Career Outlook

by Occupations.ca Team
12 min read

Have you ever imagined helping students discover their voice through Drama, their style through Visual Arts, or their sound through Music? If you love the arts and want to make a difference in Ontario classrooms, becoming an Arts Teacher (Visual Arts, Drama, or Music) could be the path for you. In this guide, you’ll learn what the job is really like, how to qualify in Ontario, what you can expect to earn, and how to build a strong career in education while staying true to your creative roots.

Job Description

Arts Teachers in Ontario bring the Ontario Arts Curriculum to life in elementary and secondary schools. You design learning experiences that help students build creative skills, collaborate, and communicate ideas through Visual Arts, Drama, and Music. You may focus on one discipline or teach several, depending on your assignment and your qualifications.

You work within the Ontario Curriculum: The Arts and assess learning using clear criteria. Whether you are leading a rehearsal, preparing a gallery show, or running a printmaking lesson, your work blends Teaching, coaching, production, and community-building.

See the curriculum here:

Daily Work Activities

  • Plan and teach lessons aligned to Ontario learning expectations for the Arts.
  • Demonstrate techniques (e.g., shading, glazing, sight-singing, improvisation, stage blocking).
  • Rehearse ensembles, direct productions, mount exhibits, or curate showcases.
  • Manage studios, instruments, tools, and equipment safely and efficiently.
  • Assess student learning using rubrics, performances, portfolios, and observations.
  • Differentiate Instruction to Support diverse learners, including students with IEPs and English/French language learners.
  • Collaborate with colleagues on events, cross-curricular projects, and school-wide arts initiatives.
  • Communicate with parents/guardians and caregivers, and maintain student records.
  • Supervise and mentor students during rehearsals, concerts, exhibitions, and field trips.
  • Participate in professional learning, staff meetings, and school committees.

Main Tasks

  • Design engaging, inclusive, and safe arts lessons.
  • Prepare materials, spaces, and equipment (kilns, stage lights, risers, sound systems).
  • Conduct rehearsals; teach technique, theory, and repertoire.
  • Manage budgets, order supplies, and maintain inventory.
  • Evaluate student work and provide feedback.
  • Coordinate performances, exhibitions, or festivals.
  • Support student Leadership (stage managers, section leaders, curators).
  • Build partnerships with local artists, galleries, theatres, and community organizations.
  • Follow all board policies, including health and Safety procedures.
  • Contribute to a positive, respectful classroom culture.

Required Education

To teach in Ontario’s publicly funded schools, you must be certified by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). There are also opportunities to teach arts in private schools, community programs, and studios where OCT is not required, though many employers still prefer formal Training and experience.

Learn more about becoming a certified teacher:

Diplomas

  • Bachelor’s Degree (required for OCT certification)

    • Most candidates complete a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or Master of Teaching (MT) as their initial teacher education program.
    • For secondary (Grades 7–12), you need “teachable” subjects (e.g., Visual Arts, Drama, or Music) based on your previous university credits.
    • For elementary (K–6), you do not need teachables, but arts expertise and Additional Qualifications (AQs) strengthen your profile.

  • College Diploma (for non-certified roles or complementary skills)

    • A college diploma alone does not qualify you to teach in publicly funded schools, but it can be valuable if you plan to teach in private music schools, community arts centres, or run your own studio classes. It can also complement your degree (e.g., audio production for music teachers, stage tech for drama teachers).

  • Certificates (Professional Development and specialization)

    • Additional Qualifications (AQs) in Visual Arts, Drama, Dance, Instrumental Music, and Vocal Music enhance your credentials and can qualify you to teach specific subjects or divisions.
    • Arts education certificates that support classroom practice:

  • Catholic schools (additional expectations)

    • Catholic boards often require a Pastoral Reference and may prefer/require Religious Education AQ. Check each board’s posting.
See also  How to Become a Driving Instructor in Ontario: Salary, Training, and Career Outlook

Length of Studies

  • Consecutive Path: 4-year undergraduate degree (often in a related field like Music, Visual Arts, or Theatre) + 2-year BEd/MT = typically 6 years.
  • Concurrent Path: Begin teacher education during your undergraduate degree = typically 5 years total.
  • Additional time may be needed to complete prerequisite credits for your teachables (especially for Intermediate/Senior).

