A little face time

Educators hoping to make the grade as teachers in Naperville Unit District 203 will have a chance to literally get their foot in the door next week.

The district's annual recruitment fair for certified teachers and administrators will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Naperville North High School, 899 N. Mill St.

Candidates should park in the south lot near the auditorium. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

District 203 has 21 schools and includes portions of Naperville and Lisle.

"It's a very highly regarded, outstanding school system," said Craig von Behren, assistant superintendent for human resources. "If you want to be part of one of the best school districts in the country, that is motivation by itself. But we also have outstanding programs, curriculum and extracurriculars."

This year candidates each will participate in only one screening interview regardless of whether they are applying for positions at several levels.

Applicants should bring one paper copy of their resume and be ready to sell themselves in a five- to seven-minute screening interview.

"Have it very clear in your mind what your beliefs are and what your strengths are and what your talents are that will best serve the children of the school district, and be ready to articulate those," von Behren said.

While it is too early to say how many positions will be open next fall, von Behren said on average there are 85 to 100.

As in past years, the district is making a concentrated effort to attract a diverse group of applicants. The district is reaching out to budding teachers before they even graduate from college to bring them to Naperville to student teach.

"I don't think people want to go too far out of their comfort zone, that's just in their human nature," von Behren said. "So we're trying to make Naperville 203 part of their comfort zone."

If you go

What: District 203 teacher and administrator recruitment fair

When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday; doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Naperville North High School, 899 N. Mill St.

Info: (630) 420-7201 or www.naperville203.org/hr/RecruitmentFair.asp