The Students of WMass Need Teachers That Look Like You
Springfield, Mass. - Having a degree in education isn’t the only path to becoming a teacher. Teach Western Mass aims to share options with members of the community at their Hiring Fair on May 21. The goal is to fill the need for teachers who are representative of the students in Holyoke and Springfield.
“Come find a meaningful career,” said Julie Anderson, TWM’s senior manager of engagement. “Come connect with people who are passionate about their work, that are committed to these communities and want to talk to you.”
Anderson said if a school sees someone with the desire to educate students and a commitment to the community, they will train and support that candidate to become a licensed teacher. By registering for the hiring fair, potential candidates can learn more about these opportunities and how they can make a career shift that can be fulfilling and join in the work that’s already being done.
Make a Difference, Be the Difference
There are many benefits a career in education can provide that other careers can’t offer. As people across the country are looking for a career change that fits with their lifestyle needs, Anderson says a career in teaching can meet so many of those requirements, whether it’s being on the same schedule as young family members or making a meaningful difference.
“We believe that the people that are going to be best in our schools live and are from here and have deep ties to the community,” Anderson said.
At the hiring fair, Anderson said candidates can learn more about different options to becoming a licensed educator. It’s an opportunity for people to learn more about making a career shift without taking the traditional path of a degree in education.
“We believe there should be several pathways to the profession,” Anderson said. “We’re working towards the same goal, but we’re coming at it from a different angle.”
Those who attend the job fair may be eligible for a thousand dollar hiring bonus from Teach Western Mass that’s above and beyond a hiring bonus that a school district might provide.
Spreading the Word
Anderson is from western Massachusetts and knows that word of mouth really matters in the area. The Stand Out Truck’s in-person visibility and commitment to the community match the objectives of Teach Western Mass.
“The truck is so local, and given that’s what we’re about it seems like a really good fit,” Anderson said.
She’s also interested in the analytics and data that the trick can provide to clients. The Stand Out Truck will drive around western Massachusetts in collaboration with a local TV ad to help build awareness.
Anderson is hopeful that the truck coupled with other campaigns will boost the number of people registering for the event.
Teach Western Mass acts as a recruiter with a mission to increase the quantity, and quality, and of diversity in the candidate pool. The non-profit was designed and built six years ago to be in partnership with a handful of school districts. TWM represents 30 schools and 11,000 students in Western Mass.
The TWM Hiring Fair will take place on May 21 at 10 a.m. at Chestnut Middle School in Springfield. Visit teachwesternmass.com to register.
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