The Mid-South Education Fair, sponsored by The University of Memphis' Career & Employment Services and the College of Education, was held Wednesday in the University Center Ballroom. Forty-seven school districts and organizations set up booths with information about open teaching positions.
Not only were school districts in the Mid-South area recruiting, but also districts from cities as far away as New York City and Madison, Wis.
Dr. Lonita Davidson and Joyce Hardaway, respectively assistant superintendent and director of recruitment for Hamilton County Schools in Chattanooga, said they were ready to hire prospective teachers on the spot. Unfortunately, they were not successful in their quest for teachers, and had only one person fill out an application and complete an interview.
"A lot of students don't want to leave Memphis," Davidson said.
Davidson and Hardaway said most of the students are interested in Memphis and Shelby County teaching positions, partly because they don't want to relocate, and partly because of disparities in starting salaries for teachers in different areas.
"Shelby County Schools have the highest starting salaries in the area, and our salaries aren't competitive" Hardaway said.
Beth Kontrim, special education supervisor for the Marion School District, said this year's fair was much better than last year's, with much more student participation.
"We're low on the totem pole when compared to other areas, but I had a lot of students express interest today," Kontrim said.
Carla Ross, a senior education major, said she got some good information from the fair.
"It helps you get your foot in the door," Ross said.
Buffie Turner, a senior education major, said she learned from the fair that many of the schools offer internship programs as an alternative to student teaching.
Janet Donato, assistant superintendent for Diocese of Memphis' Catholic Schools, said she spends a lot of time explaining to students the type of environment they can expect teaching at one of the 22 Catholic schools in the area.
"We have a very loving and nurturing environment which is very helpful for beginning teachers," Donato said.
