Oklahoma City Public Schools hosts teacher career fair

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Oklahoma City Public Schools are looking to hire 150 teachers before the middle of July. The district said they're mostly looking for elementary and secondary school teachers, along with those that can teach difficult subjects.

"They're going to be running everything eventually, why not give them a good foundation," said George Thomas.

Thomas attended the career fair because he wants to become an emergency certified teacher for OKCPS.

"I really want to be an elementary school teacher again," said Megan Wheeler, who is already emergency certified. "They're a joy to be around and they're so fun."

OKCPS officials say they need 150 teachers. That's down from the 200 they needed last year. They've also added positions to decrease elementary classroom sizes.

"We added 43 [positions] recently," said Brad Herzer, OKCPS Asst. Superintendent of HR. "You just have more interaction one on one with a student. Smaller class sizes, you can control the classroom a little easier."

Herzer said they want to hire math and science teachers. Those subjects are difficult to fill.

"The job market has been very challenging for the last several years," he added.

Herzer said that's because those qualified to teacher can often find higher paying job.

However, OKCPS said it offers a one of the higher starting salaries in the OKC metropolitan area at $45,250/year plus health benefits of up to $8,155.44. In addition, OKCPS also pays for the employee’s portion of Oklahoma Teachers’ Retirement adding an additional 7% to our compensation package for a total minimum of $53,405.44. The district also offers childcare.

"For children 1-year-old and over, its $150 a week," said Herzer.

The district is also in need of special education teachers.

"It's very hard to find those teachers," said Kandy Bishop, the principal of Monroe Elementary.

For those spots, the district offers stipends and a 6-week course for certified teaches to become special education teachers. OKCPS said it needs to hire all positions by mid-July.

"However, if you really want to make a difference in a child's life, then education is the route that I would choose," added Herzer.

If you missed Monday's career fair, don't worry. OKCPS said there may be more events depending on how many teachers attended the event.

Potential teachers can also apply here.