The Private School Job Hunt: Insider Tips for Employed & Unemployed Educators

How to Secure a Private School Job When You're Unemployed Without the Stigma

Being unemployed isn't ideal, but it doesn't have to define your job search. Private schools value qualified, proactive educators, and with the right approach, you can turn challenges into opportunities.

1. Leverage Your Network. It's Your Best Asset

Your network is your gateway to opportunities.

• Tap into connections: former colleagues, mentors, and professional groups.
• Stay visible: attend private school events, engage in online forums, and reach out to hiring decision-makers.
• Get insider knowledge—your network can provide details about openings, school culture, and hiring preferences.

2. Stand Out in a Competitive Market

Many qualified educators are job hunting, so you need to differentiate yourself.

• Polish your interview skills: confidence and preparation can set you apart.
• Refine your resume: highlight achievements, certifications, and specialized skills.
• Showcase adaptability—private schools value educators who can wear multiple hats.

3. Expand Your Search. Think Beyond the Obvious

Being unemployed opens doors you might not have considered.

• Relocation: A move could lead to better opportunities in thriving private school markets.
• Smaller schools: These often require versatile educators who can teach multiple subjects or take on leadership roles.
• Alternative roles: Consider tutoring, curriculum development, or administrative positions to stay engaged in education.

This video offers suggestions about how to think outside the box when you are looking for a job.

4. Protect Your Confidence. Stay Resilient.

Unemployment can take a toll, but your mindset matters.

• Remind

If you're currently teaching at a private school and considering a move, you might have an advantage, but why? Let’s break it down.

Employer Bias: The "Already Employed" Advantage

Private schools often prefer candidates who are already working in education. Why?

• Proven Track Record: Hiring committees feel more confident in someone actively teaching.
• Less Risk: An employed candidate is seen as a "safe bet" compared to someone who has been out of the classroom for a while.
• Perceived Competence: Schools assume that if another institution values you, you must be good at what you do.

This video from Resumes and Careers explains the advantage of job-hunting while employed.

Networking: Your Secret Weapon

Being employed means you’re already inside the private school ecosystem, and that’s a huge advantage.

• Word-of-Mouth Recommendations: Private schools rely heavily on referrals. A colleague’s endorsement can carry more weight than a resume.
• Industry Events & Conferences: Attending private school networking events keeps you visible to hiring decision-makers.
• Recruiters & Headmasters: Many private schools hire discreetly. If you're already in the system, you might hear about openings before they’re publicly posted.

Negotiation Leverage: More Power When You’re Employed

If you’re currently employed, you’re negotiating from a position of strength.

• You Can Walk Away: Schools know you have options, making them more likely to offer competitive salaries.
• Better Benefits & Perks: You can negotiate for professional development, housing stipends, or tuition discounts for your children.
• Timing Flexibility:

Podcasts That Will Change the Way You Think About Education

Podcasts have become a powerful tool for educators. They offer insights, inspiration, and practical strategies that shape your classrooms and student experiences.

Whether diving into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in education or exploring best practices for supporting neurodiverse learners, these shows provide K-12 educators and parents with valuable perspectives.

Expert interviews, real-world case studies, and innovative teaching strategies serve as a bridge between theory and practice, helping educators navigate challenges and embrace new possibilities in education.

To generate a list of podcasts about a topic of interest to you, ask ChatGPT, Claude, Meta AI, Microsoft Copilot, or Perplexity to list all the podcasts on a specific topic.

For example, this prompt produced the following answer from Copilot: Prompt: "List podcasts about personalized learning that are active."

• The Future of Education - hosted by Michael B. Horn, explores innovative approaches to education, including personalized learning models. Listen here.
• LiberatED Podcast - Kerry McDonald discusses alternative education models, including personalized learning strategies. Listen here.
• L&D In Action: Winning Strategies from Learning Leaders - A podcast for learning leaders focused on creating a culture of learning within organizations, with discussions on personalized learning. Listen here.
• The Learning Geeks Podcast- Hosted by three learning professionals, this podcast covers new science, approaches, technologies, and ideas impacting personalized learning. Listen here.

Finally, some of these podcasts about education

Independent Schools in Africa

About to be posted to a major city in Africa? Got questions about schools for your kids?

We receive lots of inquiries from parents asking about private schools in Africa. Most of the time parents want information about schools, tuition fees, available places, and so on.

Now, if you're an expat looking for schools, not to worry! Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa, Kenya, and all the other African nations have plenty of private schools to choose from. Of course, it stands to reason that the bugger the city, the more schools it will have. I've listed some of the schools that teach American, British, Canadian, Italian, French, and German curricula.

So, whether you are being posted to Cairo or Tunis, you will be able to find a school that follows the curriculum your kids would have had back home. That way, once your tour of duty is over, your kids will be right up to speed when you get back home.

I was an expat! So, I speak from my own experience as an expat whose daughter attended a private high school in The Bahamas. While obviously there were subtle differences in the curriculum and the way it was taught, she adjusted well. Indeed, she subsequently attended two distinguished universities and earned a master's degree.

Photo of Lycée Français International du Cap, Cape Town, South Africa courtesy the school

List of Schools

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