Greenville County Schools hosted their Shining Stars event today at the Greenville Convention Center.
Candidates were able to network and conduct interviews with representatives from various schools in Greenville County.
According to a press release, every spring and summer Greenville County Schools hires more than 400 teachers due to population growth, teacher retirement, and natural attrition.
Lynn Gibbs, the executive director of human resources for Greenville County Schools, said they try to start hiring early for the next year.
Approximately 275 people pre-registered for the event.
Gibbs said candidates come to the Shining Stars event from multiple states, local colleges and universities, and other districts.
Gibbs explained the event is also for people who do not have a background in teaching but are interested in the field.
"We also have our own alternative certification program. Perhaps people didn't go into teaching but are interested now in leading a different career," Gibbs said.
The Greenville Alternative Teacher Education Program (GATE) is available to those with, according to the website, "a bachelor’s degree, with a major or an emphasis in science, math, English, social studies, French or Spanish from a regionally accredited college or university."
Interested parties can apply and go through the program, eventually receiving a teaching certificate.
Gibbs said the main goal of the event is to showcase the benefits of being a teacher in Greenville County.
"I think we would like to show candidates the plusses of Greenville County, some things our size offers that you might not get in a smaller district. (We want to) be their preferred choice because we're all competing with each other for those teacher openings," Gibbs said.