The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) will host a Substitute Teacher Job Fair at its Downingtown location on Thursday, January 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. Representatives from all public school districts in Chester County will be on hand to discuss current substitute teacher job openings and to accept applications and resumes. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the current supply of available teachers, including substitutes, is not keeping up with growing demand. While the shortage is creating obstacles for schools, it presents opportunities to potential substitutes. Recent college graduates seeking full-time teaching jobs regularly secure permanent positions after establishing relationships with schools as substitute teachers. Substitute teaching can also be useful in career exploration. Fewer requirements to teach give substitutes the opportunity to experience teaching different subjects to different age groups in different environments through the assignment variety that subbing provides. Substitutes can turn down assignments as necessary to fulfill other obligations, so the flexible schedule of a sub can also work well for individuals in different situations, including current teachers with multiple career goals and former teachers who left their jobs to take care of families. College graduates with non-education degrees may also take the opportunity to try substitute teaching to find out if the classroom is a good fit for them. Walk-ins are welcome at the job fair, but interested individuals are invited to preregister for the event online: help.thesubservice.com/chester. Chester County Substitute Job Fair January 14, 4-7 p.m. Chester County Intermediate Unit 455 Boot Road Downingtown, PA 19335