(Photo By Flickr User PaulSh)

The hunt is on to find teachers before the students return in Peoria, IL.

And they’ve got dozens of jobs open.

According to WEEK-TV, this was the scene at the Peoria Public Schools job fair on North Wisconsin Avenue that was held earlier this week.

They do need qualified teachers, now.

The academic year begins Wednesday, August 15th.

With 65 open teaching positions, PPS also held a job fair in Michigan earlier, a virtual, online fair is on the way coming this week.

They also have a new, full time recruiter.

PPS recruiter Jeannine Williams said,

 “We’re scheduled to start hitting the ground running in August throughout the remainder of the year. So, that’s my primary role: to recruit, hire and retain our top talent; in state and out of state.”

She also said that the biggest need for an applicant is to have a love for children; and to follow up after the interview!