The Spring 2014 Education Career Fair will be taking place in the University Center Ballroom from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday.
The career fair, held by Career Services and the College of Education, is targeted toward those looking for a job in educating students and those wanting to network with potential employers. The career fair will be open to all students and alumni, but not to the general public.
More than 30 school districts will be represented to recruit students. While some school districts are looking for education majors only, almost half of those attending are scouting for students in any major.
Courtney Cook, assistant director in the Office of Career Services, believes the career fair provides an excellent opportunity to network and meet with those in the education field.
Cook also said students should be professional in all ways while at the career fair.
"It is important that students be professional in both attire and behavior," Cook said. "It may also help to research the school districts that will be attending.
Professional dress is required at the career fair and students should bring several copies of their résumés.
"I advise that every student bring several copies of his or her résumé," Cook said. "Students should also get business cards from several employers and follow up with an email thanking them for their time and information."
James Aldinger, director of HR, Federal Projects and Accountability at Bartlett City Schools, will be attending the career fair to look for prospective teachers.
"Our school district is just now getting up and started," Aldinger said. "We want to get our name out there to those looking for a career. We want the brightest, most dedicated educators to represent our new district."
Aldinger promoted his belief that professionalism is key in finding a job.
"There is a way we must present ourselves if we are to be viewed as we believe we should," Aldinger said.
Samantha Esgro, a sophomore special education major, is planning on researching some districts' teacher retention rates before deciding on where to teach.
"I need to know how long a school district keeps teachers employed," Esgro said. "I am going to look for how long they've kept their teachers and compare it to other districts."
Esgro said she would also look for the number of special education students in a district and how often teachers have IEP meetings with their parents.
Grace Cartwright, a senior education major, is planning on networking at the career fair.
"My main goal is to get my name and face out there to the school districts," Cartwright said. "There are going to be a ton of people there, and we are all going to try to distinguish ourselves."
Cartwright is also planning on using information given at the career fair to her advantage.
"We will be learning a lot about the districts and their expectations," Cartwright said. "The Education Career Fair will tell me the steps I need to take between now and graduation, and even between graduation and getting a career."
