So I asked the person who interviewed me to tell me what I did wrong at the interview. Blunt is a good word to describe what was revealed. Also it gives good insight into the minds of these interviewers. Don't get me wrong, I'm very glad they did because usually I don't even get a phone call to be told I didn't get selected.


Pushing the tables together was an effective idea, however the still life objects were clumped together-they should have only drawn a few pieces of fruit and they should have been closer to the students. The perspective for many was a side view of a very detailed basket. The flower arrangements were too dense and detailed.
The idea was for detail - it was to show the students that they miss out on a lot of detail. (I did blind contour drawing vs. regular contour drawing) I said this several times throughout the lesson. I don't get it

One student was completely lost and there was no teacher contact with him.I guess this person did not see me come up to this kid at least three times. I tried to tell him where to start. I also asked if he wanted me to help him, he seemed deathly afraid of me and told me no. So... what do I do? I wish I would get some slack since I do not know these students and I am still technically a new teacher.

Showing student work is another good idea, but the work was too light for most to see from across the room. Sharpie markers would have been a better medium choice if the lesson involved showing student work.
That's why I walked around the room with the two drawings, showing the students. I also told them to look at their own drawings. I guess next time I'll put it on an overhead. I do like the idea for sharpies but they can't erase (for the regular drawing, not the blind)

In terms of your interview, we felt some of the answers you gave did not provide us with clear and convincing evidence. Remember, we are looking for the candidate who will be the best “fit” for our school and program. I think you might improve by reflecting on ideas such as your philosophy of art education, how you assess/evaluate student work, components of a successful unit/lesson, and how to ensure all ability levels are addressed in a lesson. Also, you should know it was inappropriate for your initial questions to be about salary and mentoring, or to ask “how you did.” Your questions could have been answered through your own research and by visiting the district website. You might have asked questions designed to excite us about what you have to offer to our art program. This information is not meant to be overly critical, but helpful to you for the future.

I was told to ask about salary. I asked them "Is salary the same for a first year teacher?" No one else seemed so offended by this question when I asked other interviewers. It wasn't a permanent job, how am I supposed to research that online? The "So, how are my chances looking?" I guess was too much for them. My sister told me it doesn't hurt to ask because it looks like you really want the job. I guess it's too bold for some people? The other interviewer I asked laughed at the question and say they're about dead even (it was a joke too.) I also asked if there were extra curricular art programs to which they said, I could do it if I wanted to but they didn't think so. I also asked if I'd get my certification from this, they said they didn't know because it might not be a year. So... exactly what kind of questions does one ask to get them excited about what I have to offer? Isn't that what the interviews about?

All this politically correct and current education "fashion" is really hard on me. I'm not a people person and maybe that shows. My sister is the people person, she's a saleswoman. Maybe they detect my reluctance to do middle school? I don't know. I'd just like an opinion on this.