There are many reasons for teaching art to others. Making money is a valid reason, but if it’s your only reason, read my other articles on this topic.

Having said a lot about the challenges of teaching, it’s time for me to talk about what makes teaching great.

It’s all about the students. Really, the monetary rewards of teaching are nothing compared with seeing a student glom onto a new material or technique, and soar with it.

I’m always delighted when I see the work of a former student in a magazine such as Somerset Studio, and they’re obviously using something that they learned in my class.

Though I’ve talked (perhaps too much) about students who complain, the vast majority of your students will thank you. If you’re like me (and you probably are), those “thank yous” are the real reward.

Teaching is also a great way to learn from your students. Generally, there is no “wrong” way to use art supplies. Sometimes, your students will try something, um, highly original. That’s where you’ll find ideas for new ways to use old materials, or get ideas for related materials that might work better.

Lesley Riley talks about this often. Some of her most innovative image transfer techniques evolved from what others might call a “mistake.”

Meeting students is a joy in itself. I love learning more about people’s backgrounds, what they are expressing in their art, and… well, even everyday insights fascinate me.

If you teach at events in other areas or countries, travel can be a real bonus. I’ve visited cities and states that I never expected to see; teaching gave me a chance to explore them. (I generally arrive a day early and stay a day late, just to tour the local area.)

Connecting with other teachers is icing on the cake. From Claudine Hellmuth, I learned how to pack my art supplies better when I travel. L.K. Ludwig taught me a lot about what works and what doesn’t, when teaching. Nina Bagley guided me past several political pitfalls as a teacher. ‘Zanne Bakke helped me appreciate the nurturing moments of arts events, and became a real spiritual sister. This list could go on for pages & pages… but, you get the idea.

Every student, teacher, shop owner and event staff member has taught me something valuable.

There are other aspects of teaching that make it worthwhile, as well. Here are a few:

Creating fresh, new classes means pushing yourself as an artist, and wearing that R&D hat to discover innovative approaches to art.

Every class you teach will include a review of some basics materials and techniques. Each time you go over them, your own skills improve. Maybe you see the material in a new way. Perhaps you remember a technique that could enhance your own projects. You can learn as much from your own lessons as your students do.

For every class you teach, there are dozens–perhaps hundreds–of good reasons to be a teacher.

Though many of my past articles have tried to explain that teaching art isn’t “easy money,” it’s important to say this clearly: Of all the reasons to teach, money is probably the least significant. The true rewards come from the personal connections you make with the people you meet.

If you have ever thought about teaching art, go ahead and get started now.