Global Educator Empowerment

What does a teacher earn? "Not nearly enough" is the almost universal answer. Scan a site like Salary.com and check out competing jobs. You will see that the problem with teaching is that we demand highly qualified, well-credentialed individuals with experience to take jobs for which we literally pay them less than a dog catcher.

The cynics will say that teachers are well-compensated for what they do. After all, they get all those holidays. And they only work for ten months anyway. The reality is that teachers invest inordinate amounts of time preparing lesson plans, learning new techniques, keeping certifications current and so on. And then there is the cost of that bachelor's degree, the masters and doctorate. Let's face it, the ROI is job satisfaction, not financial reward.

This video discuss the effect teacher compensation has on teacher quality.

Private school teachers are more fortunate than most public school teachers. Why? Because they get to teach their subject to small classes. Real learning takes place in most private school classrooms as a result of low student to teacher ratios. Discipline is rarely a problem. What does this have to do with teacher compensation? Combine job satisfaction with a reasonable compensation package and you will have a happy teacher.

Private school teachers enjoy many perks which are not generally found in the public sector. These include free or reduced tuition for faculty children,

You can send a resume and use an agency to find a private school job. However, using your network is the best way to find a private school job. You do have a network, don't you?

In truth, the private school job-hunting season never ceases. The main window of opportunity is from December through March. Not much happens on either side of those months unless a school has an unexpected vacancy. This is where your network comes in. Let's say you are considering finding a new position for the next school year. Firm up your decision by the end of October or November so that you can begin your active job search.

The First Steps

Check the job boards in the areas you are thinking about moving to. Register with an agency that specializes in placing private school teachers. They will know about openings. That will get you thinking about the possibilities.

Know why you want to make a move. Are you making a lateral move, i.e., moving to another school to do the same thing you've been doing? Or are you seeking different responsibilities, such as being an administrator? You need to have your goals clearly understood. That will be invaluable during the interview process when the question "Why do you want to leave St. Swithin's and come teach at our school?" is asked.

This brief video offers three tips to advance your career by networking.

Exploring Private School Jobs: Opportunities and Insights

What is it really like to work in a private school? Is it the same as teaching in a public school?

• I'll explore private school jobs and the opportunities they offer.
• I'll also share some insights into teaching in a private school versus a public school.
• I'll also look at the benefits of working at a private school, preparing for work in a private school, and finding a teaching position.

Canva generated this picture of a teacher working at his laptop.

My Experience Teaching in Private Schools

I taught Latin, English, World History, Music, and Computers in private schools and was also the Deputy Director of one in The Bahamas.

• I love the small classes. I never had more than 15 students.
• What I liked most was that my students loved learning. Their curiosity was boundless.
• My students also worked very hard. I remember my middle school and high school students lugging wheeled suitcases filled with textbooks.
• The John E. Warriner English Grammar and Composition texts were thick and heavy, as was the world history text.
• The students were generally gifted. Indeed, several were probably geniuses.

Photo of Rob Kennedy in the 90s when he was teaching.

The partnership with parents was constructive.

• My parents appreciated the education we were giving their children.
• I appreciated the support