Transition Services Career Fair –
Fairfax High School
May 26, 2004

Susanne Klein and Lily Wolk
Transition Teachers

On May 26, 2004, we held a Transition Services Career Fair at Fairfax High School. We invited 19 guest speakers to attend. The professions that we chose to be represented were ones that we felt would be of interest to the students. The Fair was held during periods 2, 3, and 4; only 2 to 3 classes attended during each session.

Prior to the Fair, the Transition Services Teacher visited each classroom that would be attending the Fair and presented a preparatory lesson. The lesson included reviewing the list of Career Fair guests, guidelines for student participants and a questionnaire for students to complete at the Fair.

Class work support occurred with teachers implementing a transition lesson during the week of the Career Fair. Students were asked to choose three Career Fair guests with whom they would like to speak and to choose three or more questions they would like to ask each guest.

The Fair was held in the Rotunda. Tables were set up around the room so that students would have easy access to each speaker. The atmosphere was casual and inviting. The students were able to move about freely and approach the speakers of their choice. The students interviewed the guests and completed their questionnaire. They were also encouraged to collect business cards and other related materials from the speakers.

Student volunteers were recruited to work at the fair. They assisted with visitor sign-in and escort, set-up, clean up, food service, etc. These volunteers were later acknowledged in a thank you letter that was distributed to all Fairfax High staff. They also received certificates of appreciation.

After the Fair, teachers and students reviewed the answers to the questionnaires and completed evaluation forms. In addition, as a follow up transition lesson, the students wrote thank you notes to presenters of their choice.

In addition, we sent a memo to all Fairfax staff summarizing the event and thanking all staff and students who had helped us. The letter generated a lot of good will and positive feedback. We felt that our Transition Services Career Fair was a great success and a real school to community event.