THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 3, 1996 TAG: 9603010172
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 20 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ELIZABETH THIEL, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 43 lines
When it comes to recruiting teachers, the Chesapeake school system is thinking ahead.
That's why school officials are planning the district's first Future Educators Fair Thursday from 7-9 p.m. in the Oscar F. Smith High School theater.
The event is for middle and high school students who think teaching is a career they'd like to consider.
``The aim is to get young people interested in education,'' said Muriel Y. Perkins, the personnel administrator who is coordinating the fair.
``So that when they're considering college and career options, they at least give education a second look,'' said William S. Myers, assistant superintendent for personnel.
At the fair, students will be able to talk to college representatives, financial aid consultants and other teachers.
The hope is that they'll choose a college that offers a teacher training program, just in case they decide teaching is the career for them, Myers said.
Attracting talented teachers is a challenge for school systems everywhere. Many bright college students are discouraged by low salaries and erratic public support for public education.
The Chesapeake school system has been aggressive in the effort to lure good teachers, particularly with the Career Teacher program that focuses on recruiting top graduates of colleges throughout Virginia and neighboring states.
The fair is aimed at starting the cycle early, encouraging bright middle and high school students to become educators someday.
``We would like for some of our best and brightest young people to consider education and consider coming back here to work for us,'' Myers said.
The fair is free and open to the public. by CNB