There are numerous upcoming education job fairs in the northeast and Philadelphia regions of Pennsylvania. I attended several job fairs immediately after I received my bachelor’s degree and found them to be informative and beneficial. For new teachers, education job fairs are one of the best opportunities for networking. Some recruiters even conduct mini-interviews. You should arrive to these job fairs dressed professionally (business suits) and ready to briefly but explicitly state why you are a knowledgeable and qualified teaching candidate.
I recommend preparing folders to distribute to recruiters during the fair. Folders should include: resume, transcripts, FBI and child abuse clearances, CD with interactive portfolio, recommendation letters, standard application, and teaching certificate. Districts often only interview candidates able to present information in its entirety. By preparing a folder, teacher candidates show they are determined to find an education career.
Teaching jobs in Pennsylvania are not always easy to find. School districts often receive hundreds of applications for a handful of jobs. Meeting a recruiter in person provides the opportunity for a first impression which may lead to an interview. When talking to a recruiter, be sure to introduce yourself with a firm handshake, state your area of certification, and briefly describe characteristics which will make you an excellent teacher.
Job Fairs:
1. Greater Philadelphia Teacher Job Fair (DVEC)
When: March 17, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Valley Forge Convention Center, King of Prussia
For more information: www.dvec.net or [email protected]
Penn State Spring Education Career Day
When: March 28, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Penn State Conference Center
Penn State students and alumni – enter at 9:00 a.m.
All other students and alumni – enter at 10:00 a.m.
For more information: www.fairs.sa.psu.edu/education
North Central PA Education Consortium
When: March 29, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Bloomsburg University
For more information: www.bloomu.edu/careers.html
*I am an alumni of Bloomsburg University and I personally attended this job fair back in 2007. This is a huge job fair – even school districts from out of state attend. Some of my fellow education majors were offered jobs as a result of this fair. I highly recommend it!
Teacher Recruitment Day Consortium
When: March 30, 2011 from 9:00a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Millersville University
Fore more information: www.collegecentral.com/trd
Kutztown University Job Fair for Educators
When: March 31, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Holiday Inn Conference Center, Breinigsville
For more information: http://careers.kuztown.edu
Online Resources:
There are currently two Pennsylvania websites which allow teacher candidates to upload applications and resumes into a database. Candidates are able to search for open positions and school districts are able to search for candidates. I highly recommend registering with both of these websites. They will even send you emails when new job openings are posted.
https://www.pa-educator.net/index.asp
http://www.pareap.net/
