ARLINGTON, Texas — Recruiters for the Arlington Independent School District hope to get their share of people interested in being North Texas teachers. The district is holding a job fair, telling candidates they have everything they need to have a successful career in teaching, as well as other employment opportunities.
Arlington ISD has even gone as far as publishing a "Top 7" list about why it's the place to work.
The job expo is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27. at the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center at 2101 Browning Drive.
Arlington ISD will have not only people from human resources available to answer questions, but also recruiters who will help with the application process with the intent of making on-the-spot job offers.
The district is competing with almost every school district in North Texas to fill vacant jobs.
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One Arlington ISD teacher spoke to WFAA about his continued excitement to be teaching during his first year.
"As I walk in here with my bag I am like, I can't believe I work here. It's cool. It's special," teacher Agustus Bruton said.
It's special because Bruton hopes to give his first cosmetology class the skills they need to be successful. He left a popular national beauty and hair salon chain to start teaching.
He often compares his teaching experience with his wife's, who is also an educator.
"We kind of compare, she works on another campus, and we compare how the kids are here compared to over there," said Bruton.
Arlington ISD hopes to fill 1,500 positions, especially teachers. Staff members set up tables for recruiters from every school and department in the district.
Many of the positions in Arlington ISD include the opportunity to sign up for health benefits. The district offers benefits in medical, dental, vision and more. For some jobs, the biggest education requirement is a high school diploma or GED.
Arlington ISD brags about having some of the most competitive salaries in North Texas. The district allocated about $4 million late last year to give all fulltime employees a one-time $500.00 bonus.
The district even makes its substitute teacher recruitment more attractive by boasting candidates can set their own schedules. Substitute teachers can also opt to alternate to other district jobs, like driving the school bus to get a break from being in the classroom.
"Our district in Arlington will offer you the opportunities to grow, to learn, and to advance," said spokesperson Anita Foster. "We think those things are important to everyone."
Arlington ISD is looking for more people, like Bruton, who want steady and promising work in a growing school district.
"I just turned 30 a couple of days ago, but I hope to stay here until I turn 60 or 62, whatever," said Bruton.
Here's the "Top 7" list of reasons why Arlington says its district is the place to work:
- Opportunities abound
- Flexible hours
- competitive pay
- Advancement opportunities
- We meet you where you are
- Benefit opportunities
- Extra money