The COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be a hindrance to many things across the world, but it will not stop UNI from helping future educators find their first job out of college. Normally an in-person event, the 2021 UNI Teacher’s fair will be held virtually on Wednesday, March 3 from 4-7 p.m., powered by Handshake.

A total of 80 school districts from across the United States will have an opportunity to engage with students who are wanting to participate and become educators themselves.  The event is open to all Pre-k through 12th grade educators seeking new opportunities for the 2021-2022 school year.

According to Kayle Bedard, Director of Overseas Teaching, soon-to-be graduates and other educators looking for new opportunities in education will be able to meet different school districts in both group sessions and one-on-one sessions as well.

When registering for the fair, students will have access to the list of schools and sessions they’d like to attend and be a part of.

“Group sessions are more geared towards letting them know about their district and opportunities in the schools, and the one-on-one sessions are set up like a pre-interview type of setting or to get more insight on what they’re both looking for,” Bedard said.

Although the UNI Teacher Fair is targeted towards those looking for a job for the 2021-2022 school year, Bedard said those who are education majors and are not ready to graduate can still register.  They are encouraged to sign up for the group sessions to listen and get a feel for what they are interested in.

“It really is used to network, connect and learn more about other schools and districts,” she said.

UNI is known and valued for the College of Education.  The main goal of holding this fair is to continue to build those connections, maintain the partnerships held within the community through UNI and the educators in the Cedar Valley and ultimately get new educators ready to teach in the fall.

“It’s to keep that connection and keep education strong at UNI. We want our great teachers to be a part of other great schools,” Bedard said.

Those who are interested in attending the UNI Teacher Fair can find more information and the registration link on the UNI Career Services website under “events” or email [email protected] with any questions.