This page updates the information found in the 2023 publication Thanks to Proposition 28 School Districts Need Art Teachers.
April 2025 – Teachers, administrators, and school districts are working to effectively implement the Arts and Music in Schools Funding and Accountability Act (Prop 28) to benefit all students in California. Independent reports from The Residency Lab and the Hewlett Foundation report that between 5,500 – 7,000 full time and at least as many part-time arts positions can be permanently funded through Prop 28. But there are still not enough qualified teachers in dance, music, theatre, and visual arts to meet the demand.
Although the state is facing some budget challenges this is still a good time to consider a career teaching the arts in an elementary or secondary school setting. Since Proposition 28 is a voter approved initiative, and not negotiated on a year-to-year basis, it is a relatively stable funding source.
Currently, there are four content areas in the arts with their own credential; dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. Media Arts is included as a subject area in the California Arts Standards, but there is no separate credential. There is also no generalized “arts education” credential.
While the passage of Proposition 28 has created a greater demand for arts teachers, there is a limited number of credential programs for teachers in the arts. As of April 2025, 57 credential programs in California offer visual art credentials and 64 programs offer music but only 11 offer dance and 12 offer theatre. A list of programs can be found on CTC’s Approved Institutions and Programs page (check with the institution to see when/if they are accepting applications).
Below are some actions that school districts, individuals, and colleges and universities can take along with some scenarios and frequently asked questions about credentialing arts teachers in California.
Additional Resources
- San Diego County Office of Education: Educator Pathways
- The Residency Lab’s Proposition 28 Resources
