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Getting the Most Out of a Teacher Job Fair

By AAEE — August 14, 2008 1 min read
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There are different types of teacher job fairs. They range from those sponsored by local school districts; those sponsored by colleges and universities and those that are sponsored by different regions of individual states. School districts send various types of personnel; from human resources staff to an assistant principal. The districts may use different forms of media to enlighten students on their needs.

Fashions and Accessories: Most school representatives dress professional but some do dress “Business casual”. However for the candidates professional dress is a must. By dressing professionally, you will no longer appear to the school representatives as a college student but as a professional. Think of it as a dress rehearsal for your interviews! Your accessories should be a padfolio/portfolio with additional copies of your resume, a pen and a pad so that you are prepared in case you need to make notes. Keep track of the Schools Districts with whom you speak to and send follow-up notes to the ones who interest you. Do not bring your backpack; it’s cumbersome for you, it gets in the way of others, and it projects “student “instead of professional.
Look and Listen: Keep your eyes and ears open – there’s nothing wrong with subtly eavesdropping on the questions by other candidates when they are speaking to a school representatives. If all you do is stroll around, take literature and load up on the ubiquitous freebies, you really haven’t accomplished anything worthwhile (unless you’re a collector of key chains, mouse pads and pen or pencils). The questions you ask at a teacher job fair depend upon your goal. You are seeking job opportunities with specific school districts focus your questions on the application and interview process, and ask for specific information about that school district. It is essential to chat with the school districts representatives and ask meaningful questions!

Tom Casey, Assistant Director
Texas Tech University
University Career Services

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