WEST PLAINS, Mo. – “A big success” is how organizers of Missouri State University-West Plains’ annual Teacher Placement Day described this year’s event, held Friday, March 1, at the campus’ Lybyer Technology Center.

Over 30 prospective teachers had the opportunity to apply for open positions with 17 school districts in south-central Missouri and north-central Arkansas, organizers said.  A total of 24 superintendents and/or principals from school districts in Waynesville, Lebanon, Norwood, Thayer, Mountain View-Birch Tree, East Carter County (Ellsinore), Bakersfield, Mountain Grove, Cabool, Alton, West Plains, Fair View, Richards, Howell Valley, Junction Hill and Mountain Home, Ark., attended.

“The morning provided a wonderful venue for applicants and administrators to become acquainted in a casual atmosphere,” said Alice Smith, coordinator of Missouri State-West Plains’ career services and campus outreach office.  Career services and Missouri State University’s Teacher Education Completion Program teammed up to host the event.

Prospective teachers from education programs at Missouri State-West Plains, Missouri State-Springfield, Southwest Baptist University in Mtn. View, Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Drury University in Springfield and Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa, attended, Smith said.

Teacher Education Completion Program staff who attended included Dr. Patty Orchard, coordinator of field experience; Doris Cooper, field experience supervisor; Dr. Christine Combs, instructor; Jane Ward, instructor; and Susan Johnson, advisor.  Donna Depee, supervisor at Southwest Baptist University in Mtn. View, also attended.

Smith said she would like to thank all of the student applicants, visitors, administrators and “outstanding” staff in the Teacher Education Completion Program for contributing to the event’s success.