DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Amid a nationwide teacher shortage, one metro Atlanta school district was flooded with hundreds of applicants during a job fair Tuesday.
DeKalb County Schools went on a hiring spree.
One by one, people showed off their golden ticket, or in this case, green ticket at McNair Middle School.
Sherella Brady was one of many who got the prized ticket displaying the magic word: hired.
"I’m most excited about the pay. It was a lot higher pay than I was making before because I started off being a bus driver and so when I got my degree I wanted to go into the classroom," explained Brady.
For some like Brady who worked as a bus driver while she got her college degree, that green ticket means so much more.
"Keep working never give up. Stay encouraged and encourage yourself. That’s first and foremost," Brady said.
For other hopefuls, like Rickita Kurney, say it's just nice to see so many people vying to work in education again.
“It’s hard being an educator and I’m just so excited people want to come in and work with our children because they are our future," said Kurney.
Dr. Angelica Collins, Director of HR for the Dekalb County school district says they're excited to see the crowds too.
“I want to reiterate that even though this is the last job fair of the year, we are going to continue screen individuals and we encourage them to reach out," added Collins.
Officials say they have about 700 positions open; but believe after Tuesday, they'll have filled about half of those positions. Employees with the district will be reporting to schools at the end of the month.
For more information on how to apply for a job with the district, click here.