Sunday, May 2, 2010

Big crowd likely at Phila. teacher-hiring fair | Philadelphia Inquirer | 05/01/2010

Big crowd likely at Phila. teacher-hiring fair | Philadelphia Inquirer | 05/01/2010

Big crowd likely at Phila. teacher-hiring fair

Philadelphia School District officials expect a heavy turnout at a Saturday teacher-recruitment fair.
About 1,200 people turned up for a similar event earlier this month, and Estelle Matthews, district human resources chief, said she expected a large crowd.
The fair is to run from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the district headquarters, 440 N. Broad St.
"I think it's the economy," said Matthews. "I think it's New Jersey. We see a lot of career-changers, too." Many New Jersey schools are laying off teachers and bracing for big cuts to district budgets. Philadelphia, where turnover is high, typically hires hundreds of new teachers every year. Matthews said she had already seen a spike in New Jersey applicants.
She said she did not know how many jobs needed to be filled or which content areas were considered especially needy. The district's Renaissance school initiative - radical turnarounds in the 14 lowest-performing city schools - slowed down the hiring timeline this year, she said.


Rutgers-Camden chancellor making his mark

The plan, he thought, was to use the Philadelphia pedigree, the Ivy League credentials, the congressional office experience, the polished persona - and run for office in Philadelphia.