College of Education News

On March 5, the Educational Career Services Office (ECSO) hosted 102 school districts from Illinois, out of state, and abroad on the University of Illinois campus for the annual Mid-America Educators’ Job Fair (Teacher Placement Day) held at the Illini Union.  About 74 Illinois districts attended, 26 from across the nation, and two schools from abroad (London and Dubai).  Illinois represented a number of schools from Chicago and the suburbs and also from as far south as Metropolis near the Illinois/Kentucky border.  Texas and California sent the largest number of out-of-state districts.  

Although the number of districts in attendance was less than in recent years, recruiters continue to be interested in hiring University of Illinois teacher education graduates.  Employers consistently compliment the quality of our candidates indicating that our graduates are well trained in their fields, well prepared for the interviews, and dress and present themselves professionally.  As is the case each year, some candidates were given a letter of intent from out-of-state districts.

CSO was honored by a visit from Dean Mary Kalantzis who made contact with a number of recruiters as well as education graduates and alumni.  ECSO is also quite fortunate to enjoy the volunteer services of the SAGE organization for this event.  Those who volunteered their time this year included:  Kyla Basnett, Josh Bodenheimer, Ashley Cunningham, Corey Kasten, Jennifer Kindermann, Katie Konkoleski, Carly Hinrichsen, Elizabeth Lipowski, Melissa Moriarty, Alaina Nott, Jennifer Ruppert, Julia Wendling, Callie West, and Adrienne Woolbright.  In addition, ECSO staff, Davida Bluhm and Andréa Fain, would like to acknowledge the services of Vaskia Reid, Jo Ann Schwallier, Chris Roegge, Sharon Ward, Kim Pforr, Jeff Buck, Eric Ohlsson, Katie Henry, Kathy Ryan, and Jason Smith.  Putting on an event of this magnitude is a team effort and the team came through for another outstanding victory.  Thanks to all.

Article contributed by Davida Bluhm, Director, Educational Career Services Office, Council on Teacher Education.

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