Where to Study?

Your path usually includes:

  1. A subject-focused degree (e.g., BMus, BFA, BA in Drama/Theatre).
  2. An initial teacher education program (BEd or MT).
  3. Ongoing professional learning (AQs, workshops, certification).

Initial Teacher Education (Ontario)

Teachable subject requirements vary. For Intermediate/Senior, you typically need a set number of university credits in your subjects. Example: Queen’s teachables overview:

Subject Degrees in the Arts (Ontario examples)

Additional Qualifications and Professional Learning

Salary and Working Conditions

Entry-Level vs Experienced Salary

Salaries are set by each school board’s collective agreement and depend on your qualifications and experience. In Ontario, typical ranges are:

  • Entry-level: about $50,000–$60,000 per year.
  • Experienced (top of grid): about $95,000–$110,000+ per year.

Pay differs by board and may vary slightly each year after negotiations. You also receive Benefits and pension contributions through the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP):

See also  To Become University Professor (Research and teaching) in Ontario: Salary, Training, and Career Outlook

Government of Canada Job Bank wage info (Ontario):

Working Conditions

  • Work year: Approximately 194 school days; evenings and some weekends for rehearsals, shows, concerts, exhibitions, festivals, and parent events.
  • You may teach in elementary, secondary, arts-focused schools, or alternate education settings.
  • Expect significant planning and setup time (stages, risers, kiln firing, lighting plots, gallery displays).
  • Safety is essential (e.g., tools, chemicals, kilns, stage equipment, sound levels). Board training may include WHMIS, ladder safety, and equipment-specific procedures.
  • Many music and drama teachers supervise extracurriculars (choir, band, pit orchestra, improv team, school play/musical), which extend your day during production cycles.
  • In some boards, itinerant music teachers Travel between schools; music equipment transport and timetables require Coordination.
  • You will communicate often with families and collaborate with colleagues, administrators, and community partners.

Job Outlook (Ontario)

Overall demand for Arts Teachers in Ontario is steady, with regional and subject differences. Competition can be higher in large urban boards for Visual Arts and Drama. Music teachers with strong instrumental skills and those qualified across divisions and subjects may have broader opportunities. French-language and French-immersion qualifications can significantly increase opportunities.

Check the latest provincial outlook:

To find jobs, many Ontario boards use:

Key Skills

Soft Skills

  • Creativity and imagination to design engaging learning experiences.
  • Classroom Management that balances freedom with structure.
  • Collaboration and leadership for ensembles, casts, and crews.
  • Communication (verbal, written, and non-verbal) and performance coaching.
  • Cultural humility and inclusivity, integrating diverse traditions and perspectives.
  • Adaptability under tight timelines (festival season, show week, report cards).
  • Organization and time management for rehearsals, showcases, and inventories.
  • Relationship-building with students, families, colleagues, and community partners.
  • Resilience to handle production pressures and public performances.

Hard Skills

  • Visual Arts: drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, Digital Media, photography; knowledge of safe studio practices and materials.
  • Drama: acting, directing, devising, movement, voice, stage management, theatre tech basics (lighting, sound, set, costumes).
  • Music: musicianship, conducting, theory, ear training, arranging; instrumental technique (band/orchestra) and/or vocal/choral methods; knowledge of music technology.
  • Assessment and evaluation aligned to Ontario Curriculum and Growing Success policies.
  • Technology in the arts: DAWs, notation software (e.g., MuseScore, Sibelius), lighting consoles, audio systems, digital portfolios.
  • Event production: Scheduling, budgeting, promotion, ticketing, front-of-house coordination.
  • Health and safety: equipment, chemicals, sound exposure, ergonomics, Risk Assessment.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  • Daily work focused on creativity, expression, and community.
  • Strong sense of accomplishment guiding performances, galleries, and shows.
  • Stable salary, benefits, and pension through public school employment.
  • Opportunities to lead clubs, festivals, and trips; build long-term programs.
  • Professional networks (OAEA, OMEA, CODE) and ongoing learning (AQs, workshops).
  • Chance to support student well-being and confidence through the arts.

