By Suzy Alstrin
Fifteen students graduating from Reinhardt’s Price School of Education (PSOE) this December gained valuable experience toward seeking their first teaching job. About ten principals from Cherokee County elementary, middle, and high schools dedicated their Tuesday evening to giving the students mock interviews. Each student met with at least three interviewers in a round-robin style.
Daniel Fountain (RU-Dec 2024) expressed, “This is an opportunity to gain valuable experiences with job interviews. So, this helps us learn what questions we might be asked, what the vibe might be, or even how we act – all of which may affect getting a job in the teaching field.”
Creekland Middle School principal Matthew May explained his participation, “I’ve had a lot of success hiring students out of this program and it’s a good opportunity to meet future candidates.” Cody Lamanac (RU-2019) now serves as a Cherokee County School District Recruitment Ambassador and Teasley Middle School teacher. He explained, “I want to give back to Reinhardt, the community that poured a lot into me to make me who I am. We need great teachers, and the way to do that is by getting out here and supporting the programs that are producing those teachers. We must support them if we want to have good educators.”
Gillian Sullivan (RU-Dec 2024) appreciated potential employers helping develop her interview skills, “I had the opportunity to work on feeling comfortable talking about myself and putting myself out there as a candidate. I learned how to be a better interviewee and go through the process. It can be awkward, but as more interviews took place, I felt much more comfortable.”
