Connecting Job Seekers to Careers in Education

A strong, sustainable education workforce plays a key role in ensuring our young people and their families across our region continue to have access to safe and supportive school communities. Each year, the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) brings together hiring teams from districts and charter schools across the county for one large regional hiring event to help make sure critical roles are filled in time for the new school year.

This year, the annual Careers in Education Job Fair, hosted in partnership with Point Loma Nazarene University, connected nearly 500 job seekers to opportunities within school districts and charter schools across the county. The event, held at the Liberty Station Conference Center on April 18, featured hiring teams and representatives from 42 school districts, charter schools, and community partners.

“This annual event plays such an important role in supporting and strengthening our educator pipeline,” said Calipso Barrera-Gomez, a project specialist with the Teacher Effectiveness and Preparation team at SDCOE. “We’re seeing attendees in all different levels of their career, with strong interest from individuals both entering and advancing in the education profession.”

Attendees shared how valuable it was to connect directly with hiring teams. “Thank you all for providing us with this opportunity to meet with a great number of representatives from schools in San Diego County,” one participant noted. “It was a wonderful event, well executed, with a tremendous amount of information and networking opportunities. The event gave me a much-needed energy boost and a new perspective on my career in education.”

The annual job fair is strategically scheduled in April every year, soon after school districts send out layoff notices for positions that are facing cuts due to budget and district constraints. “We know many people are facing uncertainty at this time of the year, and we strive to help support their continued career in education by opening doors to new opportunities,” said Barrera-Gomez.

SDCOE’s Teacher Effectiveness and Preparation team provides resources and support for individuals at all stages of their career in education, from high school students considering career pathways in education, to experienced educators looking to take the next steps in their career. For more information visit the Educator Preparation website.