Education Career Fair Brings Students, School Leaders Together
The first University of Arkansas career fair to focus solely on teacher-education majors in about a decade drew 22 employers and 150 students to the campus April 10.
Employers from four states – Missouri, Oklahoma, Illinois and Arkansas – included large and small school districts, charter schools, private schools and education recruitment companies. Leah Chamberlain, director of field placement and licensure in the College of Education and Health Professions, and Rickey Booker, associate director of the campus Career Development Center, organized the education career fair.
“We designed this career fair a bit differently, primarily in the timing,” Chamberlain said. “We scheduled it for late afternoon to evening because our students who will graduate next month are doing teaching internships. They are at their schools all day, and many of the potential employers are school administrators who appreciated having the later hours to get to campus.”
Several superintendents and principals have told Chamberlain they wanted the chance to meet with the teacher-education students face-to-face. U of A students all do internships in local schools but some of the smaller schools in rural areas don’t have the same opportunity for that sort of engagement with the students, she said.
Several employers told Chamberlain the experience was valuable for them.
“We spoke with nearly 20 students, some of whom have already submitted applications,” said Sean Berkstresser, talent specialist for Tulsa Public Schools. “We’d love to maintain a close relationship with UA since we are always impressed with your candidates.”
“It was a great fair and I hope you will continue it in the years to come,” said Larry Ben, superintendent of Decatur Public Schools.
Contacts
Heidi Wells, director of communications
College of Education and Health Professions
479-575-3138,
heidisw@uark.edu
Headlines
Peter Ungar Chosen as Member of the National Academy of Sciences
A distinguished professor of anthropology and director of environmental dynamics, Ungar is the first U of A faculty member to be elected to the prestigious Academy.
Ag Technology Students Visit Greenway Equipment, Learn About Advances in Machinery
Members of the U of A's Agricultural Systems and Technology Club recently spent a day at the Greenway Technology Farm in Newport to learn about advances featured in John Deere tractors and machinery.
College of Education and Health Professions WE CARE Everywhere Campaign Kicks Off This Summer
Retractable scroll banners with the phrase "WE CARE Everywhere" are small enough to fit any suitcase and just waiting for your chance to shine in social media posts throughout the summer.
Staff Senators for 2024-25 Elected
Twelve newly elected staff members will begin serving the U of A staff community for three-year terms beginning July 1 on the university's Staff Senate.
Matlock Briefs Congressional Staff Regarding Crop Sustainability Research
Professor Marty Matlock briefed U.S. House of Representative and Senate staff members on research conducted by the U of A regarding the effects of management practices on crop sustainability.