When an Art teacher walks into a job interview, there are certain things they should expect and be prepared for. Like any education interview, you will be asked questions about yourself, about teaching, classroom management and grading; however, you will also be asked questions specifically about Art and teaching it, which you need to be aware of and ready to answer without hesitation. Interviewing for a teaching job is not an easy task – it’s strenuous and not for the faint of heart (just like teaching itself). It’s a tough market out there and you need lots of preparation. Here are some real-life sample interview questions for Art teachers (that I have been asked in my own personal Art teaching job search):
• If I walked into your Art classroom, what should I expect to see?
• Tell us about any other relevant experiences you have.
• Describe a lesson using technology.
• Describe a lesson that integrates with another subject.
• How could you reinforce learning Math skills in Art?
• How could you reinforce reading/writing in Art?
• What other duties/clubs/teams are you willing to advise?
• Do you have other commitments or responsibilities outside of school?
• How can you use community resources?
• How comfortable are you using technology?
• Tell us about yourself.
• How do you grade Art?
• What is your plan of discipline?
• How do you motivate all of your students?
• What are your professional and personal goals?
• Describe a struggle you have had as a teacher.
• Describe a situation when you have dealt with an upset parent.
• Do you make Art of your own?
• Tell us about your student teaching experiences.
• How do you address all of the various levels of talent, skill and interest in Art?
• How would you address the needs of gifted artists and those who finish early, as well as those who lag behind, or lack skill or initiative?
• How would you display artwork – everyone’s, those that are the best, or another way?
• Describe a time when you have dealt with a misbehaving student.
• What is your best quality?
• What is your greatest weakness?
• Describe your punctuality and work ethic.
• What do you feel is the role of the administrator?
• Describe the ideal relationship between the Art teacher and the school’s other teachers.
• We are limited in our budget/supplies… how can you be resourceful?
• What can you bring to our district?
• What is the last book that you read?
• What is your experience with art shows?
• What do you like to do in your free time?
• What do you know about our school district?
• What questions do you have for us?
• Who is your favorite artist?
• Describe your experiences with special needs students, and how comfortable you are with teaching them.
• What is the best thing about being a teacher?
• Describe a time in your teaching career when you felt very accomplished and proud.
• What is your favorite medium to work in, and to teach?
• What is your philosophy about Art?
• What are your thoughts on field trips?
• What rewards do you use in class?
Do yourself a favor, and – if possible – copy, save or print out these sample interview questions. As an Art teacher, teaching job prospects are limited, so you want to stand out from the crowd. Write out your answers in-depth, and have friends and family members interview you, so that you can practice giving your answers to all of these questions. Your goal is to be as prepared as you can possibly be, and if you walk into your education interview full of confidence, you will ultimately be much more successful in finding your next Art teaching job!
Be sure to look for my other helpful article, about Interview Tips for Art Teachers, with tons of information on what to expect at an Art teaching interview, as well as tips to do your best!
