Young teacher candidates quiz recruiters at IUN job fair

Class size and pay top questions from teaching hopefuls at Indiana University Northwest event

Mar. 14, 2026 at 6:03pm

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Many eager teaching candidates asked representatives from local school districts about class size and pay at the Indiana University Northwest School of Education's teacher recruitment fair. IU-Northwest senior Nathan Mayersky, who is student teaching, said the experience has been 'hard work and a lot of work but it's fulfilling too.' Indiana, like other states, is battling a teacher shortage, with the state's Department of Education listing over 1,100 open positions.

Why it matters

The teacher job fair highlights the ongoing challenges school districts in Indiana and across the country face in recruiting and retaining qualified teachers, particularly in high-need subject areas like special education, math, and science. Factors like pay, class sizes, and support for new teachers are key concerns for aspiring educators.

The details

At the job fair, Gary human resources director Jovanka Cvitkovich said candidates asked about district support as they navigate their first year of teaching. IUN senior Emily Bahl, who can teach elementary and special education, is aware of the shortage in special ed and is 'just really go[ing] wherever [she] can get a job.' Samantha Evans, a 2023 Chesterton graduate, said student teaching has been 'definitely harder than I thought it was going to be.' Cvitkovich said Gary is offering a $10,000 signing bonus for some math, science and special education teachers, and has instructional coaches and districtwide professional development to support new hires.

  • The Indiana University Northwest School of Education's teacher recruitment fair took place on Friday.
  • Last year, lawmakers on an interim study committee on fiscal policy learned that Indiana's median teacher salary was $60,100 in 2025.
  • Adjusted for inflation, median wages for teachers have declined since 2020 even though average salaries rose about 4% from 2024 to 2025.

The players

Jovanka Cvitkovich

The human resources director for Gary, Indiana schools.

Nathan Mayersky

An IU-Northwest senior who is currently student teaching at Hanover Central High School.

Emily Bahl

An IUN senior who will be able to teach elementary and special education students with her degree.

Samantha Evans

A 2023 Chesterton graduate who is looking for a job teaching math and is currently a student teacher in an upper algebra course at Portage High School.

Arrick Jackson

The new IUN Chancellor who stopped by the job fair, calling it 'an excellent opportunity for our students.'

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What they’re saying

“It's kind of exactly what I expected. It's hard work and a lot of work but it's fulfilling too and it's fun to make those interpersonal relationships with students… and see them grow.”

— Nathan Mayersky, IU-Northwest senior

“I'll just really go wherever I can get a job at this point.”

— Emily Bahl, IUN senior

“It's definitely harder than I thought it was going to be. It can be stressful but hasn't changed my mind about joining the profession.”

— Samantha Evans, 2023 Chesterton graduate

“If you really connect with your students, then get them to understand that you're coming from a place where you want them to succeed, they'll try their hardest in your class.”

— Samantha Evans, 2023 Chesterton graduate

“Do you know what all of them said? 'I want to feel supported,' so that's what I'm really emphasizing today.”

— Jovanka Cvitkovich, Gary human resources director

What’s next

New IUN Chancellor Arrick Jackson said he plans to develop cadet teaching programs to engage students earlier in high school and help stem the teacher shortage in the region.

The takeaway

The teacher job fair highlights the ongoing challenges school districts in Indiana and across the country face in recruiting and retaining qualified teachers, particularly in high-need subject areas. Factors like pay, class sizes, and support for new teachers are key concerns for aspiring educators, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies to address the teacher shortage.