Do public schools (specifically elementary schools) still to this day hire art teachers? It seems rather an old concept, but in the late 90's and late 2000's I had an art teacher in both Elementary and Middle school.

The ones around here do.

Regular teachers teach art in our elementary schools.

Regular teachers teach art in our elementary schools.

By that, do you mean a teacher who normally teaches (let's say) history also teaches an art class?

Furthermore, would an art degree be necessary?