“It’s beneficial for the face-to-face aspect alone,” said education student David Anders, who, along with hundreds of fellow students, attended the 2012 BYU Teacher Fair to find opportunities in the education field. “The fair’s a great advantage,” he continued. “It’s helped me know when and where to look for positions, and it’s helped me put myself out there for potential employers.”

The fair, set up as booths representing different schools and school districts, allows students to talk to potential employers and interview for positions, as well as learn about internships and student teaching opportunities. Students have opportunities to make lasting impressions on potential employers.

Russ Clark, a recruiter from the Kern High School District in Bakersfield, CA, comes regularly to the BYU Teacher Fair because it benefits his district. “I always find top quality candidates at BYU,” Clark said. “We hire people from BYU every year.”  Clark gives advice to those planning to teach. “I want to meet people at this fair who are teaching a subject that’s in demand. I want to see that they can be professional and dress well. I want to hire someone who’s dynamic, who has a wide range of interests and will really be able to connect with—and enjoy being around—students all day every day.”

A total of 77 employers and 791 students attended the 2012 fair, with a record of 941 interviews taking place during the event. “The fair was a tremendous success,” said Monte Marshall, BYU career counselor and fair administrator.

May 1, 2012