For over 50 years, Bob Jones University has been a vital partner to Christian schools by hosting an annual recruitment conference. This event invites school administrators to our campus, where they can connect with students and share exciting ministry opportunities. Many teachers nationwide and globally have secured their first teaching positions through these recruitment events.
While the conference is open to students from all majors, with opportunities for roles such as administrative assistants, dorm supervisors, and athletic directors, its primary focus remains on recruiting teachers. The recent spike in enrollment within many Christian schools has highlighted the importance of this recruitment event for these ministries. In fact, Christian school networks that frequently recruit BJU students have reported a remarkable growth of over 30% in enrollment since the COVID-19 pandemic.
At our latest recruitment conference in November, we welcomed 67 schools, ranging in size from 60 to 4,500 students. The average enrollment among these institutions was 520, with a median of just under 300. While most schools arrived with specific lists of grade-level and content-area teachers they needed for the upcoming school year, others attended just to enhance their name recognition and build relationships with our students. Historically, the demand for secondary math and science teachers has been high, with supply struggling to meet the vacancies. While that is still the case, this year, nearly 60 schools also sought to fill early childhood and elementary positions.
Several years ago, Dr. Brian Carruthers, dean of the BJU School of Education and Human Services (SOEHS), collaborated with faculty and administrators to establish seminars for the school leaders attending the recruitment event. Each year features a different focus, and this year’s theme centered on effective strategies for recruiting and retaining qualified teachers. Participants engaged in an interactive morning filled with presentations, research analysis, and group discussions based on carefully-crafted case studies. University president Dr. Josh Crockett also shared his heart for Christian schools and how we can support one another.
Later that evening, prominent administrators, Dr. Mark Cronemeyer from Killian Hill Christian School (GA), Mr. Barren Nobles from Wilmington Christian Academy (NC), and Dr. Doug Abels of Bob Jones Academy (SC), facilitated an Idea Swap. This session allowed administrators to share their challenges and successes, fostering a collaborative environment aimed at enhancing teacher recruitment and retention.
“It is always a joy to have these schools on campus,” said Dr. Carruthers. “We see the need for Christian education now more than ever and look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnerships with like-minded Christian schools in the days ahead.”
