Hillsdale College Hosts Largest Classical Schools Job Fair in the Country
Sixty classical schools from across the United States visit Hillsdale College
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Approximately 60 classical schools from across the United States gathered on the Hillsdale College campus for the annual Classical Schools Job Fair from Feb. 9-11. Hillsdale College has hosted the job fair for over a decade, and this year’s was the largest in the event’s history.
“The College’s K-12 Education Office is thrilled to be able to welcome so many strong classical schools to Hillsdale,” said Kathleen O’Toole, assistant provost for K-12 Education. “These educators work tirelessly to provide our country’s next generation with a solid grounding in the liberal arts and training in moral and intellectual virtue. What better place to find young teachers equipped to help them pursue that aim than Hillsdale College?”
Classical schools from every region of the United States came to recruit Hillsdale College seniors interested in furthering classical education after their time in college. Schools affiliated with Hillsdale College’s K-12 Initiatives came to the fair with internship opportunities for sophomores and freshmen.
“What started as a modest effort to connect our talented students with great schools has grown to become a significant event on the calendar for many classical schools from around the country,” said Daniel Coupland, professor and chairman of the Education Department. “The energy at the job fair is palpable.”
Participating schools accepted resumes and interviewed graduating Hillsdale College students. Schools looked to fill positions ranging from classroom teachers to marketing specialists. According to Ken Koopmans, director of Career Services at Hillsdale College, many participating schools hope to hire only Hillsdale College seniors.
Approximately 120 students across all four years attended the fair. Underclassmen experienced introduction conversations with future employers and gained awareness of potential future teaching opportunities.
Employers in attendance learned about Hillsdale’s work in K-12 Education, including the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, Hillsdale’s support for founders of classical schools across the country, and membership in Hillsdale’s K-12 initiatives such as the Barney Charter School Initiative (BCSI).
Approximately 12 to 14 percent of Hillsdale College graduates go directly into teaching after graduation.
View photos from the event here.