“So, what are you planning to do after you graduate?”
For some Pensacola Christian College students on the brink of graduation, this question may cause panic as they struggle to think of an appropriate answer. To help alleviate some of the anxiety that comes with job hunting, Career Services hosts several yearly events designed to give graduates the confidence they need as they begin a new chapter in their lives. And Educator Recruitment is geared specifically toward those interested in Christian education.
Breaking the Ice
During Educator Recruitment, Christian schools from all over the world visit PCC to interview students and find new hires for a variety of roles. This year, 151 recruiters from 77 schools set up displays in the MacKenzie Great Hall, looking to hire teachers, coaches, librarians, and tech support.
To prepare for this event, students have access to Career Link, a website designed to connect students with hiring ministries and businesses. This site also offers résumé and cover letter review, interview prep, and a guide on how to prepare for recruitment events.
Elementary education student Dixie Alexander (Sr., GA) appreciated how easy it was to connect with Christian schools on Career Link. “I was able to add my résumé to the website,” she said. Adding her résumé onto Career Link, Dixie was able to connect with schools before recruitment. “Connecting with the schools beforehand gave me more confidence walking into Educator Recruitment.”
Brandon Collier (Sr., FL), who’s studying history education, also connected with multiple schools. “I was able to have several interviews,” he shared. “I am already setting up travel days to go visit schools. Educator Recruitment has been very helpful in allowing me to find a job [after graduation].”
Students enjoyed visiting booths, talking to recruiters, and picking up free pens and candy from their favorite displays. “Educator Recruitment breaks down the wall of the unknown and connects students with administrators that [they] otherwise may not have connected with,” shared Morgan Prater (Sr., MI), who’s studying English education.
Preparing for the Future
Christian schools worldwide are in dire need of exceptional teachers with a heart for ministry, a professional work ethic, and a biblical philosophy. Because of the strong biblical foundation students learn at PCC, many school administrators gather at Educator Recruitment every year. “I know that if a student goes through the education department [at PCC], they’re going to be prepared to teach,” shared Michael Goodson, secondary principal at Milford Christian Academy (OH).
For the last several years, Greenville Christian Academy (NC) has preferred PCC graduates over those from other schools. “PCC is pretty much the only place we recruit,” explained David Weaver, Greenville Christian Academy administrator. “We know how well the College trains [their students]; they’re well prepared [to] go into the classroom.”
Career Services Director Brad Mullenix believes Educator Recruitment is an important event for those wanting to work with Christian schools. “There are many schools that have needs and are looking to make connections and hire the right people,” he said. “Christian education is a growing area, and we’re glad to have this event to help make necessary connections.”
The connections made at Educator Recruitment give students insight into the many different needs of Christian schools across the country. The necessity for Christian education is great, and the education graduates at Pensacola Christian College are more than ready to meet that demand.