Lehigh University Hosts Job Fair and Recognition Ceremony for Educators

Lehigh University’s College of Education is set to host two significant events aimed at supporting educators in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. An Educator Job Fair will take place on February 3, 2024, followed by an Educator Recognition Ceremony on February 4, 2024, prior to the Lehigh Women’s Basketball game against Loyola. These initiatives arrive at a crucial time for schools in Pennsylvania, which are grappling with persistent teacher shortages, particularly in special education and STEM fields.

Many districts across the Lehigh Valley, the greater Philadelphia region, and the state continue to report vacancies and rely on emergency-certified staff to fill classroom roles. The Educator Job Fair aims to connect school districts from eastern Pennsylvania with both aspiring and experienced teachers. This event serves as a direct channel for schools to access well-prepared candidates while offering prospective educators opportunities in communities that appreciate their skills and dedication.

On the following day, the Educator Recognition Ceremony will honor local educators with a special event before the basketball game. This ceremony is designed to celebrate the daily commitment of teachers, counselors, and administrators whose efforts shape young lives and strengthen communities throughout the region.

Dr. Brook Sawyer, professor and associate dean for graduate studies at Lehigh’s College of Education, emphasized the transformative power of quality educators. “High-quality educators change lives—not just academically, but by building confidence and opportunity that echo across generations,” she stated. “These events reflect our commitment to supporting current educators and welcoming new ones to a profession that remains deeply meaningful and rewarding.”

These events are part of Lehigh’s ongoing Joy in Education campaign, a year-long initiative focusing on the passion and purpose that sustain educators through various challenges. The campaign began with the “What’s Your Why?” project, inviting teachers to share the joy they find in their work. Responses have been impactful, illustrating the profound influence educators have on their students.

Nichole Corsi, a counselor at Lehigh’s Centennial School, expressed her belief in providing every student with the opportunity to be happy, healthy, and safe. “It’s our job to help students gain the skills to maintain this balance,” she said. Meanwhile, Scott Toonder, a reading specialist from Bethlehem Area School District, shared his motivation for entering the profession: “A handful of amazing teachers turned me from a dark future, quite literally saving my life. So my ‘why’ is simple: I want to pay them back by helping others.”

Pennsylvania is currently facing a teacher shortage attributed to declining enrollment in preparation programs and early-career attrition, leaving schools in a precarious position as they seek to effectively staff classrooms. Lehigh University is confronting these challenges with innovative programs that equip educators for modern classrooms. Notably, the College offers a graduate certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Learning Analytics, which trains teachers to utilize emerging technologies responsibly while enhancing their impact on student learning.

“Teaching offers unmatched rewards: the chance to shape the next generation, serve your community and country, and witness your students’ growth,” Dr. Sawyer remarked. “Whether you’re an educator seeking new opportunities or someone considering this calling, Lehigh stands ready to support your journey.”

The College of Education emphasizes practice-embedded programs such as the Centennial School and collaborates with local districts to establish stable pipelines of talent. These combined efforts ensure that students have access to skilled, passionate educators who can help them thrive.

For more details on the Joy in Education campaign, the upcoming Educator Job Fair on February 3, the Educator Recognition Ceremony on February 4, or Lehigh’s teacher preparation programs, visit ed.lehigh.edu.