The Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District will host its annual Jacket Job Fair on Thursday, February 12th from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at Partnership Middle School. The Job Fair is a chance for community members and job-seekers from across the area to learn about available employment opportunities with the district, talk with administrators and departmental leadership, and submit resumes. Candidates for teaching positions for the 2026-2027 school year in all elementary and secondary subject areas are invited to attend. In addition, SOCSD is also seeking qualified and motivated candidates for positions outside the classroom, such as support staff, food service, custodial and bus drivers.
"Coming off our second year named as a high-performing school district, and with so many community and university partnerships expanding, we believe it's a great time for quality educators to join the Jacket family," said Dr. Tony McGee, SOCSD Superintendent. "As we are moving forward with building projects and the continued emphasis on advanced student opportunities in academics, athletics and the arts, this is a place where both young and seasoned teachers can thrive."
For teachers and educational support staff considering new opportunities, the district offers candidates a wealth of benefits to grow. Through professional learning communities at each school, staff can work and learn with other educators in their subject area as well as multidisciplinary pursuits as the district fosters a collaborative workplace culture. In addition, job-embedded professional development opportunities mean teachers and support staff are able to learn and hone best practices with the help of experts from across the state.
The district's teacher mentor program means educators who are newer to the profession can build relationships with more experienced staff who can answer questions, offer support and provide insight into successful classroom management and instruction.
In addition, staff wellness and a culture that fosters communication between the classroom and leadership is one of the priorities McGee says the district strives to maintain.
"We work really hard to listen to teachers and provide opportunities for them to both grow and get the support they need," he said. "Through our Faculty Advisory Committee, I hear from a lot of our staff that the district's modified academic calendar has been a great benefit in helping our classroom teachers stay fresh and focused throughout the year. It means they get a two-week break between each nine-week term, and it also provides the opportunity to earn a little extra by working one of our Intersession camps if they choose that option. This is just one area where we are working to give staff that extra incentive and support."
Although the Job Fair offers teacher candidates a time for one-on-one conversations with principals and administrators, McGee emphasizes that the event is not just for classroom staff.
"The district is always seeking individuals with a strong work ethic to join us in supportive roles like cafeteria staff or bus drivers," he said. "Every adult on our campuses has the opportunity to impact a student's learning experience, and our support and hourly staff play a huge role in serving our families and community."
During the Jacket Job Fair, administrative and support staff will be on hand representing each school campus to share details about job availabilities and to speak with candidates to answer questions and share many of the unique benefits available through the district.
A list of current job openings is available on the SOCSD website at www.starkvillesd.com/departments/human-resources/job-openings and candidates may apply online. However, the Jacket Job Fair also provides a way to speak with administrators about positions that may not yet be listed.
"It really is a great time to be a Yellow Jacket," McGee said, "and we invite people from the community and the Golden Triangle to stop by to find out about the opportunities the district has to offer."