SJSD looking to fill 40 positions with hiring fair

By Jazmine Knight

As teacher recruitment remains a key focus locally and nationwide, the St. Joseph School District is making one final attempt to hire new employees for the upcoming school year.

Brian Kraus, assistant superintendent of human resources, said the district is in need of classified positions, which is why it will host one last hiring fair before the start of the 2024-25 school year.

“We have about 40 openings,” Kraus said. “There’s lots of ranges of ages and needs for people all the way from early childhood education.”

The district is mainly looking for paraprofessionals. There’s a need for English Language Development paras who will work with English language development learners. They are also looking for paras for a reset room and special education.

The district is also looking for a campus supervisor for Lafayette High School and math and reading interventionists.

For the interventionist positions, applicants would need to be certified by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which makes the role ideal for retired teachers not looking for full-time employment.

About 10 ELD and special education teachers are also needed.

According to Kraus, the perfect candidate has two main qualifications.

“They’ve got to love kids, and they’ve got to come to work on a regular basis,” he said. “Our kids really need a consistent face every day, and somebody that they can form a bond with and, and, you know, develop some trust in.”

Kraus emphasized the importance of having a trusted adult who is going to love and care about the kids they serve.

“We’ll do their best to give them the best education possible,” Kraus said.

To apply, visit the district website at https://www.sjsd.k12.mo.us/work-for-sjsd, or attend the hiring fair Thursday, Aug. 15, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the SJSD administration building located at 1415 N 26th St. There, applicants will fill out a paper application and participate in on-the-spot interviews.

“Hopefully we can offer a job that day,” Kraus said.

Kraus said the fair is a great opportunity to find people that are invested in the community and in St. Joseph schools.

“We’re hopeful that we’re going to get people that will sign up with us and still be with us 30 years later,” Kraus said.

Applicants should bring a copy of their resumes. Interpreters will be available as well.