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How Do You Become a Private School Teacher?
How do you become a private school teacher? We look at internships, licensing and more.

Years ago if you wanted to be a private school teacher, you went to college, got a degree in your subject, took a few education courses and began teaching. It's not that easy these days. Most private schools want you to be a trained teacher as well as to have a degree in your subject. But most private schools also want you to be trained to teach the way they want you to teach. After all the teaching is what a private school is all about. The better the teaching, the better the students learn.

The bottom line is that parents send their children to private school for the most part to receive the very best education their money can buy. As a result, employing well-qualified, credentialed faculty is a top priority. This short video clip is one of several clips explaining how to become a private school teacher.

Duties of a private school teacher

Miss Porter's School's description of the duties of a teacher are fairly typical.

"Classroom responsibilities involve four or five courses per academic year and faculty members are expected to contribute to the extra-curricular life of the school and share some dormitory and residential school responsibilities. Qualifications for all teaching positions, therefore, include a demonstrated interest in coaching or coordinating extra-curricular activities and a willingness to fulfill evening and weekend duties.Bachelor's degree required for all faculty positions; Master's preferred."

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Ask Mr. Chips

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Ask Mr. Chips
Explore the enchanting world of private school education, where students embark on a journey of personal growth, academic excellence, and unforgettable memories. Discover the benefits of a private school education and dive into the vibrant student life that awaits. From inspiring teachers to diverse extracurricular activities, this article unveils the magic that unfolds within the walls of private schools.

"Goodbye, Mr. Chips" is a film based on a novel of the same name by James Hilton. It tells the story of a beloved schoolteacher named Mr. Chipping, affectionately known as Mr. Chips. The character of Mr. Chips is a fictional creation and serves as the protagonist of the story.

In the film, Mr. Chips is portrayed by various actors throughout his life, as the story spans several decades. The main actor who portrays him is Robert Donat, who won an Academy Award for his performance. Mr. Chips begins his teaching career at an all-boys boarding school called Brookfield. Initially, he is a rather reserved and strict teacher, not particularly popular among the students.

However, as time goes on, Mr. Chips becomes more compassionate and understanding. He starts to develop personal relationships with his students and gains their respect and admiration. Over the years, Mr. Chips witnesses significant historical events, such as World War I, and experiences personal tragedies and triumphs.

Throughout the film, Mr. Chips's dedication to his students and his profession shines through. He becomes a beloved figure at the school, transforming the lives of countless young boys. Mr. Chips's teaching methods evolve, becoming more engaging and innovative as he realizes the importance of connecting with his students on a personal level.

The title, "Goodbye, Mr. Chips," comes from a recurring farewell phrase used by the students whenever a teacher leaves the school. In the later years of his life, Mr. Chips reflects on his career

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Military Schools

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Military Schools
Military schools offer structure and discipline as well as a top-notch education.

Does the term 'military school' conjure up images of a place where you send troubled young men or boys who can't keep their hands off a gun? Well, if it does, you are wrong. America's military prep schools carry on a proud tradition of academic and personal excellence which has withstood the assaults of negative media attention and changing fashions in education. Furthermore, many military schools are now co-ed reflecting the changes in the role of women in our armed forces at the national level.

A military school education embraces stucture, team work, and a solid focus on self-discipline. And they are not just for men either. Several schools are co-educational. Technology plays a major role in military schools these days, reflecting the enormous changes technology has wrought across the entire defense spectrum in America today.


Military school graduates have gone on to be our nation's leaders. They have paid the price for defending our freedom.

Proudly you gathered, rank on rank, to war
As who had heard God’s message from afar;
All you had hoped for, all you had, you gave,
To save mankind—yourselves you scorned to save.

Stanza II from O Valiant Hearts by John S. Ark-wright

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Books About Private School

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Books About Private School
What's private school really like? Find out from people who have been there.

What's private school really like? Find out from people who have been there. Lorene Cary's Black Ice makes compelling reading. She was one of the first African-Americans to attend an elite private school. It was a different world from the one she grew up in back in Philadelphia. The classic novel is J.D.Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye. As fresh today as it was when written back in 1951, Catcher opens on Holden's last day in prep school. Fast forward a few years and Curtis Sittenfeld's Prep sits atop the New York Times Best Seller List. These books are well worth a read. Enjoy!

Academy X by Andrew Trees
ISBN-13: 978-1596911772

From the publisher:

"The Nanny Diaries meets Lucky Jim in this devilish satire of the culture of power and privilege at a New York City private school.

John Spencer, an English teacher at the elite Academy X, is struggling through the final weeks of the spring semester. But keeping his students focused on the genius and wit of Jane Austen is the least of his problems. His crush on the sexy librarian is beginning to warp his judgment. An unexpected promotion leaves him drowning in a sea of academic intrigue. Pushy parents demanding higher grades lurk behind every corner and a favorite pupil suddenly reveals a cunning and sophistication far beyond her years. With each bumbling effort to keep everyone happy (and get his girl!), John digs himself deeper into trouble, until his very career is at stake.

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Graduation Gifts

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Graduation Gifts
Graduation is always a warm, happy occasion. Mark this important milestone with a memorable gift. Here are some suggestions.

Your child has worked very hard at private school. She has covered herself in academic glory, won many honors in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities and is ready for the next step: college. Graduation is always a warm, happy occasion as family gathers to bathe in all that reflected glory. Mark this important milestone with a memorable gift. Here are some suggestions with every budget in mind.


A Biking Trip
He'll be back at school studying hard soon enough. So why not treat him (or her) to a biking trip? There are several companies which organize these action-packed trips. Check out Teen Treks and Overland, for example.

A Scooter
A scooter is sustainable transportation especially if she will be going to college in an urban area without much public transporation. The Honda Metropolitan, for example, reminds me of the classic Vespa (only less expensive). It's easy to operate and light on the pocketbook.

A Watch
There are hundreds of makers and thousands of models of watches to choose from as you well know. In every price range too. From Michele to Casio.

A Pen
The bespoke shops call them writing instruments. Whatever you call them, a fine pen is a gift to be cherished. Mont Blanc and Cross have a variety of models from which to choose.

Make your gift memorable or a keepsake or both. Best wishes to you and your family at this happy time.

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