Educator Hiring Fair: Bringing Teaching Jobs and Networking Opportunities to the Community
With a persistent teacher shortage in California, qualified educators continue to be in high demand. On March 3, Azusa Pacific University’s School of Education hosted its annual Educator Hiring Fair to connect area school districts and education-related employers with those seeking teaching jobs or roles in administration or pupil personnel services.
This year’s hiring fair included 43 recruiters representing districts, schools, and education organizations from across 9 Southern California counties, as well as some international career opportunities. “The hiring fair was helpful because it allowed me to meet many district representatives face-to-face,” said Camille McQuaid, MAEd ‘17, a recent School of Education graduate who attended the event looking for openings for the upcoming school year. “I was able to make great connections and now know the dates when teaching jobs will be posted.”
McQuaid was one of 140 attendees to visit APU’s Upper Turner Campus Center during the Saturday hiring fair, which welcomed job-seekers from the public, as well as APU alumni and students. “Education is a community effort, and we were happy to make the hiring fair available to the public again this year,” said Kristen Girard, assistant director of alumni and professional services. “As part of our mission to prepare exceptional educators, we welcome partnerships and collaboration with those in the field, and that includes serving as a resource for the entire community.”
Brian Markarian, EdD, associate superintendent for educational services for Hawthorne School District, was one of the district representatives who participated in the hiring fair, which offers “opportunities to learn things about candidates that we could not possibly ascertain by just reviewing their application packets,” he said. “It is invaluable to have the chance to interact with someone in order to get a feel for their priorities and goals.” When meeting with applicants and prospective future hires of teaching jobs in his district, Markarian wants to know more than what appears on their résumé. “We look for individuals who are motivated, capable, and committed to supporting children,” he said. “We are always looking for candidates who are passionate about this work and who are committed to learning and growing as educational professionals.”
Throughout the event, representatives like Markarian had opportunities to converse in-person with job candidates, exchange contact information, and review résumés. When job-seekers appeared to be a good match for the organization, district, or school, they could then interview candidates for teaching jobs and other openings on the spot in a designated, one-on-one meeting area. “Candidates are eager for more opportunities like this,” said Girard. “We saw the interview room being used throughout the day.”
McQuaid, a graduate of APU’s combined master’s in learning and technology and teaching credential program, pointed out the value of these interactions for those seeking teaching jobs: “You’re able to give your résumé directly to potential employers, talk with them face-to-face, and learn about all the wonderful places to work in Southern California.”
Anita Henck, PhD, dean of the School of Education, also attended the hiring fair and visited with representatives from the districts and organizations present. “Their consistent praise for the preparedness of our students, their past successful hires from APU, and the quality of the event is a tribute to our faculty, program directors, and chairs, as well as the School of Education’s outreach office,” said Henck.
Watch a video of the event.
Posted: March 26, 2018