Despite the rain showers brought by Tropical Storm Bill that day to the Houston area, nearly 500 teacher candidates attended HISD’s June 18 recruitment fair at NRG Center, a record-breaking number for the district.

Cierra Nickerson, a selection specialist with Talent Acquisition, said her team closely monitored the weather reports, but decided that the event could go on safely. The decision paid off, as 491 candidates attended, and 88 teachers were hired during the fair. Another 40 follow-up interviews were also scheduled.

“The attendance exceeded our expectations, especially considering the recent chain of events with rain and flooding,” she said.

Nickerson said the success of the fair was reflected in the positive feedback – from both principals and candidates –that the Talent Acquisition team received.

“These job fairs are important to the district, since it enables principals to meet and interview multiple pool-approved candidates within a few hours,” she said. “The fairs are a convenient way to connect our pool of teachers to the principals.

The district is planning another job fair in July to help campuses fill out any remaining vacancies as they prepare for the 2015–2016 school year. Details will be announced as soon as they become available.