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Career Fair Offers Hope to Aspiring Teachers

By Emma CarrWhere will Texas’ teachers go from here? And what is the logical expectation for the thousands of students whose hopes and dreams are to become a teacher?  In light of the budget shortfall, these are issues most education majors are now thinking about. These questions, however, aren’t always accompanied by clear answers.

Hope came in the form of an Education Career Fair on Friday coordinated by the University’s career counselors. Nearly 96 student teachers scheduled to graduate in May had the chance to scout out potential careers in the gym where 13 schools, districts and tutoring companies were in attendance.

“This is a great opportunity for students (at any stage of completing their degree) to network and meet with the school districts. Putting a name with a face is always very helpful, especially from an employer viewpoint,” said Career Advisor Kathleen Frank.

Targeting schools who are still digging through resumes offered a bright view in light of recent headlines.

Texas’ lean new budget is spelling out trouble for education. With Republicans wary to dig into rainy day funds, the pending budget will cut around 9 billion in education funding, meaning a loss of thousands of education-based jobs across Texas.  Kindergarten-12th grade educators are feeling the heat as the state looks for reductions in state spending, including the possibility of eliminating pre-kindergarten programs and enrichment programs all together.

“As a first year teacher I will most likely lose my job. Needless to say, this has added an incredible amount of stress,” said fifth-grade NISD teacher Tanya Alanis. “Many of my students already talk about coming back to see me next year, but they will find out soon this will not be possible.”

Thousands across across the state rallied in Austin on March 12 to protest cuts in education. Educators, parents, and students marched, chanted, and held up signs to get their message heard to Governor Perry.

But Gov. Rick Perry made it clear he had no intention of taking blame. “The lieutenant governor, the speaker and their colleagues aren’t going to hire or fire one teacher, as best I can tell,” the Governor said. “That is a local decision that will be made at the local districts.”

Education majors reacted to the statement with anger and worry.

“ I am devastated…Perry lit this match and, as it burns, he blames the fire,” responded NISD fifth- grade teacher Lindy Bulsterbaum.

“I’m more worried about getting a job than passing my exits,” said secondary education major Salina Garcia about the prospects of getting a job after graduation.

Optimism a the Career Fair

The atmosphere at last week’s Career Fair was positive despite the fear that education jobs are being cut across the state. Representatives at the tables relayed the positive message that “Yes, there are jobs available.” Representatives marketed the availability of open teaching and tutoring positions for the 2011/2012 academic year.

Local administrators are working overtime to reduce the possible damage brought on by cuts.

Harlandale ISD representative Diane Tudyk explained that regardless of the budget cuts, their district was anticipating openings in multiple areas as well as filling open positions.

“If someone leaves, we will replace them,” she said.

Students who attended said the fair increased their confidence. Knowing the prospects were better than what they read and heard in the news was promising.

Johnny De La Cruz, a recent psychology graduate beamed at his prospects, even with the “nervousness and pressure.”

“Good…I should say great,” De La Cruz said of his experience at Career Fair.

Though feelings are weighing heavily on proposed budget cuts, future students are advised by the University’s career advisers to stay positive. There are jobs, local school districts say. That’s good news for education majors in line to graduate.

About the Author

Emma Carr
This is my last semester at Texas A&M San Antonio and am excited to graduate and put my hard earned degree to use. I am majoring in Communication/Journalism and would enjoy going into TV news/morning shows.

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