Teacher Interview Day reflects good outlook for jobs
Education majors spent Tuesday discussing potential employment with school district administrators at the annual Teacher Interview Day.
03/25/2009
While Pittsburg State University now offers degree programs in a huge variety of fields, the school started in 1903 as a training ground for teachers. Continuing that tradition, hundreds of education students and their potential employers filled the Weede Gymnasium Tuesday for the annual Teacher Interview Day.
“I think this was really nicely set up,” said Gloryanna Wilson-Boge, one of the many students on the hunt for a teaching position. “I don’t feel like I’ve been thrown out unprepared.”
Rows of interview booths with representatives from dozens of schools from Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri were set up in the gym from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students were free to visit with any of the school representatives in the morning, and after lunch, they attended 25-minute interviews arranged beforehand.
Cindy Rogers, a psychology and math education major, said she thought the event was a great way to introduce students to possible employers.
“I think it’s a good opportunity,” Rogers said. “It’s a great way to get your name out.”
Dr. Travis Wilson, principal of Garfield Elementary in Liberal, Kan., said the event was good for administrators as well.
“Why we like to come to Pittsburg State is because all the candidates are outstanding,” Wilson said. “With the requirements to get into the program and graduate, PSU ensures success.”
Wilson said his school usually hires one or two PSU graduates every year.
While many school districts are facing budget crunches, Wilson said the outlook for jobs as teachers is not all gloomy.
“We’re a growing district, so we won’t have any cutbacks,” Wilson said. “We are looking at a $63 million bond issue in April, so we’re not cutting back, we’re growing.”
David Hogard, assistant director of career services at PSU, said economic woes kept some schools from sending representatives, but the event still brought a good crowd.
“We have over 70 schools,” Hogard said. “We usually get around 100. With a lot of the economic situations, many schools are waiting to see about positions and vacancies.”
Despite this year’s somewhat diminished attendance, Hogard said the Teacher Interview Day would continue to be a tradition for years to come.
“Pitt State has a great reputation for teachers,” Hogard said. “A lot of administrators are alumni, or their employees are. There’s usually a connection there.”
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