It was slow at first, a trickle of nervous educators moving into the small gym drop by drop, and then, the deluge. Our line was three or four or five deep, all waiting patiently with portfolios in hand and hopeful eyes. I harnessed all of my focus to engage each teacher, offering my full attention for a few fleeting moments, listening for that perfect fit. By noon, my feet aching, I flipped through the folder of English applicants, pleased with the possibility that awaits.
Saturday was the Super Teacher Job Fair for my district, and this year, my campus hosted. Like my own house when company comes, our school sparkled for its early morning visitors. I had the honor of manning our campus table with my fellow department chairs in hopes of discovering the right teachers to join our ranks. Once the chaos begins, it is an onslaught of people, but it just may be one of my favorite things to do.
I love watching people in general, and when I know those I'm watching are teachers, it's even more fun! Some sit back and observe the room before diving in. Others begin at table one and work the perimeter. Occasionally there's a pinball person in the flock. Talking to each of them is easily the best part.
These quick, momentary conversations excite me. They remind me why people get into education. Repeatedly, candidates gushed about their students, how they reason and wonder and learn. They praised their students' tenacity in the face of difficulty and their students' excitement at the beauty of story. One teacher was in my classroom for her initial screening interview just minutes before talking to me, and she used my book collection as an entrance into talking reading. In response, of course, I had to mention the two boxes of used books I picked up for a steal at our local public library the day before! I think we shared a book love moment. Another fresh, rookie teacher explained how in awe he is by student learning today versus his own personal experience of the next page in the textbook with the next coordinating worksheet.
For a few hours, I got to talk to people who love what they do and who want to continue that at my school. It was a blast!
Now, I hope to quickly call many in for interviews in order to find the perfect fit. That teacher with that spark for creating last relationships. The one bold enough to offer choice and control to students. The one with a fresh perspective, a unique insight. The one who will see and love all of the kids, no matter their shape, size, or shade.
Saturday was the Super Teacher Job Fair for my district, and this year, my campus hosted. Like my own house when company comes, our school sparkled for its early morning visitors. I had the honor of manning our campus table with my fellow department chairs in hopes of discovering the right teachers to join our ranks. Once the chaos begins, it is an onslaught of people, but it just may be one of my favorite things to do.I love watching people in general, and when I know those I'm watching are teachers, it's even more fun! Some sit back and observe the room before diving in. Others begin at table one and work the perimeter. Occasionally there's a pinball person in the flock. Talking to each of them is easily the best part.
These quick, momentary conversations excite me. They remind me why people get into education. Repeatedly, candidates gushed about their students, how they reason and wonder and learn. They praised their students' tenacity in the face of difficulty and their students' excitement at the beauty of story. One teacher was in my classroom for her initial screening interview just minutes before talking to me, and she used my book collection as an entrance into talking reading. In response, of course, I had to mention the two boxes of used books I picked up for a steal at our local public library the day before! I think we shared a book love moment. Another fresh, rookie teacher explained how in awe he is by student learning today versus his own personal experience of the next page in the textbook with the next coordinating worksheet. For a few hours, I got to talk to people who love what they do and who want to continue that at my school. It was a blast!
Now, I hope to quickly call many in for interviews in order to find the perfect fit. That teacher with that spark for creating last relationships. The one bold enough to offer choice and control to students. The one with a fresh perspective, a unique insight. The one who will see and love all of the kids, no matter their shape, size, or shade.
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