Education Career Expo to Showcase Pathways to Careers in Schools

MORGANTON, N.C. -  Burke County Public Schools and its education partners will host the Education Career Expo from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at Patton High School, giving middle school and high school students, college students and adults an opportunity to explore the many career paths available in education.

While teaching is at the heart of a school, students and schools also need professionals in areas ranging from early childhood education and school operations to exceptional children services, speech and occupational therapy, human resources, administration and more.

The free event is designed to help participants learn what those careers look like, how to get started and where different education and training pathways can lead.

A free cheeseburger meal will be available beginning at 4:30 p.m., with door prizes also planned. The evening will feature a keynote address from Charles Williams, principal of Draughn High School, at 5:30 p.m., followed by open information booths where participants can meet with representatives from colleges, education programs, BCPS departments and community partners.

“Education offers more career possibilities than many people realize,” said Keith Recker, director of Human Resources for Burke County Public Schools. “We want this to be a relaxed place to ask questions, explore options and connect with people who can help you take that next step. And yes, there will be good food and door prizes, too.”

Information booths will highlight opportunities and pathways including:

• Teacher Cadet
• Dual Enrollment
• Teaching Fellows
• GEAR UP
• Work in Burke and the Next Generation Scholarship
• Western Piedmont Community College
• Appalachian State University
• BCPS Human Resources
• Exceptional Children services
• Speech and occupational therapy
• School operations
• Substitute teaching
• School administration
• Current BCPS job openings

For students, the Expo provides an opportunity to start thinking about education careers before college and learn about programs that can help them get there. College students can explore pathways into teaching and other school-based careers. Adults can learn about current openings and discover whether a career change into education might be the right fit.

The goal of the expo is to help people see the many ways they can build a career in education. From early childhood to elementary, middle and high school, there are multiple pathways to meaningful work with students

“Passionate people can make an extraordinary difference in the lives of students and in the strength of our community,” said Dr. Mike Swan, superintendent of Burke County Public Schools. “We need people who are ready to be all in for our students. This Expo gives future educators and school professionals a chance to explore career pathways, meet our team and see how they can make a difference.”

The Education Career Expo is presented by Burke County Public Schools and its education partners as part of an effort to connect students and community members with the people, programs and opportunities that can lead to careers serving children and families.

Registration is required by Tuesday, Oct. 13. Participants can RSVP at https://bit.ly/3ToetKP.

For more information, call 828-439-4323.

Photo: Heidi Harvey, Media Coordinator, Mountain View Elementary School reads a book to students during the first week of the 2026-2027 academic year.