Digital mortgage company Interfirst is planning to hire up to 250 teachers in Chicago as loan officers.

The Illinois-based originator said Tuesday that it will be creating 250 mortgage jobs in Chicago as part of its $5 million expansion efforts in the region.

“Teachers build personal relationships with people in their community every day, whether they’re educating their kids, supporting them in a family crisis, or running after-school programs. Moreover, teachers across the Chicago area have shown their determination to serve their communities throughout the pandemic,” said Dhaval Patel, senior vice president at Interfirst. “We need service-oriented and driven people who deeply understand the needs of local families, and teachers fit that bill inside and out.”