By Christian Coffman

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Natchez-Adams School District leaders hope to recruit 36 certified teachers at a job fair later this month.

The job fair is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 22 at Steckler Multi-Purpose Building, located next to Natchez High School.

The school district’s public relations coordinator Steven Richardson said the job fair would continue ongoing efforts to find new teachers for the 2017-18 school year.

“It’s a way for the district to attract qualified teachers, and hopefully some show on-the-spot interest for joining the team,” Richardson said. 

Candidates will have the option to choose the district school for which they would like to work based on their experience and certification. Principals and administrative personnel will attend to interview each candidate.

Administrators from both elementary and secondary education divisions will be at the job fair.

Richardson said teachers relocating and retiring have left the district lacking teachers.

“We understand that they have to make decisions for their families,” Richardson said. “We applaud them and celebrate their services, but this opens up jobs.”

The district is open to hiring teachers who are new college graduates, Richardson said, as well as retired teachers interested in teaching only one semester.

Richardson said retirement regulations place a limit on the earnings of retirees, so the district accommodates them by offering one-semester opportunities.

The district is also offering teachers the opportunity to teach two different classes.

“If they’re experienced in math, then we’d like to ask them if they can teach math and science, if they’re open to maximizing their skill set and if their certification allows them to do so.”

Richardson said the district also hopes to interview and hire teacher assistants as the spots become available for the 2017-18 school year.

Frazier Elementary School Principal Orisha Mims is helping organize the job fair, and she and other administrators will interview candidates on the spot.

“I know I speak for the other principals when I say … we are looking for teachers that are motivated, creative, data-driven, knowledgeable of the Mississippi College and Career Standards and are willing to serve the students and community of NASD,” Mims said.

Anyone interested in teaching for the district can visit the NASD website at natchezadamsschooldistrict.org to see the job openings or inquire at front desk in the Braden administrative building on Homochitto Street.Job fair attendees are encouraged to complete an application ahead of time on the district’s website. Teacher candidates must bring a copy of their teacher’s license, resume and names of at least three references. Teacher assistant candidates must bring proof of 48 college credits, an associate’s degree, or a WorkKeys Silver Certificate.