Disadvantages

  • Evening and weekend commitments during production cycles.
  • Budget and space limitations; ongoing equipment Maintenance.
  • Storage and logistics challenges (instruments, costumes, sets, artwork).
  • Competition for full-time permanent positions in some regions/subjects.
  • Emotional and time demands around high-stakes performances or festivals.
  • Itinerant or split assignments can increase travel and workload.

Expert Opinion

If you want to become an Arts Teacher in Ontario, focus on three pillars: qualifications, portfolio, and presence.

  1. Qualifications
  • Get your OCT certification through an accredited BEd or MT program and ensure your teachables (for Intermediate/Senior) meet credit requirements in Visual Arts, Drama, or Music. Contact your target faculties early to confirm exactly which credits count.
  • Add Additional Qualifications (AQs) in relevant subjects and divisions. AQs help you qualify for assignments and show commitment to your discipline.
  • If you’re aiming for Catholic boards, prepare required documents (e.g., Pastoral Reference) and consider Religious Education AQ.
  1. Portfolio
  • Build a teaching portfolio that includes unit plans, assessment tools, and evidence of student learning (photos of artwork, audio/video of performances with permissions).
  • Showcase your artistic practice: exhibitions, recitals, directing credits, recordings, or publications. Your ongoing practice strengthens your classroom credibility.
  • Highlight safety procedures you use in studios and productions (e.g., kiln protocols, PPE, sound level monitoring).
  1. Presence
  • Get classroom experience: volunteer, coach a choir, support a school play, or run workshops through community organizations.
  • Join professional associations:
  • Learn the local job market. Be open to supply teaching and Long-Term Occasional (LTO) roles. These often lead to permanent contracts.
  • Keep your Vulnerable Sector Check current:
See also  How to Become a School Speech-Language Pathologist in Ontario: Salary, Training, and Career Outlook

Pro tip: If you’re a music specialist, strengthen your profile with conducting experience, RCM or Orff/Kodály training, and comfort with notation and audio software. For drama and visual arts, build production or exhibition experience and learn essential technical skills (lighting basics, digital media workflows). Your versatility will open doors.

FAQ

How do I qualify to teach both Music and Drama (or Visual Arts) at the secondary level in Ontario?

For Intermediate/Senior certification, you need two teachables. Many faculties allow combinations like Music + Drama or Visual Arts + Drama. You’ll typically need a set number of university credits in each discipline (e.g., a larger number for your first teachable and a smaller number for your second). Check specific requirements with your chosen faculty. Example:

If you are already certified, you may add or strengthen subjects through Additional Qualifications (AQs), depending on your division and board needs.

Can I become an Arts Teacher if my degree is not in the arts?

Yes, but you’ll likely need to take extra undergraduate courses to meet the teachable credit requirements for Visual Arts, Drama, or Music. Many universities allow you to take these as a post-degree student. Speak with the admissions teams at your target faculties of education about the exact credit counts and acceptable courses, then plan a timeline to fill the gaps before or during your application window.

Are there grants in Ontario to help fund school arts programs or projects?

Yes. Teachers and schools often collaborate with artists and apply for grants to support residencies, performances, and exhibitions. Look at:

Local arts councils, board foundations, and community organizations may also offer small grants or in-kind support.

Do Ontario boards hire itinerant music teachers, and what should I expect?

Some boards hire itinerant (traveling) teachers, especially for elementary instrumental music. You may teach at multiple schools, coordinate schedules with principals, and transport instruments or use board-managed inventory. Expect careful time management, clear communication, and a reliable plan for equipment and repairs. This model can provide broad experience and strong references early in your career.

What’s the difference between Instrumental and Vocal Music teachables, and what if my main instrument is piano or guitar?

In secondary schools, Instrumental Music typically focuses on band/orchestra instruments and ensemble methods; Vocal Music focuses on choral techniques and vocal pedagogy. If your primary instrument is piano or guitar, you’re still welcome in either pathway, but you should build comfort with band instruments (for instrumental) or choral methods (for vocal) to be classroom-ready. Supplement your training with conducting courses, ensemble methods, and workshops (e.g., OMEA, Orff, Kodály). This versatility makes you more competitive for a wide range of postings.

Useful extras for your Ontario arts-education journey:

With the right mix of credentials, classroom skill, artistic practice, and community connections, you can build a rewarding arts-teaching career that enriches Ontario schools and transforms students’ lives.

You may also like