It’s not the easiest time to recruit teachers. That was the gist of last week’s staff update to the Alexandria School Board.
“It is very hard to do recruitment in a time like this,” Superintendent Gregory Hutchings, Jr. told the Board. “Where you’re trying to recruit people into an organization who, one: can’t come and do a tour of the building; two: our new teachers who are just graduating or will be graduating this May. They’re wondering kind of what the state of education is all about.”
ACPS and six other localities is currently engaged in a legal battle with Governor Glenn Youngkin over his executive order removing face mask mandates in public schools.
Board Member Abdel Elnoubi said that Youngkin’s policies affect the morale of educators.
“You know, I grew up in an autocracy and I know these tactics when I see them,” said Elnoubi, who was raised Egypt. ” I just want to tell you all that how much we support you, how much we care about you, and that you have our full support.”
Melanie Kay-Wyatt, acting chief of human resources for ACPS, said schools have had to get creative with substitute teachers, since there are currently an average of about 100 staff absences and vacancies per day within the school system.
“Our administrative staff have been very creative in how they’ve gone in to provide support,” Kay-Wyatt told the Board. “We do have some long-term subs who are trained, qualified to go in to provide support, and we do make sure we use all of our staff to fill in to keep that learning going for our students.”
Kay-Wyatt said that ACPS is scheduled to attend 18 career fairs between now and April, which is a 40% increase over last year.
“We will remain diversity focused on our recruitment efforts to bring back top talents to ACPS, and I’m excited to report that we are have increased the number of fairs that we’re going to attend,” she said.
ACPS staffing woes have increased over the last several years, and last fall, ACPS reported having a shortage of classroom monitors, bus monitors and substitute teachers.
Hutchings said that a full update on ACPS recruitment and retention plan is still a work in progress.
The recruitment video below is posted on the ACPS jobs website and shows classrooms before the pandemic, with unmasked students not worrying about distancing.
With the opening of the Carlyle Wegmans right around the corner, the grocery store chain has kicked off a hiring spree for around 300 part-time positions.
The store is scheduled to open in May as part of the mixed-use Carlyle Crossing development. The Wegmans is one of the first grocery stores in the neighborhood.
“Opening this spring, Store Manager Mike Anthony and his team are preparing to hire nearly 300 part-time positions for the 81,300 square foot store located at 150 Stovall Street in Alexandria,” Wegmans said in a press release. “These openings span a variety of positions across every department in the store, from culinary roles to customer service representatives. In total, the store will employ nearly 450 people, most of whom will be new to the company and hired locally.”
A virtual hiring event is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 20, from 1-5 p.m. Applicants can submit their information online and will be contacted via phone.
“While our opening is still a few months away, we are excited to begin training and building our team so that they’re fully prepared to deliver incredible customer service from day one,” said Carlyle Store Manager Mike Anthony in the release. “Wegmans has a long-standing reputation as an exceptional employer, with tremendous opportunity for career growth and development.”
Wegmans hiring event Tuesday for new Alexandria store — “Wegmans Food Markets is hosting a virtual hiring event Tuesday, Oct. 12, seeking to fill more than 350 part- and full-time positions across 14 stores throughout the Virginia area, including the Wegmans opening in spring 2022 at 150 Stovall St., in Alexandria’s Carlyle neighborhood, the company announced.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]
Vehicle overturned in Lincolnia, found empty — “4900 Bl. of Manitoba Dr. Alexandria, V.A. Fairfax Cty Fire on scene of a single vehicle overturned collision with no occupants found inside the vehicle. Occupants are believed to have fled the scene.” [DC Realtime News]
AWLA gets most long-time resident cat a forever home — “When we posted Sadie’s story last week, she received an outpouring of support. So, we’re very happy to share that she has found her new family who plans on making sure she continues to be loved.” [Animal Welfare League of Alexandria]
Del Ray Artisans looking for help running Facebook page — “Seeking volunteers to help manage Del Ray Artisans’ Facebook page. Post a few times each week to get the word out about our exhibits and programs.” [Del Ray Artisans]
In the market for a job? Whether you’re looking for a part-time gig or full-time role, there are plenty of openings around Alexandria.
We scoured job boards and company sites to find new opportunities in the area. Companies hiring locally include the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington, Sunrise Senior Center and the City of Alexandria.
Take a look:
- Sign language interpreter (ASL) — EDU Healthcare
- FEMA technical writer I — Michael Baker International
- Public affairs specialist — Department of Agriculture
- Stormwater program analyst — City of Alexandria
- Program leader (part time) — Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington
- Cocktail/lounge server — The Alexandrian Hotel
- Governance Coordinator — American Counseling Association
- Indian tandoor chef — IndAroma
- Community marketing coordinator — 2nd Avenue Thrift Superstores
- Entry-level computer programmer — Revature
- Pack leader — Whole Dogz
- Education and training coordinator — Water Environment Federation
- Credit bureau specialist — PenFed Credit Union
- Chef manager — Sunrise Senior Living
- Associate manager of student programs — Close Up Foundation
Are you a business owner or manager who’s hiring? Get your opening in front of more local job seekers with our featured Job of the Day posts. Reach out to [email protected] or give us a call at 703-348-0583 for more details.
In the market for a job? Whether you’re looking for a part-time gig or full-time role, there are plenty of openings around Alexandria.
We scoured job boards and company sites to find new opportunities in the area. Companies hiring locally include the U.S. Officer of Inspector General, Spirit Halloween and The Motley Fool.
Take a look:
- Escape room game host — Escape Quest
- Correspondence specialist — Clason Point Partners
- Program director — The Motley Fool
- Math and English tutor/instructor — Eye Level Learning Center
- Investigative support specialist — U.S. Office of Inspector General
- Direct support professional — R.A. Quarshie Healthcare
- Executive director — Association Headquarters
- Part-time canine coach — Dogtopia
- Marketing and promotions associate — Rival Solutions
- Juvenile detention specialist — Delta-T Group
- Assistant store manager — Spirit Halloween
- Director of marketing & communications — United Community
- Associate director, Congressional Affairs — American Society of Clinical Oncology
Photo via Tim Mossholder/Unsplash
