LITTLE ROCK, AR - Right now, the Arkansas Department of Education tells FOX16 that the state has a critical need for teachers.
Saturday, at the Educators Career Fair, licensed teachers, and those who will be by August 2012, networked hoping to find new jobs.
School districts from across the state, the country, and the world are all looking to hire according to the ADE.
The ADE also says the critical need in Arkansas is coming from so many teachers retiring. And, if you're certified in secondary education, you're in luck.
"We have a lot of critical shortage areas. Special Education, Science, Mathematics, our foreign languages," says Camielle Sterrett who is the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Program Advisor for the state.
Teachers laid off in other states come here for jobs competing directly with recent in-state grads like Larissa Robinson. Robinson keeps her options open by considering both a full-time teaching position and going back to school for a graduate degree.
"At the moment, I'm just looking for something close, not too far away," says Larissa Robinson.
But, the Henderson State grad found out that getting her Masters and Doctorate in early childhood education might be the way to go.
"If I'm not afraid of relocating, try to relocate. Look at charter schools, and further my education," she says.
After checking out her options Saturday, Robinson isn't writing off moving far away for a job.
"I just need a job, so where ever," says Robinson.
The state lists 128 openings right now across Arkansas for all grades and subjects.
To find out about teaching opportunities in Arkansas, call the Arkansas Department of Education at (501) 683-1088 or go to
teacharkansas.org.
