Richmond Times-Dispatch - April 17, 2005
The Associated Press

ROANOKE - The Virginia Department of Education is playing matchmaker, using an Internet clearinghouse to pair job-seeking instructors with needy school districts.

Teach in Virginia is a one-stop shop that lets school administrators peruse everything from the credentials to college transcripts of teachers across the country.

Now in its second year, the free program has gained a following among districts hoping to extend their recruitment efforts beyond Virginia's borders.
"It's dropping highly qualified people right on our doorstep," said Doug Martin, a licensure specialist with Roanoke city schools.

His is among 64 state school districts signed up for the program this year. This is Roanoke's second year in the program.

Previously known as Teach for Virginia, Teach in Virginia has a simple but methodic approach.

Recruiters attend job fairs, post notices on Web sites and run print advertisements in states with a surplus of teachers - all to attract the attention of potential hires. They focus on teachers of "high needs" subjects, those that have a shortage of instructors.
State education officials identified 10 such subjects this year, including math, history and science.

Once identified, candidates fill out an online application, undergo basic screening and are matched with school districts. It's up to schools and candidates to follow through with interviews, said Teach in Virginia recruiter Sarah Wintle.

Teachers tap into a massive job bank. Schools sample an ever-growing swath of candidates. Martin said it works like a well-oiled machine.

"They pretty much do the legwork for us and give us the cream of the crop," he said, adding his district hired five teachers through the program last year.

The deadline to apply to Teach in Virginia for the 2005-06 school year is May 23. More than 1,000 people already have started the application process, Wintle said.
"We have a reputation with the divisions," she said. "The divisions know we're sending them quality people."

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