CATCH draws nearly 50 hiring school districts

Bloomsburg University’s College of Education in collaboration with Professional U hosted its annual Collaborating to Assist Teacher Candidate Hiring (CATCH) Conference for nearly 130 current student teachers. More than 100 education professionals representing 45 school districts — some as far away as Alaska — were on hand recruiting the soon-to-be graduates.

In addition, the conference offered a morning panel with administrators followed by three tracks of alumni teacher panels that focused on early childhood/elementary, middle level and the secondary level.

“The seminar leading up to the recruitment utilized respectable and knowledgeable personnel with helpful insight to what possible placements are looking for,” said Russell Watkins, an early childhood education major.

Students then prepared for the Education Expo through round table discussions, covering “How to ‘sell’ your experience to recruiters.” Education majors represented the following certification areas: secondary education, early childhood/elementary education, middle school level, special education, deaf education, business education, and music education.

“All school districts are different, and you as an educator need to find what will best suit you,” said Alyssa Lopatka, a secondary education major.

The CATCH Conference and the Education Expo are held during spring break since it’s the midpoint for most student teachers as they transition from their first placement to their second placement. The transition day provides an opportunity to offer a professional development day for all student teachers.

“I enjoyed being able to speak with the different panelists and hear from the superintendents and principals from nearby districts,” said Ryan Soley, a secondary education major. “I thought the entire day went smoothly and the job fair was very helpful.”