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Record 1,260 Applicants Flock to Annual Recruitment Open House
April 3, 2009
Literally swept in by strong March winds, a record 1,260 teacher applicants flocked to Plano ISD's 15th Annual Recruitment Open House held on March 28. Many Plano ISD graduates attended the event, anticipating employment in their home school district.
Plano ISD Human Resources Division officials reported that the number of applicants attending the open house reflected a 29 percent increase over last year's numbers. Some 902 applicants attended the 2008 open house.
"This is such a huge event," said Becky Wussow, human resource services director. "It makes me feel very proud that so many of our former graduates attended." She estimated 300 to 400 Plano grads applied for teaching positions at the event.
 Ms. Wussow noted that candidates from as far away as California, Massachusetts and Canada came to town to apply with Plano ISD. Many hailed from neighboring states Oklahoma and Louisiana. She said that several applicants at the event held alternative certifications to teach grades 4-8 and special education, normally hard-to-fill areas, but that the number of applicants was not up in the most difficult-to-fill areas of science and math.
(Above) Plano East Principal Karen McDonald welcomed a teacher recruit, as Plano East English Department Head Kathy Witcher looked on.
Of the nearly 800 prospects who pre-registered for the event, 565 actually attended the open house. Walk-in applicants numbered 694 as compared to 466 last year.
Open house applicants interviewed with principals and other district administrators who attended the event and represented every Plano ISD school and department. However, applicants were not offered contracts on the spot this year, due to current staffing reallocations resulting from Plano ISD's 2009-10 budget and staffing initiatives.
 Plano ISD anticipates receiving several employee resignations during the upcoming weeks, after which time principals will be able to hire many of the applicants who attended the recruitment open house.
Currently practicing law, teacher applicant Kevin Le said that he is ready to "love" his job. "I like being a lawyer, but I love to teach. There's a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment with teaching."
Kevin is pictured with Donna Costello, PSHS math department head. In the background is PSHS Special Ed. Teacher Skar Sato with a candidate.
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Plano ISD Diversity Programs Coordinator Dee Sampson assisted applicant Kevin Colston in applying for an administrative position and shared with him goals of the Plano ISD Diversity Advocacy Committee.
Jose Guzman of New Jersey gave a "thumbs up" to working in Plano ISD. He is assisted in applying by Dr. Christie Duke, assistant executive director of special ed. and reading.
Windswept but wise, Dallas native Scott Sage attended the recruitment open house to apply for a special education teaching position in Plano ISD.
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