First-Ever Heartland AEA Education Career Fair: A Resounding Success

On March 4 Heartland AEA held its first-ever Education Career Fair, seeking to help match school districts in our service area with education applicants. For a first time event, it was a resounding success, with approximately 350 job seekers in attendance! We were happy to see a great mix of attendees -- from veteran teachers, to new teachers to college students preparing for life beyond spring graduation.

In addition to being able to meet on-site with 12 districts, applicants had the opportunity to do mock interviews, resume critiques and gather graduate program information from area universities. The mock interviews and resume critiques proved to be very popular as attendees stood in line for a chance to receive these services.

“We were excited to hold this education job fair for multiple reasons, first and foremost to provide a service to the districts and schools in our service area,” Tony Chiaramonte, Heartland AEA Human Resources Manager, said. “Our agency is aware of the high turnover rate in the teaching profession, especially during the first few years a teacher is in the classroom. We wanted to gather as many districts as we could in one place, so that educators can meet representatives from many districts at the same time and get a feel for what multiple districts have to offer. We want to be part of the solution and help keep new teachers from leaving the profession and from leaving Iowa by helping them find a district where they enjoy what they do.”

With the success of our inaugural event, we look forward to holding a second Career Fair next year. We hope to see you on March 2, 2016!

Find pictures of the event on our Facebook page.