To give education majors the opportunity to meet directly with potential employers, Siena is now hosting an annual Education Expo on campus.
The College welcomed representatives from more than 50 area school districts on March 27 to gather resumes, conduct interviews and answer queries from more than 150 Saints – and students from other area colleges – who plan to launch careers in teaching, curriculum development and educational leadership. The event, which is a crucial part of the hiring cycle for local districts, was formerly hosted by The College of St. Rose.
“The Education Expo at Siena College is an incredible opportunity for future educators to connect with school districts eager to meet and recruit new talent,” said Kianté E. Jones, Ph.D.,
director of field experience and certification officer. “Hosting this event underscores Siena’s commitment to not only supporting our own education majors but also creating a regional hub where aspiring teachers from area colleges can launch their careers. It’s about opening doors, building networks, and celebrating the next generation of educators.”
Jones co-organized EdExpo with Nicki Foley, MS.Ed., director of field experience and certification officer. She said districts sent their superintendents, assistant superintendents, human resources directors and other personnel.
“The event went very well, and our initial feedback as we walked the tables was that our students appeared to be very well prepared,” said Foley. “We were happy with the number of districts that had tables, and they in turn were pleased with the number of students who took part.”
Attending EdExpo landed Caitlain Carroll ‘26 a position as a substitute teacher in the North Colonie Central School District. She originally went with her classmates just to get a sense of what the event was like.
“I was really excited to see so many districts there, all looking to hire teachers,” said Carroll. “I started talking to someone at the North Colonie table and I shared my resume in case there were any substitute teaching opportunities while I finish my degree. I got a call the next week to come in for an interview, and they offered me a position. I’m so excited to have this opportunity to work in the district and learn.”
Shane Smith ’25, who is currently student teaching American history at Shaker Middle School in Latham, said the event helped widen his job search network.
“The Expo really got me connected with all sorts of school districts across the state,” said Smith. “As an education major, it was so valuable to make these sorts of contacts with schools that are looking to hire!”
Making connections was also essential for Cody Fitzgerald ’25, a 7-12 English education major.
“Whether you are actively applying for jobs, or early on in your journey, this was a great place to get your face around and have real-world experience talking with potential employers and interviewing on the spot,” said Fitzgerald. “I hope Siena continues this tradition for years to come!”
There were job opportunities for teachers at all grade levels, noted Christina Pfister, Ph.D. associate professor, who said many students reported back that they had excellent networking opportunities.
“Contacts I have with local districts told me how prepared the Siena students were, which was great to hear,” said Pfister.
Christine Dawson, Ph.D., associate professor and director of undergraduate adolescence teacher preparation programs, said Siena undergraduates with a teacher certification are qualified to apply for teaching positions with public schools in New York. Siena now offers a range of education degree and certificate programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
“Our academic programs, combined with the annual Education Expo, position Siena College as the central location for school districts to recruit high-quality educators,” said Dawson.
