The alignment of Search Toronto Fair with the Chinese New Year this February 10-11th was an auspicious sign for Search Associates and fair hosts Gary and Barbara MacPhie. But it wasn’t just good luck that made this boutique fair outstanding. The motivated recruiters, eager candidates, numerous opportunities, new connections, and special guests made the event magic. Gary and Barbara share more reasons to celebrate:
This was the first in-person fair since the pandemic, after three years of virtual fairs, and our first fair with our new partners Queen’s University…Our partnership with Queen’s attracted a high calibre of schools. Many indicated that our partnership with Queen’s and the chance to interview highly qualified candidates were reasons for them to attend.
The presence of Queen’s University representatives Dr. Peter Chin, Associate Dean of Teacher Education; Dr. Jane Chin, Assistant Professor; Jessica Della-Latta, Executive Director, Strategy & Global Engagement; and Taylor Liggett, Academic and Career Advisor highlighted their commitment to our strategic partnership. Several school leaders took the opportunity to talk to Queen’s about possible partnerships for practicum/internships in their schools.
Search Canada was happy to welcome Canadian international schools from Singapore; Hong Kong; and Guangzhou, China, as well as many other international schools whose Heads and Principals were Queen’s alumni. One recruiter from Myanmar and Queen’s alumnus said,
The Toronto Search Associates Recruiting Fair with Queen's University is a great experience! It's your opportunity to find employment at established and exciting international schools.
This year, the Toronto Fair hosted 80 qualified candidates and 40 recruiters from 25 top schools in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin/South America. About 200 interviews took place over the short weekend to discuss some of the 300 international teaching vacancies posted. Twenty-nine positions were filled immediately, with more placements in the pipeline. A recruiter from Singapore commented:
The Toronto Fair was so wonderfully organised by Gary, Barbara, and their team. They worked hard to ensure everyone was well looked after and were always available to support both candidates and recruiters. They make you feel like you're part of the family. An excellent Fair.
Search Canada assembled a skilled support team to assist all participants: Director of School Relations Sheena Nabholz, Director of Candidate Relations Nazgol Adili, School Coordinator Mei-Lyn Freeman, and Search Canada’s Social Media Marketing Manager Johanna Ciszewski. Candidate Rabiah A. had this to say:
I am very appreciative of the efforts of (Senior Associate) Brian Lettinga, Nazgol, Sheena, and Mei-Lyn as well as Barbara and Gary for all their efforts to ensure that I was completely comfortable with the application process, interviews, and offers. I've needed a dynamic and knowledgeable team like this for years! I will never go back to searching for an international position on my own.
The Marriott Hotel Eaton Centre, centrally located and near plenty of restaurants, was an ideal venue for the event. The adjacent ballrooms on the lower Conference Level kept everyone on the same floor. Interviews were held in the Grand Ballroom where recruiters were able to spread out to hold private conversations. Candidate Shannon H. said,
Thank you, Gary and Barbara, for all your help! The fair was an incredible experience, and I got several job offers through it. This has been an incredible start to my career!
In addition to 23 school presentations, the Toronto Fair featured five professional development workshops: “Interview Tips for Success” by Sheena Nabholz,“ Considering Job Offers” by Nazgol Adili, “Introduction to the IB” by Mei-Lyn Freeman, and "Moving Overseas and Loving It” by Barbara MacPhie. Fair sponsor, Arun (Ernie) Nagratha gave a presentation on “Canadian Non-Resident Tax Information.” Ernie and Trowbridge Professional Corp. have sponsored every in-person Toronto Fair for the last 21 years!
Special guest Francesca Lanning from United World Schools (UWS) presented on UWS’s mission to connect dedicated educators and professionals eager to drive change in remote communities. UWS’s participation in the fair underscored the strength of Search Associate’s network and the meaningful opportunities to connect with likeminded educators at our job fairs.
For more about Search Associates’ 13 distinctive job fairs held around the world, click here.
