This time of year is when schools do recruiting for the upcoming school year, said an Eastern career counselor.

Eastern students will have the chance to network with these schools during the educator job fair from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. today in the Grand Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

Jennifer Peterson, a career counselor, said about 60 different school districts will be represented at the fair. This includes out-of-state districts from California, Arizona, Kentucky, Missouri and Kansas.

Diane Smith, an education event specialist with career services, said there will also be representatives from Honduras, Japan, and the Network of International Christian Schools.

“This gives candidates a chance to consider other opportunities outside of their comfort zone of just considering schools close to their hometown,” Smith said.

Both Smith and Peterson said anyone interested in attending should make sure they make a good first impression. They said students should dress professionally, bring plenty of resumes and research schools before arriving. A list of districts being represented can be found at the career services website.

Smith said the fair is an opportunity for students to get face-to-face contact with recruiters.

“Simply applying online and sending off your resume is not enough,” Smith said. “Making that initial contact is crucial to the job search. Where else will you have the opportunity to speak with several schools with current job opportunities that have traveled to see you?”

Peterson said members of the Regional Office of Education No. 11 will attend the fair to help answer questions about certification and endorsement requirements for education careers.

The fair will offer connections for non-education students as well. Peterson said recruiters will look for speech or language pathologists as well as guidance counselors.

Underclassmen are also encouraged to come. Smith said the fair will be a good chance for them to learn of the opportunities in education and gain confidence in speaking with recruiters.

Seth Schroeder can be reached at 581-2812 or scschroeder2@eiu.edu.