Jobs in Private Schools

Here is a guide for teachers and administrators seeking employment in private schools. Think of it as a roadmap for the job search process. I wrote this for teachers, as well as admissions and business office professionals and those seeking positions as dean of students and head of school. I have drawn most of the advice from my own experience in the field. Some of it is plain, old-fashioned common sense. I have also included some tips and strategies for dealing with today's job markets. You will find plenty of practical advice about applying, networking, using job boards, and much more. I know that your goal is to get that all-important first interview. So, with that in mind, let's get started.

Apply correctly.

You must follow each individual school's specific application instructions to the letter. If you don't follow their instructions, the staff member charged with screening applications will probably not file your application in the "To Be Interviewed" folder. Your application will end up in a folder with all the other applications which don't appear to meet their requirements at first glance. Back in the days before email and Monster.com, I had to open the mail from teachers looking for employment with the Anglican Education Association in The Bahamas. I could tell at a glance whether we would interview the applicant. Cover letters hand-written on a page torn from an exercise book never made the cut.

This video offers tips for completing employment applications.

Is your skill-set still on Release 1.0? This is a tough question for many of us teachers to deal with. Why? Because many of us are convinced that we don't need to update our skill-set now that we have found our dream teaching position in a wonderful school. We are set, right? Not exactly. As we all know, things can change in a flash. Against this backdrop, you and I will explore your skill-set and offer some suggestions as to how to do some necessary upgrades.

Why do you need to upgrade your skill-set?

As I pointed out in the opening paragraph, your circumstances can change in a flash. The most common reason for suddenly needing a new teaching position is a major change in your family circumstances. A member of your family who lives in another state has an accident or becomes seriously ill requiring your presence in the area. While you could take Family Medical Leave, it has become obvious to you that the best solution is for you to move closer to your family member so that you can supervise his care and generally be there for him. That means you will need to look for a new teaching job.

In the following TEDx Talk, Jean-Michel Gauthier explains why your job applications are getting ignored.

The important thing to understand is that life can deal some unexpected cards. You thought you

Let’s face it, finding the perfect private school job can be a wild ride. You’ve got tons of amazing schools to choose from, but that means you’ve got to be strategic about your job search.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, you want to make sure you’re prepared to showcase your skills and passion for teaching.

Tip 1: Boost Your Marketability Quotient

This job market is competitive. Employers want the best, and with dozens, or even hundreds, of applicants for the same role, you need to stand out.

How do you do it? By showcasing three or more of these in-demand skills or credentials, you’ll be well on your way to private school success.

Skills That Set You Apart

• Speak and teach a second language: Fluency in French, Spanish, or Mandarin makes you a highly sought-after candidate. Add a degree and certifications, and you’ll be unstoppable.
• Hold specialist certifications: An ESL certificate or reading specialist certification can open doors at many schools, especially in diverse communities.
• Be an AP exam reader: A little prestige goes a long way. If you’ve been an AP reader in subjects like Art History or Environmental Science, schools will take notice.
• Be willing to relocate: Flexibility matters. If you are open to moving, your marketability will skyrocket.
• Offer subjects in demand: Math and physics teachers are often in short supply. If you can teach to the AP level or have IB Diploma Programme experience, you’ll be even more attractive to employers.

In this video,

These are tough times for teachers. It doesn't matter whether you teach in a public or private school setting. You expose yourself to legal risks every single day on the job. Some people think that teachers have a soft job. Public school teachers only have to work ten months of the year. Most private school teachers have it even better as they usually work a nine-month year. Of course, that's a distorted view of the profession. Many teachers teach summer sessions or run summer camps. They might have a month of vacation if they are lucky. Lurking on the sidelines is the question of liability. Yes, teachers can be held liable for all sorts of things which make no sense. The problem is that American society is very litigious. Folks will sue in a nanosecond. Lawsuits, as you well know, are time-consuming, expensive, and, in the worst cases can be career-limiting events.

So, let's look at liability from our point of view as teachers. Disclaimer: I am not an attorney, so read my layperson's comments and observations, then run questions by and seek advice from your attorney. The mnemonic DIRE lays out some of the issues we need to watch for. Protecting yourself is very important. Nobody else will look out for your interests as well as you will.

Everyday risks

Your chances of getting sued are probably on a par with having an accident while driving. When you drive carefully, observe the rules of the road, stay

Is Your Job Search Stuck in the Past? Here’s How to Fix It

It’s late fall, early winter. The air is crisp, the holidays are approaching, and suddenly, it hits you.

The promotion you’ve been counting on? Not happening. Your colleague is getting the nod, and you're left wondering why. After playing out the scenarios in your head, it’s clear: it’s time for something new. A fresh start, new challenges, a change of scenery, just what you need, right?

Absolutely. But now comes the big question: How do you make it happen?

You start by facing a hard truth: your resume is outdated. You haven’t touched it in years, and as you scroll through the document, you realize: your job search approach is so… 2020.

Microsoft Copilot generated this image.

Sound familiar? Don’t panic. The job market has evolved, and so should your strategy. Here’s how to modernize your approach and stand out in today’s competitive landscape.

Get Involved. Stay Involved. Expand Your Reach.

By now, you’ve been at St. Swithin’s for five years. You know the school, the students, the routine. But let’s talk about something bigger, your presence beyond the classroom.

Sure, involvement at school is a given, it’s expected, maybe even required. But what about the world outside those walls?

• Have you joined a local service club or choral society to connect with people?
• Have you attended workshops from your state’s independent school association,