The hard work and preparation of Hillsdale College students leading up to and during the Classical School Job Fair is starting to pay off. 28 schools attended the Hillsdale College job fair March 1, and now students have started hearing back from interested schools who provide follow-up interviews and job offers.
Senior Rebecca Brill has heard back from all seven schools that interviewed her.
“It’s such a blessing to have so many of them interested,” Brill said. “They all wanted me to visit their campuses, but I only have time to visit a few.”
Senior Anna Saewert said she had similar success.
“I sat for interviews with four of the six schools I was looking into,” Saewert said. “So far I’ve heard back from three.”
For those who participated in the event, the calls were rewards for weeks of preparation. The fair kept students on edge.
“The job fair was busy,” Brill said. “I was constantly moving through tables, shaking hands.”
“It’s a little bit of a rollercoaster,” Saewert said. Students said the stress what more than worth it. “It’s fantastic to have the
schools come here,” said senior Kelly Frost, who has heard back from several schools. “It makes job searching so much easier.”
Successful students often spend time winnowing options in the days before the fair. Brill singled out eight schools before attending the job fair.
“I chose them mostly based on location,” Brill said. “Staying relatively near home was important to me.”
Saewert picked schools based on location as well.
“I emailed them beforehand and gave them my resume,” Saewert said. “I was looking primarily in the Midwest.”
The atmosphere of the fair allowed for a more personalized understanding of the schools than a website could offer.
“I wanted to see how I got along with their representatives. Because you can’t visit all of them, the fair gives you a taste,” Saewert said. “Two are very interested and want me to come visit. It feels like college searching again.”
For Brill, who is an art major, the decision will come down to hours.
“Art teachers are often working part-time at these schools,” Brill said. “Since I’m looking for a full-time position, I’d rather be hired as a classroom teacher.”
Another draw of classical schools is the higher likelihood of elementary and high school student interest and involvement.
“Most of these schools have fewer than 200 students,” Brill said. “Class sizes of around 15 or 16 make teaching a more personal experience.”
Saewert said the possibility of a career in education has long been her dream.
“As an art and English major there are other jobs I’m looking into,” Saewert said. “But I’ve always thought about teaching. It has become a way to combine my love of learning with my love of people.”
