Amy’s journey: Graphic design to teacher with an MA in Art Education 

For Amy Goins, the journey to becoming an art educator has been anything but traditional. With a background in graphic design, a master’s in instructional design and technology, and years spent working in creative roles, including seven years in interior design and merchandising, teaching wasn’t part of her original plan. She had always wondered how to become an art teacher, so when an art teaching position opened at a local Indiana school, Amy decided to take a leap. 

“I interviewed thinking I wasn’t qualified,” she said. “But they offered me the job on the spot. It was a very quick — and stressful — transition into teaching.” 

After stepping into the role, Amy entered a transition-to-teaching program but soon realized the curriculum didn’t align with the needs of an art educator. “If I’m putting all this work in, I want it to be meaningful to my practice,” she said. That realization led her to search for a dedicated master’s in art education at Ohio State. 

Why Amy chose Ohio State

Amy enrolled in the online Master of Arts in Art Education in January 2024 and immediately found the coursework transformative. 

“I wouldn’t say it was one course — truly every course taught me something I could immediately apply to my classroom,” she shared. “There were things I would have never thought about as an art educator without this program.” 

One defining moment for Amy came in a course focused on essential questions and big-idea lesson planning. “It really made me reconsider what I was teaching,” she said. “As teachers, it’s easy to fall back on filler lessons when you’re overwhelmed. This program helped me build a more intentional, meaningful curriculum.” 

Balancing work, family, and full-time study

Amy is a full-time teacher, a mom, and the leader of multiple extracurriculars, including clubs and yearbook. She has found the fully online format along with strategic time management to have been essential to her success as a student. 

“The online structure works perfectly for me,” she said. “It’s a lot of work, but if you make a schedule and stick to it, it’s absolutely doable. It fits my life as a teacher and a mom.” 

Even with a busy schedule, Amy accelerated her progress, taking five summer classes to stay on track to graduate earlier than expected — a reminder that how long it takes to become an art teacher can vary based on commitment and course load. “It was intense,” she said. “But the work is so rewarding.” 

A supportive community of artists and educators

One of the most meaningful parts of the program is the community. 

“It’s so inspiring to engage every week with other artists and educators who work as hard as you do,” Amy said. “The discussions, the feedback from instructors — it all helps you grow. There’s no judgment. It’s welcoming no matter your background.” 

The program’s intentionally small cohort model also creates space for students to genuinely connect. “I’ve actually become friends with classmates. I follow some on social media, we email, we check in about lesson plans,” she said. “I’ll definitely stay in touch after graduation.” 

Preparing for what’s next

When considering her future career path as an art teacher, Amy plans to complete the program in December 2025 and apply for her Indiana teaching license shortly thereafter. She hopes to continue teaching in public schools for another decade before transitioning into higher education. 

“I think this program prepares you for that next step,” she said. “If I had stayed in the transition-to-teaching program, I wouldn’t be the educator I am today. The content here is so valuable.” 

Long-term, Amy also hopes to pursue doctoral study. 

Advice for future online Master of Art Education students

For anyone considering the Master of Arts in Art Education, especially those wondering how to become an art teacher, Amy has clear advice: 

“This program is the perfect fit. The instructors give personal feedback, the environment is supportive, and you gain new perspectives that truly shape your practice. If you want to grow as an art educator, I would highly recommend it.” 

Take the next step in your art teacher career path

The online Master of Arts in Art Education at The Ohio State University is designed for educators and creative professionals who want to strengthen their impact in classrooms, museums, and community spaces. Through advanced study, students explore new approaches to teaching, curriculum design, and their creative practice. Graduates of the program are equipped to advocate for the value of the arts and create meaningful learning experiences that inspire students in a variety of settings. Please note: the Master of Arts in Art Education does not lead to teaching licensure. 

Wondering how to become an art teacher or take your teaching to the next level? Learn more about Ohio State’s online Master of Arts in Art Education and contact an Enrollment Advisor today!