Since 2003, the Faculty of Education's well-deserved reputation for quality and ability to shape teachers of excellence has drawn more than 30 school boards or educational organizations to its annual Teacher Job Fair.

This year, the Teacher Job Fair takes place on Wednesday, Jan. 18 in the University Hall Atrium.

"The job fair is an excellent opportunity to help our students gain contacts for employment," says Nicole Spence, Teacher Job Fair co-ordinator. "The fair is a service we offer to both current students and recent graduates so they can interact with employers."

Job fair delegates are primarily Alberta school board representatives but there is also a strong international presence, while a number of private schools also attend.

"The delegates are generally part of the administrative team and human resources core from each school board/agency," says Spence. "There are representatives from our local schools, as well global interest in our students from Australia, the United Kingdom and beyond.

"Our students will be ready to start their careers and step into the classroom within the next few months and the job fair can present viable opportunities for employment. Some prospective employers take this opportunity to interview or make group presentations."

The Faculty of Education encourages third and fourth-year students to attend the job fair at some point during the day to talk with the delegates. It's a great experience for both employers and students to collect information about potential opportunities with each school board or agency.

The Faculty of Education offers some of the most extensive practical teaching experience in Canada – with 27 weeks of practical work placement, students often receive double the amount of time in front of a classroom as other programs. These experiences with the U of L's many teacher partners often result in long-term work relationships.

This story first appeared in the January edition of the Legend. For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.