Aspiring teachers courted at exhibit – even in Alaska
Mark Vingoe from Matanuska-Susitna School District in Alaska refers to a map of the state as he speaks with a student at the Lopes Leap To Teach & Lead career exhibit on Tuesday.
Mike Kilen story
Photos of Ralph Freso
CUU Information Office
Grand Canyon University’s career exhibition for education students is no secret to Arizona school districts. There is a shortage of teachers in the state, and GCU has a reputation for being good teachers soon to be ready to lead classrooms, prompting more than 50 school districts and schools to attend the Lopes Leap to event. Teach & Lead Tuesday on the Promenade.
But it was unusual to see a map of Alaska spread out on a table.
Students visit representatives from more than 50 schools at Tuesday’s career fair.
Marc Vingoë school district of Matanuska-Susitna, near Anchorage, attracted future graduates with the promise of adventure and higher wages in Alaska.
“We had heard of GCU but thought it was mostly online,†Vingoe said. “So when I spoke in college and learned that there were almost 24,000 students on campus, I came here and was amazed at how beautiful it is.”
He said Alaska’s situation is similar to that of many states in the United States. The district lacks teachers. He was formerly a teacher and principal there, but is helping the district recruit to its retirement base in Tucson.
“COVID has reduced the number of applications and teachers elsewhere wanted to stay put during the pandemic,” he said, adding that the number of students wishing to pursue studies appears to be decreasing as many believe that salaries are too low. “I think the government should encourage people to enter education.”
But there was a lot of enthusiasm for teaching on the Boardwalk as the students moved from table to table with enthusiastic school district officials handing out candy and business cards.
“There is a huge demand. Every week the directors contact us to get in touch with our students, â€said Julien brett, Director of Clinical Practice for the College of Education, who partnered with Strategic Employer Initiatives and Internships (SEI) to host the event. “This is a great opportunity to do so. “
Prospective teachers warm their smiles when they meet recruiters on Tuesday.
This is one of the biggest career fairs that SEI helps organize for GCU colleges, said Aysha Bell, Director of SEI Recruiting Services. It helps students not only to find jobs, but also internships and internships.
Second year Taylynn Stockings was looking for internship and internship opportunities and kept a large file filled with information from several schools.
“This is a huge opportunity for education students. I’m supposed to be in class, but I got through to get to this, â€said Low, an elementary education student who can’t wait to be in front of a classroom.
“I like to teach. I love children, â€she said.
His file mainly contained information from neighboring schools.
After all, the high temperature in Anchorage on Tuesday was 4 degrees below, an 85-degree difference from the Promenade.
Grand Canyon University Senior Writer Mike Kilen can be reached at [email protected] or at 602-639-6764.
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