Southwest Colorado Educator Recruitment Fair Aims to Attract Teaching Talent
Durango School District 9-R, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Education, will host the Southwest Colorado Educator Recruitment Fair on Saturday, March 8, at Miller Middle School. This event provides an opportunity for aspiring and experienced educators to connect with school districts from across the Four Corners region.
According to a press release from Durango School District 9-R, the event is designed to bring together educators and employers in a single location to facilitate hiring for the next school year.
The recruitment fair, scheduled from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., will welcome school districts and colleges from multiple states, including Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Wyoming. Job seekers will have the chance to explore teaching, counseling, and special service provider positions for the upcoming 2025-26 school year.
Fort Lewis College representatives will also be in attendance to provide information about alternative licensure pathways for those considering a transition into education from other careers. The Colorado Department of Education will be available to discuss statewide job openings and certification requirements.
An article by Jessica Bowman of The Durango Herald highlighted the fair’s significance as a regional event that extends beyond Durango itself.
“It’s a pretty big event. It’s not just a Durango-based fair,” Karla Sluis, spokeswoman for Durango School District 9-R, told The Herald. While the district does not struggle to attract teachers, Sluis emphasized that active recruitment is essential due to natural staff turnover.
“With around 450 employees, there’s a lot of changeover of teachers who are retiring and those who are moving out of town,” she said. “The regional aspect of the event helps the district pull in new blood.”
Starting salaries for teachers in the 9-R district are $51,500—significantly higher than the state average of $37,124—making Durango an appealing place to work. Many of the other school districts in southwest Colorado also announced significant pay increases in the past year that brought their salaries above the state average.
The event is free for job seekers, though pre-registration is encouraged to secure an interview slot. Some roles do not require a teaching license, providing a stepping stone for individuals considering a career in education.
Sluis encouraged anyone interested in working with children to attend, even if they are not yet certified.
“The quicker you can network and meet people, and get a sense of what the community is about, the faster you’ll find that perfect job fit,” she said.