What Makes Art Teachers Still Enjoy Teaching Art? Summary of results from an empirical action research training project

Abstract

Abstract. This article outlines the results of a research training project undertaken by four German academic institutions investigating the factors involved in art teachers’ continued motivation to carry out their profession even after ten years or more of teaching art in schools. The study is based on interviews carried out by art students and targeting art teachers who have had a minimum of ten professional years of experience. The analysis of this study reveals interesting perspectives on the expectations and motivations leading to successful art teaching careers and offers particular consequences to be drawn for art teacher training in general. One important consequence is that the study provides a model for how scientific research can be included in the training of art teachers to promote their self-reflection.