Jobs up for teachers-to-be

photo by Blanca Rocha

Senior liberal studies major Kelly Keohen confesses to nervousness as she prepares for a job interview at the Department of Education Career Fair, Saturday. Several school districts participated in the informational fair, but only six stayed throughout the day to interview prospective teachers. School districts in attendance included Hemet Unified and Alvord Unified from Riverside, California.

by Mike Myers
Staff Writer

The Career Development and Placement Center, sponsored by the College of Education and Leadership, hosted a school district fair and interview day last Saturday in the Old Gym.

The fair attracted liberal studies students and credential students seeking jobs.

School districts from Long Beach to Palm Springs presented at the fair.

The purpose of the fair was for students to get an idea of the job availabilities within their districts.

“The job availability for teachers is much better than others for students now-a-days,” said Frank Rodriguez, representative from the Broad Prize for Urban Education in the Long Beach Unified School District. “There is a higher demand for teachers in different school districts, especially math and English teachers.”

The fair offered a professional environment with students dressed accordingly.

The men were wearing shirts, ties and suits, and the women also wore suits and dresses to give a good impression on the school districts.

If students were interested in interviewing, they had the opportunity to sign up for sessions later in the day.

“Interviews will take place today for students that are looking to get their feet wet,” said Assistant Director of the Career Development and Placement Center Paula Verdugo.

“Some job interviews will help you get your feet in the door,” he said.

“I will use the Internet, newspaper and any private schools if I have to, or anything to get me some experience before entering the field of teaching,” said graduate student Wesley Hester.

“My number one concern right now is getting my feet wet and start subbing at different school districts.

“I’m just trying to finish my teaching credentials so I can get on full time at an elementary school,” he said.