Imagine having a job where you knew your work was going to make a difference in the lives of others; a job where you could help shape the future in little and big ways every day. Who wouldn’t want a job like that?
It was that desire that drew more than 2,000 people to a recent job fair hosted by Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Some applicants had decades of experience, while others were just joining or returning to the workforce.
“I want to be able to help the students in any way I can. I have two students in Virginia Beach schools and I like the way that they are supported and I just want to be a part of that,” said applicant Jennifer Morales. She noted the flexibility that working as a bus driver or cafeteria worker would provide her and her family.
Morales wasn’t the only one to see the perks. In fact, 43 people were interviewed on the spot and signed up for the next bus driver training class. The same networking and interview process happened in all corners of the job fair as would-be teachers, craftsmen, custodial staff and administrators passed out resumes and talked with staff members.
Jennifer Hornsby, a special education teacher, shared why she is interested in VBCPS. “It’s the special education structure that is in place in Virginia Beach. I have heard nothing but great things about Virginia Beach. I want to grow in a place where special education is done like it should be.”
Applicant after applicant pointed to the outstanding reputation of the school division and competitive compensation as reasons they would like to join the division.
“This shows the high regard that people have for our public schools. Not only do we provide a great education for our students, this is also a great place to work,” said School Board Member Sharon Felton.
The Department of Human Resources, which organized the annual event, moved the job fair to February this year in hopes of attracting high quality candidates earlier in the recruitment process. Last year, the fair was held in the spring. Promotional ads for the job fair ran in theaters alongside movie trailers during winter break and during the release of the most recent Star Wars: The Force Awakens movie. Based on the size of the crowd at the job fair, it is safe to say the force was with VBCPS.
To learn more about job opportunities with Virginia Beach City Public Schools or to complete an online application, visit www.vbschools.com/hr.
I attended the job fair. I’ve been a Teacher Assistant for 10 years and I’m ready to do something different. I left the Job Fair feeling very positive. Everyone I talked to was very nice and helpful!!! The atmosphere was Awesome!!!!!!