The Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) Education Department recently hosted a Career Interview Fair, bringing together 26 school districts and 38 graduating seniors.

Ross Carter, P-12 Education Partnership coordinator at MVNU, stated in a press release, "One of our goals in the department is to find placements for graduating seniors. Last year we had several job offers come from the interview fair itself. Networking also gives them opportunities for further interviews."

According to the same MVNU press release, students prepared both inside and outside the classroom for these interviews, choosing three or four of their preferred school districts for meetings. While most students will not accept a position until June or July, four have already secured teaching roles.

Noelle Dudgeon, a senior Elementary Education and Intervention major at MVNU, praised the Education Department's emphasis on interview preparation in the classroom setting. Gary Swisher, Career Development director at MVNU, worked closely with each student to hone necessary skills for making a positive impression during an interview.

The career fair was also beneficial for participating school districts. Cody Reese, principal of East Knox Junior/Senior High School and an MVNU alumnus who served as one of the interviewers, said that his school district appreciated having opportunities to engage with young teachers and offer them chances to remain in the area.