SHARONVILLE — A strategic jobs fair Saturday morning inspired many mid-career professionals to take that final leap into the relatively unknown world of education.

        They listened raptly to Greater Cincinnati educators and decided that they, too, want to teach, nurture and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow.

        “I want to teach,” said Anita Stojakovich, 52, a licensed social worker of Bridgetown. “Even if it seems nuts to a lot of people. I need to do what I want to do for the rest of my life. No excuses. I'm going back (to school).”

        For the first time, the third annual Southwest Ohio Education Job Fair featured an hourlong “Career Changer” seminar.

        At least 200 people, representing all age groups and backgrounds, attended the two sessions on the Scarlet Oaks Career Campus.

        Moderator Margie Rennie, assistant superintendent for Northwest Schools, was pleased to see so many in attendance. There are 3 million teachers across the nation, she said, but school districts everywhere are concerned about a shortage.

        Many teachers began working in the 1960s and 1970s, when the products of the Baby Boom were sitting before chalkboards in elementary, junior high and high school classrooms.

        Districts nationwide are trying to determine how they will hire 2.4 million teachers in the next decade to replace these retiring teachers, as well as accommodate increasing enrollment.

        “I certainly hope they will all at least consider (the switch). There are needs in all areas,” Ms. Rennie said.

        Educators from University of Cincinnati, College of Mount St. Joseph and Miami, Xavier and Northern Kentucky universities shared the plusses of teaching — summer breaks, good medical benefits, competitive salaries, and bountiful retirement packages.

        They provided information about college programs, substituting and getting a teaching license.

        The instructors also hinted at the true test of determining whether to enter the teaching profession.

        “You've got to love kids. If you don't love kids, you might as well be a plumber,” said Robert Shearer, an associate education professor at Miami.

        Salesman Bruce Barnhill, 40, of Terrace Park has helped coach athletic teams in the Mariemont City Schools District. He recently started taking graduate education classes at UC. Saturday's session assured him that he was right to pursue the switch.

        “I want to be a teacher and a coach,” he said.

        “I have a passion for leading and teaching children. (The session) legitimizes my decision to make the switch (because) I've seen how many people have the same thought.”

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