Educator Career Fair Attendance 600+
On a cold Saturday morning in January, more than 600 prospective teachers arrived at the Veterans Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center to compete for an opportunity to teach for Des Moines Public Schools. Administrators and principals like Kevin Biggs have been preparing for this day for months.
“I think first and foremost we’re looking for great individuals, people with character, integrity and a great work ethic,” Biggs said. “Secondly, we really want teachers that have a passion for kids, all kids, all nationalities.”
Kevin Biggs was named principal of Roosevelt High School in 2013. His school continues to make news in academics and community outreach.
“There are so many reasons why I love working for DMPS,” he said. “We are all on the same page, pulling on the same side of the rope. It doesn’t matter what background we came from, we are all here to get kids to learn at the highest level for each individual kid.”
Des Moines Public Schools is home to 5,000 employees – including 3,000 teachers and 2,000 support staff. Chief of Human Resources Dr. Anne Sullivan said nearly 350 teachers will be hired for the next school year in Iowa’s largest school district.
“We have 15% of all Iowa school children here in Des Moines Public Schools,” Dr. Sullivan said. “So we have a great competitive package as far as salary and benefits, and we offer more variety and opportunity in terms of your own educational career than any other district. Whether you’re interested in being a teacher leader, or you’re interested in teaching in an International Baccalaureate school, or a Montessori school, elementary, middle or high, we have so many opportunities professionally for our applicants. Your own classroom is just the first step in your career with DMPS.”
Applicants are mostly from Iowa, but many come from other parts of the United States, hoping to relocate to the area. They represent many age groups and levels of experience. But Biggs said successful applicants will have something that can’t be included on a resume, but is nonetheless essential.
“We’re all pulling for kids; we’re all on the same team, and you can feel the energy; the passion in this building today. We’re all excited about the future of DMPS.”
