NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Nashville Public Schools is hosting a recruitment fair on Friday. The district is looking not only for a number of teachers, but support roles, as well.
Because the district is in need of filling teaching positions, they've been granted the ability to offer emergency licenses for people with a bachelor's degree or any higher level of degree.
MNPS in need of filling teaching positions, they've been granted the ability to offer emergency licenses for people with a bachelor's degree or any higher level of degree. The district also needs subs, bus drivers, etc. A job fair is happening until 2:30pm. @NC5 pic.twitter.com/KSf5gpRvFo
— Kelsey Gibbs (@KelseyGibbsNC5) October 8, 2021
This allows them to focus on a broader range of candidates.
The support side is where MNPS officials said they're seeing shortages, which includes classroom assistants, bus drivers and nutrition service assistants are all very needed right now.
"Just come be of service, that’s what we really want to stress. That is a serving opportunity. We’re here because we love this work and we know we have people in the city who love the students of Metro Nashville Public Schools," said Amber Tyus, director of talent acquisition.
"I feel like the job market right now, it's not tough to get a job, but it's tough to get a job that you don't like or want to stick with," said Jordan Griggs.
Griggs says the jobs are out here but he's not just looking for any job.
"There's plenty of factory jobs or warehouse jobs but you're not going like that I want to stick with that for years to come. As more of something you do temporarily for the money," Griggs said.
He wants to do something with meaning. The MNPS graduate wants to mentor and coach kids.
"I will love to get to interact with different kids and like learning or getting to know them," Griggs said.
Griggs joined several others at the Metro Nashville Public School Job Fair.
The district had 58 registered for the virtual event Friday morning and 45 checked in for the in-person event in the afternoon.
"No shortage of opportunity from nutrition, bus driving, substituting, teaching, paraprofessionals, you name it, they're all there for you," Tyus said.
Many brushed up their resumes, grabbed a number and took a seat hoping to fill one of the at least one hundred vacancies in the district.
The National Educators Association reports there is also a nationwide substitute teacher shortage.
Almost all 50 states reported shortages for the 2020-2021 school year, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
For more information on MNPS vacancies, You can find more information here.
